Keeping your travel trailer comfortable throughout the summer is fantastic, but what happens when the crisp autumn air arrives and winter’s chill sets in? Just like your home, your travel trailer needs some TLC to endure the colder months.
Here’s the good news: with some planning and this guide, you can easily winterize your travel trailer and ensure it’s ready to hit the road again come spring.
We’ll walk you through the entire process of how to winterize a travel trailer, from draining the water system and adding antifreeze to protecting the exterior and storing your batteries. By following these steps, you’ll safeguard your investment and avoid pricey repairs caused by freezing temperatures.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Winterizing a Travel Trailer
Getting your travel trailer prepped for winter storage is key to ensuring it’s ready for spring adventures. Here’s a quick rundown of how to winterize a camper trailer using these must-have tools and supplies:
- Water Heater Bypass Kit: This nifty little kit allows you to safely bypass your water heater during winterization. Why? Because antifreeze shouldn’t go inside your water heater, this kit creates a closed loop for the antifreeze to circulate through the rest of your plumbing.
- RV-safe Antifreeze: Don’t use regular car antifreeze! It’s toxic and can damage your trailer’s plumbing. Look for pink-colored, non-toxic antifreeze specifically designed for RVs.
- Air Compressor (optional): An air compressor can be a great time-saver when it comes to blowing out any leftover water in your pipes. Just be sure to use it with caution and follow the pressure recommendations in your travel trailer’s manual.
- Basic Hand Tools: You might need a screwdriver or wrench to remove drain plugs or tighten hose connections.
- Safety Glasses: Safety first! Wearing eye protection is a smart idea whenever you’re working with tools or compressed air.
Remember: Always consult your travel trailer’s owner’s handbook for explicit instructions on how to winterize your unit. These are just the general tools you’ll likely need.
When to Winterize Your Travel Trailer: Timing is Key
Keeping your travel trailer cozy throughout the cold winter months is all about preparation. Ideally, you’ll want to know how to winterize camper trailer before the first frost hits.
This gives you ample time to ensure all the plumbing and systems are protected from freezing temperatures that can cause costly damage. Of course, winters vary depending on where you live.
If you reside in a region known for milder winters, you might have some flexibility with the timing. But for those in areas with harsh winters, it’s best to err on the side of caution and act sooner rather than later.
The key takeaway is that planning is your best friend. By winterizing your trailer before freezing temperatures become a threat, you’ll avoid scrambling and potential issues.
These could put a damper on the upcoming spring season when it’s time to understand how to de-winterize a travel trailer and hit the road again.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Winterize a Travel Trailer
Let’s get your travel trailer ready for winter! Here’s a quick rundown of the key steps:
- Prep the Roof and Seals: Clear any leaves or debris that might trap moisture. Inspect the roof seams and around vents for cracks. Apply sealant to any small openings you find.
- Drain the Freshwater System: Open all the faucets, hot and cold, inside your trailer. Locate the low-point drain valves (usually underneath) and open them to drain all the fresh water. Now, pour some RV antifreeze down each sink, shower, and toilet drain. Remember to flush the toilet with antifreeze.
- Winterize the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater and let it cool down completely. Then, drain the water heater tank using the dedicated drain valve. This is a good time to remove and inspect the anode rod (it helps prevent corrosion) – replace it if needed.
Pro Tip: Remember to save this guide for spring! You’ll need these steps in reverse order when you need to learn how to de-winterize a camper trailer.
Protecting the Plumbing System: Antifreeze vs. Air Compressor
When winterizing your travel trailer, the plumbing system needs special attention to prevent burst pipes from freezing temperatures. Two principal methods tackle this: antifreeze and compressed air.
Let’s look at both options.
- The Air Compressor Method: This method blasts compressed air through your water lines, forcing out any leftover water. It’s ideal if you plan to use antifreeze-free, potable water in your trailer come spring.
- The Antifreeze Method: This method pumps pink, non-toxic antifreeze through your plumbing system, filling the pipes and protecting them from freezing. It’s perfect for areas with harsh winters or if you won’t be using your trailer for a long time.
Battery Care and Maintenance During Winter
Just like your car, your travel trailer’s battery feels the winter pinch. But with a little TLC, you can ensure it fires up come spring. Let’s talk about prepping your battery for the cold months.
First things first, consider disconnecting and removing the battery altogether if you plan on storing your trailer for a long winter nap. This prevents slow discharge from any lingering electrical gremlins.
If you’re keeping the battery on board, give it a thorough clean. Wipe down the terminals with baking soda and water solution to remove any built-up corrosion that can hinder performance.
Now, how do you keep that battery happy throughout the winter? If you have access to an outlet near your storage spot, consider a battery trickle charger. This little device supplies a tiny electric current, keeping the battery topped up and ready to go when you are.
Even without a charger, try visiting your trailer every few weeks and firing it up for a short drive or let it idle for a while. This circulation helps keep the battery charged and prevents what’s known as sulfation, a process that can damage battery life.
Preparing the Interior of Your Travel Trailer for Winter
Your travel trailer’s interior deserves a clean and cozy hibernation, too! First things first, clear out any food items that might attract unwanted guests during the winter. Wipe down the fridge and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent musty odors.
While you’re at it, look around for any leaks or potential entry points for moisture. The windows are next! Cover them with breathable materials like Reflectix to add a layer of insulation, especially for areas prone to icy weather.
Don’t forget any compartments or cabinets—a little extra insulation goes a long way in keeping the interior protected from the winter chill.
Exterior Preparations for Winter Storage
Winter’s coming, and it’s time to shield the outside of your travel trailer. Let’s focus on those exposed water lines first. They’re like sitting ducks for freezing and bursting if water gets stuck inside.
We’ve got two options: Wrap them snugly with specially made insulation or detach them entirely and drain out any leftover water. This might be a job best left to a pro, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Next up, we have RV skirting. Think of it as a cozy winter coat for the underside of your trailer.
This breathable fabric creates a barrier to shield the undercarriage from wind, snow, and unwanted guests like critters seeking a warm winter haven. It’s a budget-friendly way to add an extra layer of protection to your travel trailer.
Finally, finding the perfect storage spot is crucial. Ideally, you want a place that’s dry, secure, and out of the elements, if possible. A covered storage facility is the dream, but even a sheltered area on your property can work in a pinch.
Just make sure there are no overhanging branches or other hazards that could damage your trailer during winter storms.
Why Choose Millennium Trailers for Travel Trailer Winterization?
Winterizing your travel trailer can feel like a chore—especially when the temperatures are already dropping. But what if you could skip the hassle and ensure your RV is protected all winter long? That’s where Millennium Trailers comes in.
Our team of experts has years of experience in meticulously winterizing travel trailers. We know exactly what steps to take to safeguard your freshwater system, plumbing, and appliances from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. By choosing Millennium Trailers, you’ll benefit from:
- Expert service: Our professionals are highly skilled and will perform a comprehensive winterization tailored to your specific trailer.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your RV is in the hands of professionals allows you to relax and focus on other things.
- Satisfaction guaranteed: We stand behind our work, so you can be confident your trailer will be ready to hit the road again come spring.
Don’t spend your precious time wrestling with hoses and antifreeze. Let Millennium Trailers take care of your travel trailer winterization, and relish the peace of mind that you have when you know your RV is protected.
Ensure Your Travel Trailer Survives Winter
You’ve taken a giant step towards protecting your travel trailer from the harsh winter elements. By following all the steps in this guide, you can ensure your RV is cozy and ready to roll again come spring.
Of course, if you have any questions or encounter any snags during the process, our friendly experts at Millennium Trailers are always happy to help. Feel free to contact us—we’re here to ensure your winterization goes smoothly and your travel trailer stays happy all winter long.
Sources
- Camping World Blog. How to Winterize Your Travel Trailer. (Published October 6, 2021).
- Sam Leash. Harvest Hosts. Simple Steps to Winterize Your RV. (Published December 1, 2019).
- Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi. How to winterize an RV. (Accessed June 28, 2024).
