Steps to store or winterize an RV camper trailer

When it comes time to store or winterize an RV, there are steps you can take to make sure your travel trailer is in perfect shape for the next camping season. Winterizing an RV is important for the continued reliable performance of your travel trailer. Follow these important steps to store or winterize an RV camper trailer.

1. Drain the fresh water storage tanks. Turn on all the faucets and let them drain until the water stops flowing. Frozen water can damage lines.
2. Empty the black water (sewage) and gray water (shower/sink water) tanks.  Always empty the black water tank first, then the gray water tank. Only do so at approved dump stations.
3. Turn off water heater.  This is important as we do not want it be turned on when it is empty.
4. Drain the water heater.
5. Bypass the water heater. Close the cold and hot water valves at the water heater. We will be filling the water lines with 1 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze do not need or want to fill the water heater with an additional 6 gallons of antifreeze.
6. Blow air through the water lines to clear them.
7. Close the faucets in the trailer before filling the lines with RV antifreeze.
8. Using a winterizing kit, a tube that will allow the pump to suck antifreeze into the system, place the tube into the bottle of RV antifreeze. Never use automobile antifreeze; it is poisonous and should not be introduced to your water lines. RV antifreeze is non-toxic. Turn on the pump to begin filling the lines with RV antifreeze.
9. One at a time, open each faucet until pink antifreeze comes out, then close it.  Do the same for showers, baths, toilets, and hoses.
10. Pour an additional cup of RV antifreeze each into the sinks, tub, and toilet.
11. Clean any spilled antifreeze since it can stain.
12. Remove all food, drinks and other perishable items from the trailer.
13. Ensure the refrigerator is empty, turn it off and leave the door open.
14. Inflate the tires before storage.
15. Cover any vent openings to prevent entry of unwanted rodents and other pests.
16. Disconnect smoke detectors.
17. Close any vents and lock the doors.

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