How to Winterise Your RV: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Failing to winterise an RV properly causes expensive freeze damage to pipes and tanks. This complete guide walks you through every step of the winterisation process.
Water expands when it freezes. Any water left in RV pipes, tanks, or appliances during freezing temperatures will expand and crack — potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage. Proper winterisation takes about two hours and prevents this entirely.
Method 1: Compressed Air
Connect an air compressor to the city water inlet using an RV blow-out plug. Blow out each plumbing line individually — open each faucet hot and cold separately, flush the toilet, operate the shower, blow out the outdoor shower if equipped. Keep pressure at or below 50 PSI to avoid damage. This method leaves no antifreeze taste but requires thoroughness to ensure all water is removed.
Method 2: RV Antifreeze
Use only non-toxic RV antifreeze — not automotive antifreeze which is poisonous. Bypass the water heater first, then pump the antifreeze through every line until it runs pink from each faucet. Add antifreeze directly to the toilet bowl and flush once. Pour a cup down each drain to protect the P-traps.
Additional Steps
Drain and bypass the water heater completely. Remove and store the water filter cartridge. Drain the fresh water tank completely. Disconnect and bring inside any batteries that will not be on a trickle charger. Turn off the propane supply at the tanks. Leave cabinet doors open to allow any residual moisture to evaporate before storage.