Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Douglas
Winterizing your travel trailer is a good idea, but it’s not just about keeping the trailer in good condition. It’s also about helping you to avoid costly repairs.
How cold does it have to be for RV lines to freeze?
However, it’s important to remember that when the RV pipes are exposed to the elements without any heat or insulation, they’ll begin to freeze at temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Anyone who’s planning on RV winter camping should take whatever precautions are available to avoid this from occurring.[1]
How many gallons of antifreeze do you need to winterize an RV?
You’ll need at least 2 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze depending on the size of your rig. b) Use your RV’s internal water pump. If you use the water pump, you’ll need to install a pump bypass kit if it’s not already equipped since it draws from the RV’s fresh water tank and you don’t want antifreeze in there.[2]
Do I need to winterize my RV in Florida?
In most cases, you do not need to winterize your RV in Florida. There are countless other RV-ers that store their RV in Florida during the cooler months that do not winterize their RV. Plus, according to World Climate, the average low temperature in January in Florida is only an average of 49 degrees Fahrenheit.[3]
Will my RV water tank freeze?
Tanks that are exposed to outside temperatures need some kind of insulation to keep them from freezing. Prolonged temperatures below freezing will eventually freeze a tank, either preventing you from dumping or preventing you from getting the fresh water you need.[4]
What happens if you don’t winterize your camper?
Without proper winterization, the water can freeze, causing pipes to burst or appliances to break completely. In your Class A motorhome, the last thing you want is your shower, toilet, refrigerator, or sink getting damaged.[5]
Is it OK to put RV antifreeze in freshwater tank?
It can be easier to pump it backwards through a faucet spout using a backflow kit with a hand pump, but it is totally acceptable to pour the antifreeze directly into the fresh tank and use the RV’s water pump to pump it throughout the system as well.[6]
Can you put antifreeze in RV holding tanks?
The answer is, yes, especially if you are winterizing your RV. Antifreeze will help stop any residual water from freezing in your lines and tanks while it’s sitting idle through the winter, but you can also use it while camping in colder climates when the outside temperatures may dip to below freezing.[7]
Do you put antifreeze in RV toilet?
Be sure to add Thetford Toilet Seal Lubricant and Conditioner to the RV antifreeze in your toilet bowl to keep the seal flexible so it holds water and keeps holding tank odors out of your bathroom. Remember – don’t use petroleum-based products or vegetable oils to lubricate your toilet seal.[8]
Do you have to winterize a 4 season camper?
Do You Have to Winterize a 4-Season Camper? RVers must winterize their rigs to protect them from freezing temperatures and lack of use. This also includes a 4-season camper.[9]
Do you need to winterize RV if stored inside?
Winterize the inside of your camper. The majority will help prevent rodents and other pests from making your camper their home. These steps will also help prevent unwanted odors, moisture build-up and damage. The cleaner, more streamlined the RV when put into storage, the better the next season will start up.[10]
How do you winterize a travel trailer?
Clean and Inspect Interior and Exterior. Disconnect Batteries and Solar Panels. Drain and Clean Waste Water Tanks. Drain Fresh Water Tank and Water Lines. Drain Water Heater. Prevent Pipes from Freezing. Store Your Travel Trailer Properly.[11]
Can you leave grey water tank open in winter?
You can leave your gray valve in the open position so water runs right down the drain. You don’t have to pay any attention to how full your gray tank is and you don’t have to dump it every few days. But there’s no chance for sewer odors to escape either. It’s the best of both worlds.[12]