How to Winterize Your Travel Trailer or Motorhome

When the weather gets cold and it’s time to winterize your travel trailer or motorhome, it’s important to get the job done right. We’ve put together tips to ensure your camper stays in great condition so it’s ready to go when you are! Keep reading to learn the basics of the winterization process, and if you’re looking for a high-quality camper, visit Victory Custom Trailers to check out our selection of Renegade motorhomes for sale in Metamora, MI.

Empty the Holding Tanks

Your first step will be to drain out the holding tanks. Empty your fresh water tank first, then head to an approved dump site to empty your black and gray holding tanks. As you’ll probably be letting your camper sit for a while, this is the perfect time to rinse your black tank. If your travel trailer or motorhome is equipped with a black tank flush, you can hook up a hose and let it run to clean the holding tank. However, if you own an older model, you may need to pick up a black tank wand hose attachment to manually rinse the sides and top of the black tank.

Drain the Pipes

Next, you’ll need to empty the pipes of your travel trailer or motorhome. Remove the low-point drain plug on your camper and open the faucets. Turn on the pump to pressurize the system and force water out. When the water has been flushed from the plumbing system, promptly turn off your water pump.

Winterizing the Plumbing

Now that you’ve got your lines and holding tanks cleared out, hook your jug of RV antifreeze up to the intake side of your water pump. Turn the pump on and find the faucet closest to your pump. Open the cold water valve and let it run until you see antifreeze flowing, then switch to the hot water valve. When both hot and cold are flowing pink, close the faucet and move to the next closest. Do the same thing throughout your camper and make sure to replace the antifreeze jug when it’s emptied.

Don’t forget to run your shower(s) as well. Flush your toilet until you see antifreeze there. Turn off your water pump, and open one valve to release the pressure on the water lines. Pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain and flush a cup down the toilet.

Finishing Up

The last step is to winterize any other water-using appliances in your camper, including washing machines and ice makers. Consult the respective owner’s manuals for these appliances for instructions on winterizing.

We hope this guide will help you properly winterize your travel trailer or motorhome. If you’ve any questions or want to browse our inventory, contact us at Victory Custom Trailers in Metamora, MI. We proudly serve all those in Detroit and Flint.