RV Winterization (NEW!)

Water systems

Caution: Use only nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze designed for RV use.

If you choose to fill the system with nontoxic antifreeze there are a couple of methods you can use. Installation of a hot water tank bypass kit will avoid having to fill the entire water heater with antifreeze.

1. This method requires less antifreeze because you don’t pour it in to the fresh water tank.
2. Disconnect the suction line from your fresh water tank at the pump.
3. Drain the fresh water tank and the hot water heater completely.
4. Close the water heater bypass valves to prevent filling the water heater with antifreeze.
5. Connect a temporary suction hose just long enough to reach over the mouth and down to the bottom of the antifreeze jug.
6. Antifreeze is then pumped out of the jug and in to the water lines by turning on the 12 volt water pump.
7. Shut off the faucets and turn off the water pump to complete the winterization process.

After the winter storage period, the water heater bypass valve must be turned on. Even after the odor, appearance, and taste of the antifreeze is gone, it is still a good idea to sanitize the water system.

Storage of RV Batteries

1. Disconnect the batteries from potential loads while being stored or left inactive for more than a couple of weeks.
2. Fully charge the battery before storing.
3. Acid filled batteries have less potential for loss when stored in moderately cold areas. Extreme cold such as freezing conditions will cause damage to the battery.
4. Always store batteries away from potential sparks, flames, and open sources of heat.
5. Batteries stored for longer than a month should be recharged at least monthly.
6. Clean the surface of the battery between the terminals to prevent any loss of charge due to moisture and dirt.