Winter Storage For Your Camper & RV -- J&M Camper Sales - Augusta Maine. Your Maine Camper & RV Dealer.

There are several steps to putting your RV to bed for the winter season. The first step in to winterize your demand water system. Our service technicians have put together a step by step for this process below.

Winterizing Your Demand Water System

Before you get started there are a few items you will need to have. These items can be found in our parts store:

Non-toxic RV antifreeze (The amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. Two to three gallons will normally do). Be sure that it is not alcohol based.

A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.

A wand to clean out holding tanks.

A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.

Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.

Now we can winterize the RV water system to protect it from freezing. Be sure to read your owners manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines. Follow the steps below that apply to your RV.

ü If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass before starting.

ü Drain the fresh water holding tank.

ü Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. If your RV doesn’t have a built in tank flushing system clean the black tank out with a wand, or use a product like Flush King that allows you to clean both the black and gray tanks. Lubricate the termination valves with WD 40.

ü Drain the water heater. Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. CAUTION (never drain the water heater when it is hot or under pressure)

ü Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower.

ü Locate and open the low point drain lines. There will be one for the hot and cold water lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.

ü Recap all drains and close all faucets.

ü By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze.

ü Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank). Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of non-toxic RV antifreeze.

ü Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required.

ü Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.

ü Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.

ü Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.

ü Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.

ü If your water heater has an electric heating element make sure it is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.

ü Make sure all the faucets are closed.

ü Consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines.

ü The unit is winterized.

This checklist is a basic guide that was intended to assist you in winterizing your RV. As with many other checklists it would be impossible to cover every RV. It is extremely important that you read your owner’s manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines

If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself please contact us for an appointment and one of our experienced tech's will perform the process for you.

Store your unit under a covered area if possible. If not, avoid parking under trees or in areas where grass and weeds will grow.

If you choose to buy a cover for the RV, be sure it is made of a breathable material. This will help in preventing mold and mildew.

Chock the wheels front and rear. Leave the parking brake off. If you’re storing a Pop Up angle the tongue downward to assist in snow and water run off.

Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended max cold pressure. Cover the tires to protect them from the harmful ultraviolet rays. Place something between the tires and the ground. Make sure whatever you use is larger than the actual foot print of the tire.

If you do not remove the tires for long-term storage periodically move the vehicle to prevent flat spots on the tires.

Close all of the window blinds to avoid sun exposure to the carpet, drapes and upholstery.

Wash the exterior of the unit and clean the interior thoroughly.

Make sure the awning fabric is clean and dry before storing.

On a Pop Up make absolutely sure the fabric is clean and dry before storing. This is a good time to check for tears, and repair the fabric.

Inspect all roof seams, body seams and window sealant for cracks and openings. Water can get in the smallest openings so really inspect all sealants. Consult our parts department for sealants compatible with these materials.

Service all locks with a graphite spray lubricant. Lubricate all hinges and moving parts with WD 40.

Turn all LP gas appliances off. Turn the main LP gas supply valve off. If you're storing a Pop Up or Travel Trailer make sure the LP gas regulator is covered.

Remove the battery, store it in a warm place. Do not store in a concrete floor. Be sure to check fluid level and to charge the battery several times throughout the winter months.

Insects are attracted to the odorant that is added to LP gas. To prevent mud daubers and wasps from building nests in and around your gas appliances, cover the refrigerator vent, the furnace vent and the water heater vent.

Inspect the underside of the unit thoroughly. Look for anywhere that mice or other rodents can get it, and seal as necessary.

Strategically place mouse and ant traps in and around the unit. Avoid using mouse poison inside the RV. Many RVers recommend using dryer sheets like Bounce to keep mice out.

Remove all perishables and anything that can freeze.

Leave doors, drawers and cabinets open.

Remove all consumables that would attract mice and other rodents.

Defrost the freezer compartment and clean the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator doors open and place some baking soda inside to absorb odors. It is also a good idea to crumple newspaper and fill the refrigerator and freezer compartment to help absorb moisture.

Clean the air conditioner filters, and cover the air conditioner.

Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances.

Remove dry cell batteries in clocks, flashlights and other items.

The use of Vent Mate products will provide the airflow and ventilation required during storage while keeping the elements out.

Contact Our Parts Department For Your RV Winterizing Supplies

J&M Camper Sales • 653 Civic Center Dr • Augusta, Maine 04330 ● (207) 623-4047

"Quality Products & Service By The Stoddard Family Since 1967"