Velos Posted June 11, 2017 Report Share Posted June 11, 2017 We have never had to "winterize" an RV in our 30+ years of RVing as the weather was moderate where we lived and when we retired full-timed following the sun. This winter we will be leaving it in the mountains. The historical temperatures for the area have average lows in the 20's from late November thru March. It is in an RV park that does have several year round residents and a neighbor offered to keep an eye on it but we want to prepare it so he won't have anything to do. I have reviewed the owners manual and also found this YouTube How To Winterize and RV or Camper with Antifreeze. Will disconnecting the batteries be sufficient? We have a disconnect switch that we have used in the past when we have left the rig unattended for a week or so but this will be for a couple of months. Slides in our out? How to keep mice, squirrels and the like from getting in? ie moth balls in storage compartments? We will have access to power and wondering whether or not to leave a ceramic heater (ie a Vornado brand with Auto shut off and tip over shut off features) on low inside? Cupboard doors opened or closed? How do you winterize a washing machine, residential frig ice maker or dishwasher? Any suggestions, tips or tricks appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 12, 2017 Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 5 hours ago, jmserafin said: Will disconnecting the batteries be sufficient? If it were me, I'd lift the negative cable from the battery as well. 5 hours ago, jmserafin said: Slides in our out? In. 5 hours ago, jmserafin said: How to keep mice, squirrels and the like from getting in? I have found it takes far too many moth balls and they slowly stop working. I packed steel wool around the entry for the power cord and filled any other openings that we not tight with an expanding foam. 5 hours ago, jmserafin said: and with Auto shut off and tip over shut off features) on low inside? Can't hurt but if you have drained the water heater and antifreeze in the plumbing, you shouldn't need to. Of course if you plan to leave any canned goods in the RV you will need to do so as freezing will make them leak. You should then leave cabinet doors open. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velos Posted June 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 I hadn't thought about the can goods, will add that to my list. Thank you for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDuke Posted June 12, 2017 Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 Put everything you can in metal containers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted June 13, 2017 Report Share Posted June 13, 2017 You'll find winterizing instruction for Splende washer/dryer combo on their website. I discourage just blowing out the lines with compressed air, as you'll never blow it all out, use Rv antifreeze, and bypass the water heater, what little water remains in the water heater and fresh water tank after draining will not harm them. That's all I have to add to previous recommendations. Quote 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velos Posted June 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2017 Thanks for the washing machine tip, I looked up RV anti freeze and found this product on Walmarts website, seems pretty cost effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 14 hours ago, jmserafin said: found this product on Walmarts website, seems pretty cost effective. That is what I have been using for several years. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 (edited) re: RV anti-freeze. I watch local big-box hardware store adds and buy a 6 gallon case for $1.99 per gallon. One case winterized our 5er for 3 years after I learned the most efficient method for our particular 5er. Edited June 14, 2017 by Ray,IN Quote 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-n-Dennis Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 Beside winterizing the rig as suggested, I recommend considering a method for snow removal on the roof. Either you have your neighbor do it when needed or create a tent type arrangement so the snow slides off. Just a thought - after seeing one get crunched from this past winter's "splendor". Quote Berkshire XL 40QL Camphosting and touring Our blog: cndtravels.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clark261 Posted March 31, 2022 Report Share Posted March 31, 2022 You can winterize your RV on your own with compressed air. This is by far the most straightforward method for ensuring that your RV is totally dry. To get started, you'll need a blowout plug and an air compressor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
durangodon Posted March 31, 2022 Report Share Posted March 31, 2022 7 hours ago, clark261 said: You can winterize your RV on your own with compressed air. This is by far the most straightforward method for ensuring that your RV is totally dry. To get started, you'll need a blowout plug and an air compressor. This is the method I use also. I do not agree with your second sentence though. This doesn't get all the water out though. There will still be water in the line between the fresh water tank and pump, in the pump, and in the line between the pump and the main house lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.