Media Camping Center
RV Winterization & Storage Guide
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For RV owners who use their RV during the winter it is recommended that:
Heating an RV in the winter requires an adequate gas supply. LP gas tanks should be large enough for extended cold weather trips. RVers should also make sure their RV uses propane and not butane (used in conjunction with propane in southwestern states. Butane will not work in temperatures below 32 degrees). In cold climate areas all propane is treated for moisture before it is delivered, so be sure to use up all propane that has not been treated and refill with propane that has been. Winter campers should select sunny campsites over shaded ones. Try to park your RV with the front or rear facing into the wind if no windbreak is available.

For RV owners who store their RV during the winter it is recommended that:
All water tanks, lines, and pumps should be drained thoroughly & winterized to prevent damage to the RV’s water system.

Motor Homes
Owners should keep their RVs highway-ready by running the engine at least thirty minutes each month. Driving the vehicle at the highway speed once a month for at least ten miles also keeps it in good working order during extended storage periods. RV owners are encouraged to follow their owner’s manual instructions when winterizing their RV. The following items are a must prior to winter storage: check engine anti-freeze levels, lube, oil and filter change, top off fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer.

Interiors and Exteriors
Thoroughly wash and inspect the exterior of the RV. This will reveal items you may need to address immediately. Winter exposure can be tough on RV surfaces. Things to look for are all of the roof seams and seals, vertical seam seals, vent covers, exterior window seals, exterior lighting seals, and slide out room seals (refer to Media Camping Center’s Sealants maintenance bulletin). Any cracks, tears, or damage should be repaired now before the winter causes further damage.
Note: be sure to use proper sealants such as Dicor vs. Silicone.

If you opt to cover your entire RV, be sure that the fabrics are breathable and do not aid in the collection of interior moisture (i.e. avoid vinyl tarps as they will hold moisture and can be abrasive to the exterior finish of your RV). RV covers are available in various sizes to fit most RV and the RV covers are non-abrasive.

If covering your RV is not an option, try to block the sun’s rays from harming all interior fabrics, including curtains, mini blind strings, day night shades, furniture coverings and carpets. Block windows from the inside. A coating of UV resistant finish protector applied at this time will help reduce the affects of weathering if you opt not to cover your RV.

UV rays can rapidly accelerate protectant bleed off and deterioration of tires while causing sidewalls to crack or craze. Inflate tires to their recommended pressure levels as stated by the RV manufacturer as your RV was tested at the factory with these recommended ratings. Cover tires with vinyl tire covers to prevent UV damage (covers available at Media Camping Centers). The life of your RV tires can also be extended by rolling tires onto wood planks. If possible, it is best to drive or tow your RV to keep the natural carbon black in the rubber moving to lubricate your tire.

“Damp Rid” and “Vent Mate” covers are proven methods to
prevent interior moisture problems.

Insect and rodent abatement is also a serious concern. Peppermint oil (moth balls) in containers around the exterior of the RV will deter rodents (don’t forget the generator compartment); dryer sheets with a very strong odor also work well.

Remove all food items from your RV and clean thoroughly under all furniture and inside all cabinets and drawers. Inspect entire vehicle for possible entry points that rodents can gain access to your RV, the smallest crack or void should get your attention and don’t forget the underbelly. Plug holes using metal covers or use non-rusting metal dish scrub or pad because mice are notorious chewers. Do not overlook exterior storage compartments. Also, think twice about rodent baits such as poison, these items give a delayed reaction. Poisoned rodents have been known to work their way into places we cannot find where they decay and reek for a long time.

An air conditioner cover is recommended. This is the best way to keep out dirt and critters. (These covers are model specific, so you will need that information to purchase the correct cover for your air conditioner). During times of heavy snow while the RV is in storage it is very important that the heavy snow be removed from the roof of the RV using tools like a push broom or snow rake that will not damage the roof underneath.
*Lubricate slide rooms, comp Locks, steps, and jacks.

Awning
Clean and allow awning fabric to dry thoroughly prior to winter storage. If awning fabric is damp or wet when put away for storage freezing weather can cause
damage to awning fabric.

Appliances
Water heater: Make sure thermostat is off as well as electric element with safety switch.
Cover exterior vents to prevent wasps, spiders or rodents from nesting (protective covers are available at Media Camping Center). Put mothballs in water heater compartment to prevent spiders nesting in burner tube.

Furnace: Turn off thermostat. Cover exterior exhaust vent with
mud dauber screen to prevent nesting.

Refrigerator: Shut off completely. Check the outside refrigerator roof vent for intact screening. If the screen is not intact squirrels and rodents can gain access to the back side of the refrigerator compartment and build nests in the back of your refrigerator or even cause a fire when refrigerator is turned back on. Leave door opened to prevent mildew problems do to moisture (place an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb moisture & odors) . Most new refrigerators have winter storage latch positions. If no latch is available, they can be purchased or crumpled up newspaper inside will hold door open and help absorb moisture.

Range: Clean and dry: leave cover open to prevent rodents from nesting.
Remove top to clean out trapped food.

Washer/Dryer, Dish Washer & Ice Maker: Due to pumps & valves these appliances must be winterized by flushing non-toxic antifreeze through a complete operation cycle, follow the manufactures directions for winterization of these items.

Electrical Systems
Batteries also have warranty care and consideration. Cold weather can be especially damaging if their charge levels are allowed to drop. When maintained at full charge, batteries can withstand temperatures as cold as -60°F. Remember that frozen batteries are not warrantable item. Whenever possible, remove and store. Clean battery with baking soda and water and check fluid levels and charge. If batteries are not to remain on board, clean as necessary and disconnect cable to prevent battery drain.
(If there is no battery disconnect switch available.)
NOTE: Unfortunately the RV industry does not have a standard color-coding method so if you choose to remove the batteries, mark all cables positive or negative before removing from batteries from RV!
At this time, remove batteries from smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, clocks, etc. and replace them in the spring. This will ensure proper functioning of these items during the next season.

LP System

• Check LP tank (s) for rust, dents, or imperfections. (If you’re unsure of the appearance of your tank, have the tank inspected at Media Camping Center)
• Clean and fill tank for storage (PROPANE TANKS SHOULD BE FULL WHEN STORED AND NEVER KEPT INDOORS!)
• Make sure the valves on LP tanks are shut off completely. If disconnected make sure to have cap/ dust cover on service valve and cover end of LP line with sandwich bag.

Waste Water System

• Clean and flush holding tanks. Rinse wands can be very helpful to get the black water tank clean.
• Check termination valves for proper operation. This is a good time to lubricate
  valves or replace them as needed with the tank empty and clean.

RV Anti-Freeze
Never use highly toxic ethylene glycol automotive varieties of RV antifreeze, even in small amounts. They will hurt or kill you! RV anti-freeze is made from propylene glycol, which is considered GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) by the US Government. Propylene glycol is used in many consumable products such as ice cream and candy. Freeze point and burst point of anti-freeze is what is taken into consideration when selecting antifreeze. Freeze point is when the liquid starts to form ice crystals and has a hard time flowing, burst point is when the liquid freezes and expands. –50 degree anti-freeze will form ice crystals at 10 degrees, but will not expand until –50 degrees. Never dilute the anti-freeze, as this will negatively impact its freeze and burst points.

RV Water System Winterization

• Turn off the water pump and open hot water faucet to bleed pressure from the water system. Turn off the water heater control switch. Make sure that both the propane and electrical controls for the water heater are off. Also, heating element is off.
• Turn water heater bypass valve from the summer to winter position as indicated on the valve. Note, some systems may have up to three valves as part of the water heater bypass, one to block the cold-water inlet, the other to block the hot water outlet and one for the bypass. Set the valves as required so that the water flow bypasses the hot water tank. The reason to bypass the water heater is to eliminate the need to fill the water heater tank with 6-10 gallons of non-toxic anti-freeze.
• Drain fresh water tank by removing the drain cap located outside or opening drain valve inside.
• Drain water heater by removing water heater drain plug. The drain plug may also be the anode rod/ At this point, check the condition of your anode rod and purchase a new one to install at a later date. Use caution, as the water may be hot if the heater has been operational. (Suburban water heaters have an anode rod with 1-1/16” nut. Atwood heaters have no anode rod; they use a plastic tapered plug to not damage the aluminum tank they are being threaded into.)
• Drain all water lines by turning on all water faucets in the RV and by removing drain caps on low point drains located on the exterior under the RV or pulling open the drain valves. Also, remember interior and exterior shower hoses at faucet and let it drain. Avoid anti-freeze in the showerhead if possible as it could crystallize.
• Remove any water filters and install the winterizing cap or bypass (generally under the kitchen sink if applicable).
• Empty and flush all gray and black waste tanks in the RV and close the dump valves.
• Reinstall drain caps or close drain valves on low point drains, fresh water tank, and water heater.
• Turn the antifreeze pickup valve at the fresh water tank or water pump from the inline position to the bypass position as shown on the diagram. Place the winterization tube in a container of non toxic anti-freeze. (If your RV is not equipped with a antifreeze pickup winterize valve at the water pump you can pour non toxic anti-freeze directly into the water tank).
• Turn on the water pump. Starting at the faucet closest to the pump, open each hot and cold faucet (one at a time) until pure non toxic anti-freeze comes out and then close the faucet. Repeat for all faucets including galley, bath sink, toilet, interior, and exterior shower. It is recommended that you remove the showerheads so the anti-freeze does not have a chance to sit and gum up. Reattach showerhead and filters in spring. (Washing machines, Dish washers and Icemakers please follow manufactures recommended steps, brand specific.)
• Pour non toxic antifreeze into all p-traps until you can see a level line of anti-freeze in the trap.
• The most often forgotten step is to winterize the city water entry & outside shower. Do this by opening a water faucet to relieve pressure from water system, remove screen from city water entry and depress the spring-loaded check valve gently until antifreeze displaces the remaining water from the water entry line.

HOW TO WINTERIZE
Blow dry method*

• Empty and thoroughly rinse fresh water holding tank.
• Drain all water lines. Be sure to drain shower, toilet, and all faucets. If a water purifier or filter is in line, remove the cartridge. Close all faucets.
• Blow lines dry by building up air pressure thru blowout plug at city water connection and open one faucet at a time letting any extra water escape.
• Drain water heater and by-pass water heater to connect cold and hot water lines. Use a by-pass kit to by-pass heater.(most RVs can be winterized with less than 3 gallons of non-toxic anti-freeze with a water heater bypass installed).
• Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into water tank or if your rv is equipped with an antifreeze pickup valve turn to winterize mode. Activate water pump to deliver anti-freeze into fresh water system. Build up air pressure again and open faucets one at a time to be sure to get anti-freeze up into each faucet. Flush toilet until antifreeze flushes into bowl.
• Pour approximately 1 cup of anti-freeze into each sink trap.

Hand pump method

• Follow above steps 1 through 4
• Make sure all faucets are closed.
• Hook up hand pump to kitchen faucet with tube end in a Gallon jug of anti-freeze. Open hot water faucet at Kitchen and begin to pump. After pumping ½ gallon, open Hot water faucet in bathroom sink until anti-freeze runs Through. Do the same for the tub.
• Do the same now at cold water lines in kitchen, Bathroom, and tub. Do not forget to winterize the toilet.
• Pour a little extra antifreeze down kitchen, bathroom, Sink, tub, and toilet drains.

*RV equipped with ice makers, washers & dish washers must have non-toxic anti-freeze flushed through the complete appliance to make sure there is no residual water trapped in valves & pumps that could freeze and cause damage. 

Winter Storage Quick Check Sheet
BATTERIES:

• Check fluid levels
• Should be fully charged
• Store inside when freezing temperatures
• Do not place on cement

TIRES & WHEELS:

• Check pressure & wheel nuts
• Store up off ground
• Treat with protect ant or use tire guards
• Bearings (check manufactures maintenance for care)

PROPANE TANKS:

• Top off tanks
• Inspect lines and fittings for leaks and cracks (easiest w/ LP leak detector fluid available at media Camping Center)

ROOF, EXTERIOR, & TRIM:

• Clean
• Inspect seams & reseal as necessary (check owner’s manual for suggested sealants)
• Inspect any vents for damage and cover any openings where rodents may find entry (ex. Plumbing, Fridge, etc)
• Check air conditioner anchor bolts & cover air conditioner
• Spreading mothballs or very fragrant dryer sheets throughout the RV and storage compartments will help keep rodents out.

SLIDE OUT ROOMS:

• Inspect seams, gaskets, and roof for tears, cracking and proper sealing and treat gaskets with rubber seal treatment conditioner sold in the RV parts store at Media Camping Center
• Check to make sure that there is no debris in the gaskets that will interfere with the slide room sealing tightly.
• Thoroughly lubricate all exposed slide room mechanisms.

FURNACE:

• Install mud dauber screen to cover air vent

WATER HEATER:

• Remove drain plug to drain tank & reinstall plug
• Set bypass valves in bypass mode during winterizing process, and then switch back to open position.

REFRIDGERATOR:

• Leave doors cracked open while in storage for air to circulate.

GENERATORS:

• Should be started monthly and run for approx 1 hr with a load on it.

MOTORHOMES & TRAILERS WITH GENERATORS:
Fuel tanks should be full of fuel and is recommended that adding a fuel stabilizer to gas and an anti-gel additive for diesel. Generators should be run for minimum of ½ hour every month.
**Check RV monthly for any signs of Water Leaks**

KEEPING THE INTERIOR OF YOUR RV MOISTURE FREE
All RV should have some form of moisture absorber inside the vehicle while in storage. Media Camping Center offers several different absorber products that will help reduce moisture in your rv while it is in storage (these need to be checked periodically in case they need to be emptied) All RV should be checked periodically throughout storage period to ensure that the rv is still in the same condition it was when it went into storage.

SNOW REMOVAL FROM ROOF
Any heavy snow or large accumulation of snow should be
Removed as soon as possible from the roof of the rv. Do not
use a shovel; a broom or snow rake are recommended for clearing snow from the rv roof.

NOTE:ALWAYS REFER TO YOUR OWNERS MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
MAINTENCE REQUIREMENTS.

De-Winterizing
When you plan to use the RV the next time, connect an outside water source to the
camper or fill the fresh water tank and turn on the water pump. Purge the portable
anti-freeze for, the lines by running water through each faucet and toilet until fresh
water appears. At this point, you can also add a product called Spring and Fresh or
Sparkle Clean to the system, these products help remove the antifreeze residue from
the water lines. *Flush out water heater.

Notes
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This information is intended only as a DIY guide. Every RV is different and results may vary depending on your knowledge of RV service & repairs. For Guaranteed Winterizing consider having Media Camping Center perform your winterizing a preparation for storage.

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