Canada is awesome, but it does get a little chilly in the winter months. Before you pack up for the season, you must winterize your RV. This will make sure it’s protected from cold weather and keep it in working order for years to come.
General to-dos
- Buy RV-approved, non-toxic antifreeze to put through your water lines.
- If you don’t already have one installed, buy a water heater bypass kit.
- Turn off and clean the refrigerator. Leave some baking soda inside to keep it smelling fresh.
- Leave all doors open for air circulation (including the cabinets).
- Remove all batteries (clocks, smoke detector).
- Remove anything that can freeze, like food or liquids.
- Lower the radio/TV antenna.
- Seal any places where animals can get in on the underside of your vehicle.
- Insects love the smell of LP gas, so install covers on outside vents to keep them out.
- Place dryer sheets under the mattresses — they smell great and they keep mice away.
- Close all windows tightly and lower blinds/curtains to prevent sun exposure.
- Replace the air conditioning filters.
- Get all your tires up to the maximum tire pressure.
Water to-dos
- Check hoses and seals.
- Drain the fresh water holding tank.
- Drain and flush gray and black tanks.
- Close the valves fully and install valve covers.
- Open the floor drain plugs to drain all the water from the water lines, close after.
- Run all hot and cold faucets to drain water.
- Remove the water heater drain plug and drain all the water.
- Bypass your water heater and pump antifreeze into your water system.
- Pour antifreeze into drains and toilet.
- Make sure all faucets are tightly closed.
Electricity to-dos
- Turn off all lights.
- Disconnect the battery. Put petroleum jelly on the battery terminals and store in a cool, dry place.
- Switch the main breaker to “off”.
- Remove the fuse for the LP gas leak detector.
