Winterizing Your RV

Here at Hartville RV, we know the importance and difficulty of winterizing an RV. Winter can wreak havoc on your RV, so get it ready to withstand the freezing temperatures, ice, and snow by following our steps to winterize an RV. Be sure to check out the .PDF file to the right that outlines the key resealing areas for every Jayco RV series.

Winterizing RV's

1. Empty all tanks (fresh water, gray water, sewage, water heater, shower pan, and toilet),
2. Open low point drains.
3. Close low point drains.
4. Blow air thru lines using an air hose and blow out plug.

Water Heater Bypass with Non-Toxic Anti-Freeze
( STEPS 5-12)

5. Turn off pump.
6. Close valves A, B and D.  Open valves E and C. ( refer to diagram to the right)
7. Drain the water heater and fresh water tank.
8. Put the hose from Valve E into a jug of Non-Toxic RV antifreeze. (You will need more than one gallon of non-toxic RV antifreeze).
9. Turn on the pump and open each faucet until the antifreeze flows through. (including out-side shower)  Do not forget to run the antifreeze through the toilet.
10. Pour at least one cup of non-toxic RV antifreeze into each drain to protect  the P-traps.
11. Close Valve E.
 * Please refer to the images to the right for help

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.

Published: Sep 6, 2011