You already prepare your car for winter—tire checks, fresh wipers, the whole routine. But your RV needs the same attention, and it's easy to let it slide since you won't be driving your camper all season. Cold snaps, snow, rain, and months of sitting untouched can all do real damage if you skip winterization, from frozen pipes to weather-worn seals.
This checklist walks through what to tackle before the first frost hits, so your rig comes out of winter ready to travel instead of needing repairs.
Winterizing Your RV, System by System
Whether you're tucking your RV into a garage for the season or leaving it to brave the elements outside, winterizing isn't just smart—it's essential. The sections below cover exactly what to check, and why it matters, before the temperature drops for good.
Plumbing and Water System
If left alone during the winter, freezing temperatures are likely to cause significant damage to your RV's plumbing and water system. Temperatures can fluctuate widely, going from the 60s to below freezing multiple times over the course of the season. If your RV is sitting in storage while temps drop, any water left in the lines can freeze, expand, and potentially burst the pipes, leading to not only a mess but also possibly structural damage.
Here's how to empty your camper's water lines and get the plumbing winter-ready:
- Turn off the water heater's power sources (electric and propane) and let it cool completely.
- Disconnect from city water, turn off the freshwater pump, and open a faucet to relieve pressure in the system.
- Drain the freshwater tank and open the low-point drains. Open all faucets (hot and cold), showerheads, and the toilet to let air in and help clear trapped water from the lines. Don't forget appliances with their own water supply. Ice makers, washing machines, and water filter housings often need to be drained or disconnected separately.
- Drain the water heater, making sure it's cool first.
- Install a water heater bypass kit. This reroutes antifreeze around the tank instead of filling it, saving you 6-8 gallons of antifreeze you'd otherwise waste.
- Dump and rinse the black and gray tanks—black tank first, then gray, since the gray water helps rinse the black tank's line on the way through.
- Add RV antifreeze into the plumbing system, running it through each faucet until you see the antifreeze color come through.
Some RV owners skip antifreeze in the main lines and instead use an air compressor to blow out residual water, leaving only air behind. Even with this method though, you'll need a few gallons of antifreeze for toilet seals, P-traps, and holding tanks—and if you're facing an especially harsh winter, running antifreeze through the lines after the air blowout adds an extra layer of protection.
The Interior
After a long spring and summer of camping, the inside of your RV has definitely seen some use. Before winter sets in, give the interior a thorough once-over, addressing stored items and giving everything a good scrub down.
Here’s how to tackle the interior from driver’s seat to living spaces:
- Clear out the refrigerator and cupboards of any lingering food, and prop the fridge/freezer doors open slightly to prevent mold and odors.
- Empty all trash and recycling, as leaving anything behind invites pest problems and odor.
- Remove bed and bath linens, then wash and store.
- Vacuum upholstery, carpets, and rugs to clear out crumbs and debris.
- Wipe down cabinet exteriors and other surfaces, and clean the floors, counters, bathroom, and kitchen.
- Close blinds or use window covers to protect interior fabrics and flooring from UV fading.
- Add a dehumidifier or a few desiccants (drying agents) inside the cupboards, windowsills, and corners to absorb dampness.
You'll also want to assess what you're storing inside the RV. Instead of using it as a space to stash all your camping gear, it's a good idea to lighten the overall weight—especially if you plan to keep your tires on the camper all season long. Pull out any items that aren't RV essentials, like suitcases, clothes, canned goods, or toys, and store them in the garage for a little less weight.
Exterior
Whether you're giving your RV some space in the driveway or storing it in a garage, take care to winterize its exterior too. Harsh winter weather can damage the siding, paint, insulation, and any exposed components if you skip this step.
Here's what to cover up, clean up, and add for extra winter protection:
- Wash and wax the RV exterior, using products formulated for RV surfaces.
- Cover any exterior vents with vent covers to keep out rain, snow, and debris while still allowing airflow.
- Clean your tires and rims thoroughly, and check that tire pressure matches your RV's recommended spec before storage.
- Park your RV on a firm, clean, level surface, then put it on blocks or jack stands for even weight distribution and less tire wear.
- Use tire covers to protect against sun and weather if the tires stay on and exposed.
- Cover the exterior with RV skirting at the base and a protective overall cover for full-season protection.
- Cover the rooftop A/C unit with a model-specific shroud, leaving a small gap for ventilation.
If your RV will be inside a garage, you don't necessarily need a top-to-bottom cover or RV skirting. However, this extra step can add another layer of protection if dirt, debris, or pests are lurking in the garage.
The Battery
While you don't have to worry too much about what's under the hood as you winterize your camper—you'll give everything a full checkup come spring—you do want to handle the battery.
Even when your RV is powered off, phantom loads like CO detectors and onboard electronics can slowly drain the battery over time. If you're storing your RV for more than a couple of weeks, disconnect the battery, clean off any corrosion on the terminals, and store it somewhere temperature-controlled. An insulated garage, basement, workshop, or even a closet would work. Cold weather drains batteries faster, and a battery that's already been slowly discharging all winter is that much more likely to freeze or die completely.
For more on keeping your RV battery healthy year-round, check out How to Extend the Life of Your RV Battery.
Write It Down!
Before you walk away for the season, take five minutes to document what you did. Note which valves are in bypass position, how much antifreeze you used, which appliances you disconnected, maybe even take a few photos of tricky spots. It's an easy step to skip, but it'll save you a lot of guesswork (and a few "wait, did I do this already?" moments) when it's time to de-winterize in the spring.
From there, all that's left is waiting out the season. When it's time to get back on the road, Parts Via has everything you need, from antifreeze and batteries, to tire covers, moisture absorbers, and everything in between. Don't forget to opt for fast, FREE ship-to-store shipping at checkout, so you can stay ahead of winter's worst.