While it’s not the most fun and glamorous task on your end-of-season camping checklist, winterizing RV appliances—especially washer-dryer combos—is an essential task that should not be overlooked before storing your camper for the colder months.
Failing to properly winterize these sensitive appliances can lead to disastrous consequences come springtime. The internal components of a washer-dryer unit are particularly vulnerable to the freezing temperatures and moisture fluctuations of winter weather. If water is left sitting in the hoses, valves, or internal workings, it can expand as it freezes, causing cracked parts, burst pipes, and other expensive damage that will be a major headache to repair. This could easily cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars before you're able to use your RV again.
On the other hand, taking the time to carefully winterize the appliances yourself is a relatively quick and inexpensive process, often taking no more than a few minutes. Parts Via has you covered with the tools and tips needed to winterize your RV’s washer-dryer combo. Follow this guide to keep your appliances safe through winter and ready for use next season.
Start with the Owner’s Manual
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to winterize an RV washer dryer combo, let’s take a minute to acknowledge the importance of actually reading the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for your particular make and model.
It’s easy to brush off this step, since so many models follow the same basic steps. However, the processes can still differ slightly—and sometimes, that small variance can make a big difference. Plus, many newer RV washer-dryer combos feature a special “winterize” setting, so some steps may not be necessary.
Winterizing Your RV Washer Dryer Combo
The process below is the same step-by-step guide recommended by Splendide, one of the largest and most popular RV washer-dryer combo manufacturers. Additionally, please note that it assumes you’re already running RV antifreeze through your freshwater system.
- With machine power OFF, advance cycle selector knob to ‘Lightly Soiled.’
- Press the Power button once.
- Use the Temp button to select ‘HOT’.
- Crack the Dispenser Drawer open enough to confirm when antifreeze enters the drawer
(approx. 1”) - Press and hold the START button for 2 seconds, then release. The machine will enter a short fill, then pause. Next, it will enter a longer fill, then pause again. At this point, if
you’ve seen antifreeze enter the Dispenser, move on to Step 6. If not, press and HOLD the
Power button once to turn power OFF, then repeat Steps 2 through 5. - During the pause after the SECOND fill, press and hold the Power button to turn power OFF. The machine will automatically drain the antifreeze from the drum and then turn OFF.
De-winterizing Come Spring
To use again at the start of next season, flush all the water from your pipes, then:
- With washing machine power OFF, pour bleach into both compartment ‘3’ AND the
extra bleach compartment ‘4’ of the Dispenser Drawer, filling both to their respective maximum fill levels. Do not use thickened or splashless bleach as excess suds may occur. - Advance the cycle selector knob to the Clean Washer cycle.
- Press the Power button, then press and hold the START button for 2 seconds, then
release. - Allow machine to run through the complete cycle to clean out any remaining antifreeze.
Pro Tips for Winterizing Your RV Washer-Dryer Combo
Winterizing your RV washer-dryer combo properly can save you from costly repairs and ensure it's ready to go when adventure calls. Use these pro tips to protect your unit and simplify the process:
- During the winterization process, keep your detergent tray open about 1 inch so that you can easily monitor when the antifreeze actually reaches the washer drum.
- Introduce RV antifreeze into your overall RV system before beginning to winterize your RV washer-dryer combo.
- Take some time to remove the dispenser drawer and thoroughly clean it so it’s good as new when you’re ready to use it next season.
- Be sure to use RV-specific antifreeze, as regular automotive antifreeze is toxic to your plastic holding tanks and will create costly damage.
Now that you’re an expert on the ins and outs of winterizing your all-important RV washer-dryer combo, consider investing in a few high-quality winterizing accessories from a trusted source like Parts Via. These items will help ensure that your RV washer-dryer combo will emerge unscathed come springtime.
A product like StarBrite antifreeze, formulated specifically for RV water systems, is an indispensable first line of defense, ensuring that any lingering moisture is thoroughly flushed and replaced with a freeze-resistant solution. Pairing this with a reliable VIAIR air compressor to thoroughly purge the lines of any remaining water is also a wise move, creating a comprehensive winterization strategy that will give you peace of mind throughout the long, cold months ahead.
By taking the time to properly winterize this often-overlooked component, you can easily and effectively safeguard your investment and enjoy worry-free adventures for seasons to come.