When temperatures plummet, the ambient cold does more than make your joints ache—it also causes some pain for your RV. From batteries to tires, every part of your camper feels the freeze—including the plumbing system.
RV holding tanks, as well as the pipes leading to them, can freeze in cold weather, causing some serious headaches. (Really, nothing ruins a day faster than waking up to burst pipes, water damage, and expensive repairs.) Thankfully, this is one mess that’s entirely preventable.
From weatherstripping and RV skirting to non-toxic antifreeze and tank heaters, Parts Via has the essentials you need to keep your plumbing system safe during freezing temperatures, whether you’re a year-round camper hitting the road or a seasonal traveler storing your rig for winter. Keep reading to learn how to prevent your RV holding tanks from freezing and avoid costly repairs this winter.
Prevent Freezing While on the Road
Cold weather doesn’t have to cut your RV adventures short—in fact, winter can be one of the best times to visit national parks and other tourist-heavy destinations! Like anything involving freezing temps, the key is to go prepared. By taking a few extra precautions, you can keep those holding tanks and pipes from turning into a block of ice.
Stay Insulated
While many Class B camper vans have their holding tanks situated higher up in the vehicle (and therefore further away from the freezing cold ground), most travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes have their tanks outside or underneath the RV. If this is the case for you, installing an RV skirt around the bottom of the vehicle can provide an extra shield against biting winds and cold air.
Shore up the rest of the camper, too. Adding extra insulation to your RV’s walls, windows, and underbelly helps retain heat and block drafts. Reflective insulation can be cut to size and placed in windows (assuming they’re not actively being used for light), inside cabinets or storage bays near plumbing, and temporarily in vent openings to trap warmth inside.
Some RVers prefer foam board insulation, using it along the underbelly or as a type of improvised skirting to help prevent cold air from seeping in. Additionally, sealing gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping will keep your living space—and plumbing—better protected from freezing temperatures.
Maintain Heating Systems
Regularly maintaining your heating system ensures it runs efficiently when temperatures drop and can keep the interior warm, so stay on top of those systems checks. For those planning extended winter camping, a layered heating strategy may be the best approach. This could include using the built-in furnace as the primary heat source while supplementing with an electric heat pump, catalytic heater, or portable electric heater as needed. Check out our post on RV heating systems to better understand your options.
Keep Key Areas Warm
Another option to consider is an RV holding tank heater or a water tank blanket. Designed specifically to prevent RV holding tanks from freezing, these devices act like electric heating pads that adhere to the tank and provide consistent warmth. Some models automatically turn on when temperatures drop to a certain threshold, ensuring your tanks stay above freezing without constant monitoring.
Tank heaters can have substantial amp draw, especially if running more than one, so they may not be an ideal solution for off-grid campers relying solely on battery or solar energy. Some RVers find them unnecessary unless camping in extreme cold, but for those frequently traveling in subzero temperatures, they can be a worthwhile investment to prevent costly damage.
It’s also worth noting that RV holding tanks—especially when full—are less likely to freeze than pipes, so if you’re looking for a targeted solution, focus on protecting exposed pipes. Wrapping them in pipe insulation or using an RV pipe heater can significantly help in keeping your water flowing smoothly.
If you plan to stay at a campsite with a water hookup, consider investing in a heated drinking water hose. Standard hoses can freeze quickly in cold temperatures, cutting off your water supply and potentially damaging the hose itself. Heated hoses feature built-in heating elements that keep water flowing even in subzero conditions.
Protect Your RV Plumbing System While It's In Storage
Not everyone finds winter RVing to be an attractive prospect. If you’re planning to store your camper during the cold months, it’s essential to take preventative measures to protect your holding tanks and pipes from freezing temperatures. The last thing you want is to discover cracked tanks or burst pipes (and the mess that comes with them) when spring rolls around.
The key is to properly winterize your RV’s plumbing system before temperatures drop. Follow these essential steps:
- Drain the water. Empty the pipes, holding tanks, water heater, and even your RV washer/dryer combo if you have one. A drain-down system can speed up this process by flushing out stagnant water in minutes.
- Clear out appliances. Don’t forget to remove standing water from showers, toilets, dishwashers, and all sink and shower faucets.
- Add RV antifreeze. Pour a generous amount of non-toxic RV antifreeze into the system to prevent any remaining water from freezing.
- Bypass the water heater. Installing a water heater bypass kit keeps antifreeze from entering the water heater, saving you money and making winterization more efficient.
- Insulate if necessary. In extremely cold areas, consider adding an RV skirt (as mentioned above) and insulating any exposed pipes or tanks for extra protection. However, thoroughly draining your system and using antifreeze should be enough to protect your RV from winter damage.
For a step-by-step breakdown, check out our RV Winterization Checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything. Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to hit the road again in spring without any plumbing surprises!
Practical Tips for Protecting Your RV This Winter
Whether you're gearing up for a winter road trip or storing your RV for the season, proper winterization is key to preventing frozen pipes and costly repairs. Stay ahead of the cold with these essential tips:
- Monitor Weather Conditions. Keep an eye on forecasts for your route and set up alerts for sudden drops in temperature. If freezing weather is expected, take extra precautions to protect your plumbing.
- Use RV-Specific Antifreeze. Not all antifreeze solutions are interchangeable. Be sure to choose a non-toxic, RV-specific antifreeze that is safe for drinking water systems that won’t contaminate the water supply or endanger your health.
- Keep Extra Supplies on Hand. Winter camping demands you be ready for the unexpected, so always have extra supplies available, such as portable heaters, thermal blankets, and additional water jugs.
- Plan Ahead. Don’t wait for the first freeze to winterize your RV. Handling it before the cold weather arrives ensures you’re not rushing when temperatures drop.
Stay Warm This Winter with Parts Via
When it comes to getting your RV ready for winter, Parts Via has you covered. Everything you need to shield your RV from the cold, including antifreeze, tank heaters, insulated covers, and heated hoses is right at your fingertips. Shop conveniently online and take advantage of our fast, FREE ship-to-store option at checkout to save time and money.
With the right preparation and quality winterizing gear, you can keep your RV safe, functional, and ready for adventure—no matter the season.