Winterizing your travel trailer is important to protect it from the cold and avoid damage during the off-season. Have you thought about how to keep everything in good condition while it’s parked for the winter? Draining the Water systems and protecting the inside and outside of your trailer are key steps. These steps can save you a lot of hassle when spring arrives. However, there is one important task many people forget. Are you ready for it?
Drain Water Systems in Your Travel Trailer
To winterize your travel trailer, you need to drain all water systems to prevent freezing and possible damage. Here’s what you should do:
When I winterized my travel trailer, I quickly realized that draining the water system is key to avoiding a frozen mess. First, I opened all the faucets—hot and cold—to let air flow through the pipes. Then, I located the low point drain plugs beneath the trailer and released any trapped water. I drained the fresh water tank to make sure no water was left to freeze. I also flushed the toilet to empty both the bowl and the tank, and I didn’t forget the water heater—removing the plug to drain it was necessary.
I used an air compressor set to 40 PSI to blow out the remaining water from the pipes, leaving nothing to freeze. I also drained the outside shower, ice maker, and washing machine, which are often overlooked. It took about 10 minutes for gravity to do its job, and once the water stopped flowing, I knew my plumbing was safe for the season.
Add RV Antifreeze in Your Travel Trailer
When you winterize your travel trailer, adding RV antifreeze is an important step to protect the plumbing system from freezing. Use non-toxic propylene glycol RV antifreeze made for RVs. Avoid using automotive antifreeze. You’ll typically need 2-3 gallons for most trailers.
Steps for Adding Antifreeze
- Connect the Pump: Attach the water pump intake to the antifreeze bottle using a pump converter kit. This lets the pump draw antifreeze into the system.
- Activate the Pump: Turn on the water pump to pressurize the system.
- Open Faucets: Start with the faucet farthest from the pump. Open each faucet one by one. Let the pink antifreeze come out, then close it. Do this for all faucets, the showerhead, toilet, and outside shower.
- Protect the Drains: Pour 1 cup of antifreeze down each drain to protect the P-traps.
- Toilet Care: Add 2-3 cups of antifreeze to the toilet and flush to fully protect the system.
- Fresh Water Tank: Pour 1-2 cups of antifreeze into the fresh water tank.
Additional Tips
- Water Heater Bypass: Engage the water heater bypass to avoid wasting antifreeze in the heater. Don’t add antifreeze to the water heater.
- Blow Out Water Lines: Before adding antifreeze, blow out any remaining water in the lines with compressed air to avoid clogs.
- Follow the Manual: Check your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific winterizing instructions.
- Label Faucets: Label winterized faucets to avoid accidental use during the winter.
- Proper Disposal: Dispose of used or excess antifreeze in an environmentally safe way.
Protect Exterior
As winter comes, it’s time to protect your travel trailer. The cold winds can damage the exterior, so it’s important to prevent wear and tear. I recommend taking a few easy steps now to keep your trailer in great shape throughout the colder months. Think of it as getting your trailer ready for a cozy winter rest, so it’s ready for your adventures when the warmer days return.
Clean and Wax the Exterior
To protect your travel trailer during the winter, wash and wax the exterior first. This helps create a strong barrier against dirt and moisture, which prevents rust and grime. I learned this lesson the hard way last winter when I skipped this step and found rust spots by spring. I quickly realized that a good waxing job is worth the effort in the long run.
Also, check all seals—windows, doors, and vents. Even a small gap can let water in, which could lead to mold or even damage the structure. Seal up those cracks, and you’ll avoid problems down the road.
Use an RV Cover
If you’re storing your trailer outdoors, it’s important to invest in a good RV cover made for your specific model. It will protect your trailer from snow, ice, and the buildup of leaves and debris, which can cause long-term damage. I remember the first winter I left my trailer uncovered. The next spring, I spent hours cleaning out leaves and dirt that had gotten into every corner. A well-fitted cover saved me time and effort.
Prepare Interior
To winterize your travel trailer’s interior, it’s important to follow a few simple steps to protect it from damage and pests during the colder months.
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Clean and Declutter | Remove all food items from the cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer. This will help prevent attracting pests and spoilage.
Clean and defrost the refrigerator. Leave the doors slightly open to allow air to circulate and prevent mold. Wipe down all surfaces inside, including countertops, sinks, showers, and toilets. This will ensure no food particles or moisture remain, which could cause mold or mildew. Take out bedding, towels, and fabric items to prevent mildew and musty odors in the cold, damp environment. |
| Prevent Pests and Moisture | Place moisture absorbers like DampRid in various places to reduce humidity and stop condensation.
Set mouse or pest traps in key spots to stop rodents from settling in your trailer during winter. Spray entry points with pest repellent to block insects or rodents from getting inside. Leave ceiling vents slightly open to improve air circulation and reduce moisture buildup, which can cause mold. |
| Protect Appliances and Electronics | Take out batteries from devices like smoke detectors, clocks, and small electronics to prevent them from draining during the winter.
Turn off the propane at the main tank and all appliances to avoid leaks or accidents. |
| Additional Measures | Cover upholstered furniture with sheets or plastic to keep off dust.
Close all window blinds or shades to protect the interior from sun damage and keep it cool. Open cabinet doors and drawers to encourage air circulation and avoid moisture buildup in hidden areas. |
Expert Opinion:
“Winterizing your travel trailer may seem like a big task, but breaking it down step by step makes it easier. It also ensures your trailer is ready for the tough winter conditions. Draining the water systems is especially important. Even a small amount of water left behind can cause costly damage when it freezes. I recommend using an air compressor to clear out any remaining water. This will help keep your pipes intact. Also, don’t forget about the exterior. Waxing and sealing cracks might seem like extra effort, but it’s key to prevent moisture and rust that could shorten your trailer’s lifespan.”
————https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE-CXoNq35k
[man.zhou], Winterization Specialist with 15+ years of experience in RV maintenance and care.
Battery and Power Systems
Preparing the battery and power systems of your travel trailer for winter is important to ensure they work well when you’re ready to travel again. Here are some easy steps to help protect your batteries and electrical components during the cold months.
Battery Removal and Maintenance
First, disconnect and remove the batteries from your travel trailer to avoid damage caused by low temperatures. Store them in a warm, dry place, ensuring they are not placed directly on the ground. This helps prevent cold-related issues and extends battery life. Next, clean the battery terminals and cables using a baking soda solution to remove any corrosion. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the terminals to prevent further corrosion and maintain good connections. Before storing the batteries, make sure they are fully charged, as a fully charged battery is less likely to freeze and can withstand temperatures as low as -80°F. For lead-acid batteries, check the water levels and top them off with distilled water if necessary.
Battery Storage and Equipment Protection
During winter storage, use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the batteries in good condition, maintaining a voltage of 13.2-13.8 volts to ensure they are ready for use in the spring. Additionally, inspect the battery box and hold-downs for any damage, clean out debris, and ensure all components are securely tightened. A damaged battery box can pose safety risks, so this step is crucial. Also, turn off all 12V power at the main battery disconnect switch to prevent any drain on the batteries while in storage. For sensitive electronics, such as stereos or TVs, remove and store them properly to protect them from freezing or condensation damage.
Solar Panel and Generator Maintenance
To protect your solar panels from snow and ice damage, cover them up to ensure they remain in good condition for the next season. For the generator, lubricate the spark plugs and change the oil before storage to prevent moisture buildup. Run the generator under load for 15-30 minutes once a month to keep the parts lubricated and functioning smoothly. Finally, for safety, top off your propane tanks to 80% capacity to allow for expansion and avoid overfilling. Use plastic covers to protect the tanks from the elements.
Additional Steps
To winterize your travel trailer, there are a few extra tasks beyond the basics. These steps will help protect your trailer from cold, moisture, and pests, ensuring it stays in great condition during the winter months.
Protect the Exterior
Wash and wax the exterior to create a barrier against the elements. Check and reseal cracks or gaps in the walls, windows, and doors to prevent water damage and drafts. Cover vents and openings to stop pests from entering. Additionally, lubricate awning arms and slideout mechanisms to ensure smooth operation when you use them again.
Prepare the Interior
Remove all food from the trailer and clean the refrigerator to prevent odors and pests. Open cabinet doors and drawers to allow air circulation and prevent mold and mildew. Place moisture absorbers around the trailer to control humidity. Remove batteries from devices like smoke detectors or remotes, and store them in a dry place to avoid leakage.
Tire and Chassis Care
Inflate tires to the recommended pressure to avoid flat spots during storage. Cover tires to protect them from UV rays that can cause cracking. Lubricate wheel bearings to prevent rust and ensure smooth movement when you’re ready to drive again. Apply a rust inhibitor to any exposed metal surfaces to avoid corrosion over the winter.
Other Important Steps
Drain and flush the water heater to avoid freezing and damage. Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to keep the fuel fresh. Disconnect propane tanks and store them in a safe, dry place. Remove valuables and important documents to avoid damage or theft.
Checklist of Items to Remove
- Bedding/linens
- Electronics
- Toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
- Clothing
- Outdoor gear
Conclusion
Winterizing your travel trailer might seem like a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it. After skipping this process one winter, I learned the hard way. When spring came, I found cracked pipes and moldy interiors. Draining the water system is essential to prevent freezing damage, but there’s more to it. I spent an entire day sealing every crack, waxing the exterior, and emptying out every drawer. Knowing my trailer is safe from moisture, pests, and rust during the cold months gives me peace of mind. It means I’m ready to hit the road as soon as the weather warms up. This preparation has saved me time and money, and my next adventure is always just a few steps away.
FAQs
1. How often should I winterize my travel trailer?
You should winterize your travel trailer every year before the first freeze. Even if you live in a milder climate, it’s a good practice to winterize if you expect temperatures to drop below freezing.
2. Can I use regular antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?
No, regular antifreeze is toxic and not safe for your plumbing system. Always use RV-specific antifreeze, which is non-toxic and designed for this purpose.
3. Do I need to winterize my travel trailer if I store it indoors?
Yes, even if stored indoors, it’s a good idea to winterize your travel trailer. Indoor storage doesn’t guarantee that temperatures won’t drop below freezing, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. How long does it take to winterize a travel trailer?
The process typically takes a few hours, depending on the size of your trailer and your experience. It’s a good idea to set aside a full day to ensure everything is done correctly.
5. Can I use my travel trailer in the winter without winterizing it?
Yes, but you need to take extra precautions. Keep the heat on to prevent freezing, and consider using heated water hoses and tank heaters. However, for long-term storage, winterizing is the best option.
