How do I winterrize my RV?

Getting Your RV Ready for Winter: Your Questions Answered

Ohio winters don't play nice with RVs. One hard freeze can crack a water line, split a fitting, or ruin a water heater, and those repairs add up fast. The good news is that winterizing isn't complicated once you know the steps. Here at Buckeye Beach Park, we've been helping RVers on Buckeye Lake since 1986, so we've gathered the questions we hear most often and answered them in plain language.

When should I winterize my RV in Ohio?

Do it before the first hard freeze, not after. In Central Ohio, overnight temperatures can dip below freezing as early as late October, so many owners winterize in mid-to-late October. If you're still camping into November, keep a close eye on the forecast. It only takes a few hours below 32°F to cause damage to exposed lines.

What happens if I skip winterizing?

Water expands when it freezes, and that's the problem. Any water left in your lines, pump, faucets, or water heater can crack pipes and fittings. Often, you won't discover the damage until spring, when you turn the water back on and find leaks behind walls or under the floor. A little time now can save you a costly repair bill later.

What supplies do I need?

Most of what you need is inexpensive and easy to find. Plan on two to three gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze (the pink kind, never automotive antifreeze), a water heater bypass kit if your rig doesn't already have one, a hand pump or siphon kit, basic hand tools, and a tank-flushing wand. If you plan to blow out your lines, you'll also need an air compressor and a blowout plug adapter.

Tip: Check your owner's manual before you start. Many RVs have model-specific valves, low-point drains, or built-in winterizing systems that make the job quicker.

How do I drain the water system?

Start by getting all the water out. Disconnect from shore water, then drain the fresh water tank. Turn off the water heater and let it cool completely before opening the drain plug or anode rod and releasing the pressure valve. Next, open the low-point drains and all the faucets, both hot and cold, including the outdoor shower. Once everything has drained, close the drains and faucets again.

Important: Never drain a hot or pressurized water heater. Always turn it off and give it plenty of time to cool down first.

Should I use antifreeze or blow out the lines?

Many RVers do both for extra peace of mind. Blowing out the lines with compressed air pushes out leftover water, while RV antifreeze protects the pump, traps, and fittings that air can miss. If you use a compressor, keep the pressure low (many manufacturers recommend staying under 50 PSI) so you don't stress the plumbing. Open one faucet at a time until only air comes out.

How do I add RV antifreeze?

Bypass the water heater first. Otherwise, you'll waste six to ten gallons of antifreeze filling the tank. Then use your water pump's winterizing valve or a hand pump to draw antifreeze into the system. Open each faucet, starting with the one closest to the pump, and run it until pink fluid flows, then close it and move to the next. Don't forget the toilet, the outdoor shower, and any ice maker or washer lines.

Finish with the drains. Pour a cup or two of antifreeze down each sink and shower drain to protect the P-traps, and add a little to the toilet bowl as well.

What should I do with the holding tanks?

Empty and clean them before storage. Dump the black tank first, then the gray tank, and flush both thoroughly with a tank wand or built-in flush system. Leftover waste can harden over the winter and cause odors or damage sensors. Once the tanks are empty, close the valves and add a small amount of RV antifreeze to keep the seals from drying out.

How do I care for batteries, tires, and propane?

Batteries: Fully charge them, then disconnect or remove them and store them in a cool, dry place that stays above freezing. A battery maintainer will keep them healthy until spring.

Tires: Inflate them to the recommended pressure and use tire covers to block UV rays. If your RV will sit for months, consider using leveling blocks or jack stands to take some weight off the tires.

Propane: Turn off the propane at the tank, and make sure all gas appliances are switched off inside.

How do I keep mice and moisture out?

Mice love a quiet, empty RV. Remove all food, including sealed snacks and pet food. Inspect the underside and seal any gaps around pipes and wiring with steel wool or expanding foam. Many owners also use peppermint oil pouches or other rodent deterrents.

Moisture can be just as damaging. Clean out the refrigerator and prop the door open to prevent mildew. Place moisture absorbers throughout the interior, and close the blinds to reduce sun fading.

Tip: Walk around the exterior and check the roof seams, windows, and vents for cracks. Resealing now helps prevent winter leaks.

Should I cover my RV for the winter?

A good cover is worth it, but choose carefully. Use a breathable cover designed for RVs. Plastic tarps trap moisture underneath, which can lead to mold and damage to the finish. Make sure the RV is clean and dry before you cover it, and secure the cover so winter winds can't whip it against the siding.

What do I do when spring comes?

De-winterizing is mostly the process in reverse. Flush the antifreeze out of the system with fresh water, take the water heater off bypass, reinstall the drain plug or anode rod, reconnect the batteries, and sanitize the fresh water system before use. Then check for leaks, test your appliances, and get ready for another season on the lake.

Already dreaming about next season? Buckeye Beach Park is the only RV park and marina on Buckeye Lake, with seasonal RV spots, newly built dock slips in a calm no-wake zone, and a sandy beach just three blocks away. Now is a great time to start planning your spot for next year.

Plan Your Next Season at Buckeye Beach Park

Family-owned since 1986, just 45 minutes east of Columbus.

Visit Our Website Call 740-538-LAKE

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Winterizing steps vary by make and model, so always follow your RV manufacturer's instructions or consult a qualified RV technician.