How To De-Winterize An RV – Free Checklist

The weather is getting warmer where I live and that means it is time to prepare for RV travel! I live in Northern Wisconsin, where winters are long and brutally cold. Once daily temps have reached the point where the high temperature climbs to above freezing, I begin to get excited about de-winterizing my RV and preparing it for a new season!

I was taught by several RV dealerships to watch the weather to know when it is safe to dewinterize. You do not want to dewinterize your RV too early, or freezing temperatures can damage the lines and the water heater. What RV dealerships have recommended to me is that when the daily high temperatures are no longer below freezing for three days in a row, it is safe to dewinterize your RV!  For me, this typically happens in March or April.

When the daily high temperatures are no longer below freezing for three days in a row, it is safe to dewinterize your RV!

Steps To DeWinterize Your RV

• Inspect the Exterior
  • Inspect the outside from the top down!
  • Make sure that it is safe to go up on your RV’s roof. If you are worried about how much weight your roof can safely hold, you can inspect the roof and higher points of your rig by using a ladder. If your RV comes with a ladder installed on the back, it is generally safe to climb up onto the roof, but be sure to check an owner’s manual first for your safety!
  • Once on the roof, look for any cracking or leaking or missing sealant around the seams. Check all caulking to make sure that it is still in good condition and shows no cracking.
  • Check the weatherstripping around all windows and doors to make sure that it is not cracked or peeling.
  • Check that the awning is intact and working properly
  • Check the tires. Check the pressure in the tires and inspect all of the tires for any cracks. Look at the tread to make sure it is in good condition. I take my RV to my local tire dealer who has done maintenance on my RV and they have always been happy to look over my tires for me to ensure that they are in good working order.
  • Don’t forget to check your spare tire as well!
  • Check the hitch for any rust, wear, or damage. If anything looks questionable, have it checked by a professional and replaced if necessary.

For tips on cleaning and protecting your RV roof, CLICK HERE!

• Reinstall, Check, and Charge Your Batteries
  • If your RV batteries remained outside during winter, they have most likely lost a significant amount of their charge. If you are able to, it is best to remove the batteries and store them indoors during the winter (I put mine in my basement), or periodically charge them during the winter.
  • First, your safety is important! Make sure all power to the RV is turned off and no shore power is connected.
  • Check the terminals and connections of the batteries for corrosion. If you find areas that are corroded, you can clean them using hot water and baking soda.
  • Check for cracks in the batteries. If you find any, your batteries should be replaced.
  • Give your batteries a full charge. 

If you would like to go RVing, here’s Everything You Need To Know!

• Flush the Water System
  • If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze to protect your system for the winter, your system will need to be flushed.
  • Flushing Your Water System
    • Fill your fresh water holding tank with potable water or connect to a city water supply
    • Turn on the water pump
    • Open all faucets, including bathrooms, showers, and the outdoor shower
    • Flush the toilet several times as you run the water.
    • When the water comes through clear, turn off the faucets.
    • Remove your water heater from the bypass mode
    • Check all of the lines for any leaks

• Sanitize the Water System
  • Check the capacity of your water tank. If you are not sure, your owner’s manual or an internet search for the specifications of your RV will tell you. Here is a link for RV Specifications.
  • Mix 1/4 c. bleach to a gallon of water for every 15 gallons your water tank holds.
  • Add the bleach mixture to your fresh water holding tank.
  • Fill the remainder of your fresh water holding tank with potable water.
  • Pump the water through all of the lines and let it sit for four to twelve hours. Do not let it in the lines for more than twelve hours as this can cause damage to the synthetic seals.
  • Drain all of the water from the fresh tank.
  • Refill the fresh tank with potable water.
  • Run water through all lines until there is no smell of bleach.

• Check the Propane System
  • If you use removable propane tanks, replace them with new tanks. If you have a motorhome, you may need to go to a propane station to refill your tank.
  • Safety first! Turn off all LP appliances. Don’t smoke or have any open flames near the propane system, and make sure that an LP leak detector in your RV is turned on.
  • Open the valve on your propane tank and check to see if you smell any leaks.
  • Using a watered sponge, apply water to the valves and regulator and watch for any bubbles or spurting. This indicates a leak.
  • Check for any damage to the wires and hoses.
  • If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the propane immediately and have a certified RV service technician inspect and complete any repairs.
  • Some states require propane tanks to be re-certified regularly. Make sure that you know the requirements for your state. Here is a link to a guide for recertification After making sure the propane system is in good working order, turn on each propane appliance to make sure that it works properly.
  • Make sure that your water heater valves have been reversed, the water lines are open, and you have filled the water heater before turning it on.
  • If you suspect that there is a problem with any of your propane appliances, turn them off immediately and have a certified RV service technician inspect and complete any repairs.

• Interior Check
  • Pull out the steps and lubricate them if necessary.
  • Put out slides and add lubrication
  • Check ceilings for any discoloration from water leaks
  • Check cupboards, drawers, and other areas that small critters may have gotten into. Immediately remove anything left behind from a pest.
  • Open all windows to make sure they are working properly

• Engine Check
  • If you have a motorhome, you will need to check the engine.
  • Begin by Checking all of the fluid levels.
  • Start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds
  • Check that headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers are in good working order
  • If any service lights come on, have them checked by a certified mechanic
  • Take your rig for a drive and listen to the sounds it makes. If anything sounds unusual, have it looked at more closely.

• Generator Check
  • Check the exhaust area of the generator for any damage or blockage
  • Check the oil level of your generator. This may appear on a small monitor inside of your RV.
  • Start the generator and run it for at least an hour
  • If there are any problems with the generator, have it inspected and repaired

• Registration and Insurance
  • Make sure that registration is updated and all stickers are current on your RV
  • Make sure that insurance is up to date and that you have the most recent insurance cards inside of your RV

• Clean the Inside and Outside, Stock up, and GO CAMPING!
  • Get everything ready and get out there!

I do not get all of these tasks done in one day. I typically work on de-winterizing my camper over a few weekends, and often finish some checks at my first camping trip!