Campers Inn RV Blog

Dewinterize Your RV and Get Ready To Camp (Part 2)

Written by Derek Cunningham | March 27, 2014

Welcome back to De-winterize Your RV and Get Ready to Camp! In part two we will be discussing everything else you need to know to get you and your camper ready to hit the road!

De-Winterize your RV Engine and RV Generator Oil and Fluids:

If you have a motor home or a generator your next step will be to change your engine and generator oils. This is a must at the start of every season even if the mileage or date does not indicate its time to change your oil. Change it now and you will be set for the rest of the season. Once you have changed your oil then need to check all of your fluid levels and top off if needed. After you check your fluids change your wiper blades as they can become cracked during the winter due to colder temperatures. This is typically forgotten until we need them so replace ahead of time and save your self the frustration.

De-winterize your RV Jacks and Levelers:

The next step in de-winterizing your camper is to operate your jacks and leveler to ensure they move freely. If you have scissor jacks this would also be a good time to lubricate them to keep them freed up all summer.

De-Winterizing RV Water System:

Now it's time for the most important part of de-winterizing your RV, de-winterizing your water system. The first step is to connect your system to city water and pressurize it. Then turn on the water pump and open all faucets, shower heads (inside and out) and run until the water runs clear from all taps. Next plug the water heater and open the by pass (if your water system is equipped with a anode rod, determine if it needs replaced). Then shut off the city water and open low point drains.

When water is left in freshwater tank it will go stagnant when the unit is in storage, so you should always flush your tank and lines before use each season. Now its time to flush and treat your fresh water system. First you want to fill the tank the tank 1/3 full then add 1/2 a cup of bleach or sanitizing solution to the tank. Let sit for 20 minutes, then run through they system with all faucets, shower heads and finally low point drains. Drain the freshwater tank until empty.

RV Wash and Wax:

We are in the home stretch now! The final step to de-winterizing your RV is to wash and wax the exterior so you can have the best looking RV in the campground! You always want to use quality wash and wax products to remove those pesky black streaks and deposits that have formed over time in storage. Then you should wax your unit with a good quality wax to protect it and decals from harmful UV rays and to also prevent black streaks from setting in, making your unit easier to clean after your trip.

There you have it folks you RV is de-winterized and ready to hit the road! We hope you enjoyed our blog post and if you would like more information about de-winterizing your unit and receive exclusive discounts on these parts and service attend one of our free Service Seminars!