Many RV owners in the Inland Empire assume winterizing is only for cold climates. While our valley winters are mild, temperatures in the nearby mountains regularly drop below freezing, and any RV that sits unused for months still benefits from proper winterization. Here is what you need to know to protect your investment.
Why Winterize in a Mild Climate?
Two reasons: freezing temperatures and stagnation. If you travel to Big Bear, Wrightwood, or anywhere in the mountains, your water lines can freeze overnight and crack, leading to expensive repairs. And even in the valley, water left sitting in tanks and lines for months can grow bacteria and develop odors.
Protecting Your Plumbing From Freezing
The most important part of winterizing is preventing water from freezing inside your pipes, pump, and water heater. This usually means draining the entire water system and adding RV-specific non-toxic antifreeze to the lines, or blowing the lines out with compressed air.
- Drain the fresh water tank, hot water tank, and all lines
- Bypass the water heater before adding antifreeze
- Pump RV antifreeze through every faucet until it runs pink
- Pour antifreeze into drains and toilet to protect P-traps
Preparing for Long-Term Storage
If your RV will sit for the season, disconnect or maintain the batteries on a trickle charger, clean out the refrigerator and leave it propped open, and seal entry points to keep rodents out. Cover the tires to protect them from sun damage during storage.
When to De-Winterize
Before your first trip of the season, flush the antifreeze out of the system, sanitize the fresh water tank, and check for any leaks. This is also a perfect time for a pre-trip inspection to make sure everything survived storage.
