DIY Network

Winter RV Walk-Through Learn how to winterize your RV for the road. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-113

Before RVing in the winter, there are few extra precautions you should take to make sure the key systems in your RV will function properly in the colder weather. Host Gary Bunzer shows the Brinkis family (Linas, Lynette and children Joseph, Cassie and Tristan) how to check the water pump.

A frozen water pump can force the water lines to crack—or worse—break and cause leaks. Gary will help make sure that doesn't happen as well as a few other winterizing tips!

Linas Brinkis drives this Class C motorhome six hours each way from...

Laguna Hills, Ca., to Mammoth Mountain each weekend in the winter!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Winterizing Your RV

5' sections of foam insulating tube (5/8" in diameter)
egg crate
zip tie
toothpick

Tools:

scissors
utility knife

• Check the LP Tank--specifically the regulator (figure A). The LP regulator delivers an even flow of propane to the on board appliances. Make sure the regulator cover is secure and not open to any road debris.

• Check the weep holes (figure B) on the exterior windows (located at the base) of the RV. Make sure they are free of debris. Use a toothpick to remove any debris you may discover and then rinse the area with water. Also, around the window, make sure to check the gaskets and check that you have a tight seal.

• Check the water pump (figure C). A frozen water pump can force the water lines to crack—or worse—break and cause leaks. To make sure your pump is good to go you should:
  1. Check the pump operation to insure it's working properly.
     
  2. Check the filter from tank to pump.
     
  3. Pressurize the system (with a pump) and check for leaks.
     
  4. Insulate the pump and any water lines nearby with insulating tubes.
     
  5. Secure a piece of egg crate around the water pump itself.

Lynette Brinkis grew up RVing to Lake Tahoe every year, and her father would haul the trailer with his Cadillac, seen here.

More Tips for Getting Your RV Ready for Winter

• Protect your holding tanks. Holding tanks can be an unpleasant experience even in the best of circumstances—imagine how bad they would be if they were frozen! Pouring RV antifreeze down the toilets and sinks will help prevent freezing. You'll need four gallons of anti-freeze.

• Inspect all the furnace vents. Getting proper heat into the RV is important in colder weather. To ensure the heat is getting to the right areas of the coach, make sure all the vents are angled properly and are not corroded with any dust and debris.

• Check and insulate the water lines. This will help ensure that your pipes don't freeze. In case they do freeze you should always carry at least five to six gallons of fresh water onboard.

• Insulate all cracks and penetrations to the RV. As much as you want to keep the warm air in the RV, you also want to keep the cold air out. Place egg crate bedding cushion in the roof vents and in anywhere cracks or openings appear in the RV floor. Once inside the RV, hang a quilted blanket over the front door to prevent additional cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.