4 Quick Actions To Winterize Your Motorhome In 2021
This coming winter is slated to be colder than usual. Last October, the National Oceanic, and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center detected the La Niña phenomenon over the Pacific. The winter is expected to last for some time. In the United States, temperatures are expected to decrease by 10 to 15 degrees in most areas.
If you're a motorhome owner, now is the time to worry about winterizing. Doing so is critical for preventing damage from freezing temperatures and can help your RV bounce back faster in the spring.
Don't know where to begin? Here are some quick actions you can take to get started.
Winterize your Plumbing System
Winterize your RV water system to prevent freezing. This will save you from dealing with cracked pipes in the spring. Turn off the water heater and remove any water line filters. Then drain the water heater by removing the drain plug.
Flush your black, gray, and freshwater holding tanks at an RV-approved dumping site. Make sure that you drain all the water from the fresh water holding tank using the low point drains. Then open all hot and cold faucets and flush the toilet to clear your RV waterlines.
If you have a water heater bypass installed, set it to bypass mode. Fill all your tanks, pipes, drains and P traps with antifreeze. Consult your owner's manual to make sure it is RV antifreeze approved for your RV model.
A water pump converter kit will make this process easier. Using this you can use the water pump to draw the antifreeze into the plumbing system. It also allows you to fill the city water side of the pump, which is a good idea.
Put the antifreeze hose into the bottle containing a gallon of antifreeze. Then, turn on the pump and open the faucets, plus any other water outlet to fill the lines.
This includes the sink and toilet. Do the same for other appliances like washing machines. Put a cupful of antifreeze into the toilet for the winter
However, it's recommended you use a water heater by-pass kit to ensure you don't waste antifreeze on this particular device. Don't worry about the pressure relief valve, it won't be impacted by this process.
Conduct Food Removal and Rodent Prevention
Some things you don't want to accumulate in your motorhome over the winter include molds, insects, and rodents. For this, food removal and rodent prevention are crucial. Defrost your RV fridge and clear out any food there and in any cupboards before you store your rv.
Afterward, do some pest control. Spray anti-rodent foam and insect repellent in cracks and places where food and garbage have previously been stored. Meanwhile, using cordless de-humidifiers can help reduce moisture, prevent mold and mildew from growing. This can improve the overall air quality in your RV.
Protect Your RV's Electrical and Electronics Systems
The generator, engine, and battery form the heart of your RV. They can also be the most vulnerable to damage from the cold. Unplug all power-draining devices and clean the generator's printed circuit board with a degreaser.
It's also a good idea to remove your coach batteries for the duration of the winter. If a battery discharges, it can freeze and split open, leaving you with no option except battery replacement. Remember that batteries discharge more quickly in colder temperatures.
Bring the batteries inside and store them in dry and well-ventilated space. If you choose to leave the batteries in your coach, connect a trickle charger to prevent discharging in the cold weather.
This will preserve its power integrity, allowing it to stay in top condition. You want to ensure that your generator is ready whenever you need it.
Meanwhile, fill up on engine oil, as well as brake, windshield, and transmission fluid. If you're not using your RV in the winter, remove and store your battery in a warm, dry location. You can also leave batteries in the RV, especially if your vehicle uses multiple units. Just be sure to disconnect the negative cable first.
Cover Your RV Exterior
Finally, don't neglect your RV's exterior. Tires can flatten through the winter from carrying the entire weight of your RV. Consider elevating your motorhome or parking it on concrete. You can also use tire covers to prevent them deflating from the cold.
Similarly, a fresh coat of wax can protect your RV from the elements. If you have awnings, clean them to prevent molding. As a bonus step, you can oil all door locks and hinges for better functionality in the spring. However, don't forget to cover your RV with a tarp from both above and below for added protection.
Though there are other things you can do to effectively winterize your motorhome, these steps are the most basic. By doing so, you'll be protecting one of your most prized possessions. Your RV will be better equipped to face of the record winter temperatures we're bound to face in the coming months.