Did you know that as of 2022, there are more than 11 million households that are RV owners in the United States?
Are you ready for the weather to warm up next year? It’s coming, just like spring! If you’d like to get your RV out of storage for this warm weather, de-winterizing is critical to ensuring it’s in good operating order when it’s time to hit the road.
Read on for our guide on how to de-winterize an RV before hitting the open road.
Remove All Food and Propane
When you’re ready to de-winterize an RV, the first thing you need to do is remove all the food and propane. This can be done by either taking everything out or cleaning the fridge and freezer.
You need to clean the bathroom and empty the holding tanks. Once that’s done, you need to check cabinets and drawers and thoroughly clean them. Then, you should clean out the oven and stove top.
Check the Plumbing
If your RV is winterized, that means the plumbing is inoperative. To de-winterize, you’ll need to flush out the lines with RV antifreeze and run water through them until they’re clear.
Check all the faucets, inside and out, and the toilets and showers. Turn on the water heater and let it run for a while to check for any leaks. Give the RV a good once-over to ensure everything is in good working order before heading out on your adventure.
Clean and Inspect the Roof
Assuming you have winterized your RV, you must de-winterize it before using it again. Start by cleaning and inspecting the roof. Check for any damage that might have occurred during the winter months.
Pay particular attention to the seals around the roof’s edges and the vents. These are the most likely areas for leaks. If you find any damage, repair it before moving on.
Storage and Maintenance
Another step when de-winterizing an RV is you’ll need to flush the antifreeze from the system and refill it with fresh water. To do this, you’ll need to open all the faucets and drains in the RV, including the shower, and then turn on the water pump.
Once the RV is filled with water, turn on all the appliances that use water, like the toilet, fridge, and dishwasher, to help circulate the water and remove any air from the lines. You may also need to add some best RV antifreeze to the freshwater tank to protect the pipes from freezing.
Check for Pests
When doing how to de-winterize an RV, one important thing to check for is pests. This can be done by visual inspection, using a flashlight to look for any sign of pests or damage they may have caused.
Check for pests regularly, especially if you store your RV in an area prone to infestations. If you find any evidence of problems, contact a professional exterminator.
Once you have confirmed that there are no pests, you can proceed with the de-winterization process.
Knowing How to De-Winterize an RV
If you plan on storing your RV for the winter, you’ll need to take some extra steps to prepare it. This includes adding RV antifreeze to the water lines, draining the fresh water tank, disconnecting the battery, and covering any exposed areas. Knowing how to de-winterize an RV will help it stay in good condition and be ready for your next adventure.
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