Before freezing weather, follow your RV and appliance manuals to drain water and protect every branch of the plumbing system. The valves and winterizing method vary by model; water heaters, filters, ice makers and washers may need different steps. Work from the manufacturer procedure, then record what you drained or bypassed for spring startup.
Use this as a planning checklist, then follow the exact procedure for your RV, water heater and water-fed appliances.
Before draining
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| RV owner manual and water-heater manual | Valve positions, drain points and winterizing methods vary by model |
| Water-heater type and bypass | A tank, tankless unit and combination heater can have different steps |
| Filters and connected appliances | Cartridges, ice makers, washers and outside showers may need to be removed, bypassed or drained |
| Chosen method and supplies | The manufacturer may specify compressed air, RV/Marine plumbing antifreeze or a dedicated drain procedure |
Turn off the water heater and follow its instructions before opening a drain or relief point. Do not apply one RV’s valve locations or pressure limits to another rig.
Drain and protect the plumbing
- Disconnect the city-water hose and drain the fresh-water tank as the manual directs.
- Empty holding tanks and open the listed low-point drains.
- Drain the water heater only after following its shutdown and cooling instructions. Set the bypass according to the RV procedure.
- Remove or bypass water filters and protect appliance lines using each appliance manual.
- Use the approved method for the remaining lines. If using RV/Marine antifreeze, choose a product labeled for RV plumbing and follow its label and the maker’s sequence. If using compressed air, stay within the specified pressure limit.
- Protect fixture traps and exterior connections as the RV manual describes, then close drains and record the valve positions for spring.
Keystone publishes both antifreeze and compressed-air procedures for its RVs, while Truma gives a separate drain procedure for its Combi water container. Those differences are why the unit-specific instructions matter.
Prepare the rig for storage
Disconnect and store hoses before freezing weather; see the RV drinking-water hose and pressure regulator guide. Prepare electrical hookups and the battery using their manuals, then review 30 amp vs 50 amp RV service before reconnecting in spring. Keep a written note of drain plugs, bypass valves and appliances that need to be restored before filling the system again.
Sources
- Keystone RV winterization steps
- RV Industry Association winter guidance
- Truma Combi frost-drain procedure
Related: all RV essentials.
Common questions
When should I winterize my RV?
Complete the model-specific procedure before water in the RV system can freeze. Use the temperature and storage guidance in your RV and appliance manuals.
Does every RV need antifreeze to winterize?
No single method applies to every RV. Some makers describe compressed air, RV plumbing antifreeze or a specific drain procedure; follow the instructions for your plumbing and appliances.
Should RV antifreeze go in the water heater?
Many RV plumbing systems use a bypass to keep antifreeze out of the water heater, but the correct procedure depends on the heater. Follow the RV and water-heater manuals, especially for tankless units.
Can I winterize an RV with compressed air?
Some manufacturers describe blowing out the plumbing, but connection and pressure limits are model-specific. Use compressed air only when the RV manual permits it and follow its stated limit.