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Blooming flowers have been replaced by fall leaves, and chilly nights are back. That means it’s time to think about winterizing your RV. Parking your RV for the winter requires some preventative measures to be sure it’s operating in peak condition next spring.

Wanting to get started yourself? You’ll want to visit our Parts Department for supplies:

• Non-toxic RV antifreeze(The amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. Two to three gallons will normally do).
• A water heater by-pass kit
• A wand to clean out holding tanks.
• A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.
• Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.

Now you can being to winterize your RV water system to protect it from freezing, or schedule an appointment today and we’ll take care of everything for you. Be sure to read your owners manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines.

• Flush and bypass inline water filters.
• Drain fresh water holding tank.
• Drain and flush gray and black holding tanks.
• Drain water heater.
• Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
• Locate and open the low point drain lines.
• Recap all drains and close all faucets.
• By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze.
• Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank). Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of non-toxic RV antifreeze.
• Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required.
• Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.
• Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
• Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.
• Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
• If your water heater has an electric heating element make sure it is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
• Make sure all the faucets are closed.
• Consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines.

These ideas are not a comprehensive list for all RVs. Visit the experts at All Seasons RV Service Department for all your winterization needs.