theruggednerdHey there RV enthusiasts!
Are you ready to hit the road again after storing your rig for the winter? Then it’s time to de-winterize it and get it ready for some serious adventure. But where do you start? No worries, I’ve got you covered with these simple steps for de-winterizing and rolling out of storage!
Step 1: Flush the Anti-Freeze From the Water System
The first thing you’ll want to do is flush the anti-freeze out of your water system to make sure it’s ready for use. This means draining any anti-freeze by opening the low-point valves (generally located at the rear of the camper). It helps to open all of faucets to allow faster draining. Don’t forget the outside shower and sprayer lines. REMEMBER to cap the drain lines when done!
Now time to flush the lines with clean water. I usually start by filling my fresh water tank for a minute or two, then let it drain to get rid of any stagnant water that may have remained through the winter. I then fill it up to about 1/2 capacity (20 gal. of our 40 gal. tank). Before turning on the water pump, I make sure to:
- Remove and dump the water filter reservoir and dump out the anti-freeze and add your new filter
- Switch the water pump intake from anti-freeze route to fresh water tank
- Install the hot water tank anode/plug (replace if severely corroded)
- Close all faucets except the kitchen sink, which I leave open
At this point, I’ll turn on the water pump and let the air flow through the line to the kitchen sink, until water streams through and there is no sign of the pink anti-freeze. I then run the hot water line on the kitchen until clear water flows as well. Repeat for ALL faucets, including those on the outside. Also be sure to flush the toilet and shower(s) as well.
Once all of the anti-freeze is completely flushed, you can reroute the water through the hot water tank by resetting the hot water bypass valves to flow through the tank. Be sure to keep the hot water valve of the nearest faucet open until all of the air from the hot water tank is out an water flows steadily. This may take a minute, and cycling the faucet on and off a couple times can help prime the flow. With all lines flushed with clean water, you can now turn off the water pump and drain the excess water.
If you have any concerns, it really is best to consult your RV manual and/or a professional to make sure you’ve completed all of the steps.
Step 2: Check Your Tires
Winter storage can take a toll on your tires, so it’s important to check their air pressure and inspect them for any cracks or damage. If your tires look good, you’re ready to hit the road. If not, it’s best to get them replaced before you set out on your next adventure. If you have any doubts, check out this video on how to check your tires from the team at Campers Inn RV:
Step 3: Test Your Systems
Before you hit the road, test ALL of your RV’s systems to make sure they’re working properly. This includes checking the heating and air conditioning, the hot water heater, and the refrigerator. Also check the mechanics of your lift, stabilizers, lights, etc. If anything isn’t working as it should, now’s the time to get it fixed before you hit the road. There are hundreds of videos online for any possible fix, and if you’re counting on your warranty, just be prepared for long wait times to get anything fixed. If it’s minor and you’ve got the right tools and a go-get-’em attitude, it might be right for you fix it yourself and save time and money. Just don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Step 4: Clean Up!
After being stored away for the winter, your RV is probably in need of a good cleaning. So, grab a broom, a mop, and some cleaning supplies and get to work! Don’t forget to clean the windows, vacuum the carpets, and give the inside a good wiping down. Also check for signs of animals, i.e. mouse droppings/nesting materials, ants, or holes from woodpeckers. Hopefully you didn’t leave any food in there to attract pests and rodents… if you do see signs of an intruder, be sure to thoroughly check in and out all over your RV for damage and nests!
Step 5: Hit the Road!
Once your RV is cleaned up and all systems are go, it’s time to hit the road. But before you do, make sure you have all the necessary gear for your trip, like a camping table and chairs, a cooler, a fire pit, etc. It’s been a while since your last trip. Don’t count on your memory, USE A CHECKLIST! If you don’t have one, keep an eye on our upcoming post with links to checklists, apps, and other resources to make your trip planning and traveling easier.
Well, there you have it – five simple steps for getting your RV ready for the road after winter storage. So, what are you waiting for? Get your rig de-winterized and bring on the adventure!
Do you have any tips for de-winterizing your RV? Let us know in the comments below!