Learn How to Winterize Your RV
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 12
Don’t let freezing temps catch you off guard. Winterizing your RV can feel overwhelming, but we make it simple by walking you through the process step by step. We created two easy-to-follow videos showing both common winterizing methods: the antifreeze-only method and the compressed air plus antifreeze method, demonstrated on two different RV setups.
Video 1: Watch as we winterize a small travel trailer with basic features using the antifreeze-only method from start to finish.
Video 2: Follow along as we winterize a larger fifth-wheel RV with a more complex plumbing system using both compressed air and antifreeze.
Below, you’ll find the key steps from both videos, plus the tools and supplies we used so you can confidently winterize your RV yourself.
If your RV has extra appliances such as a dishwasher, ice maker, or washing machine, check out our RV Winterization Playlist for videos on these appliances and more winterization tips.
Winterization RV Checklist
Download the Excel checklist and customize it to fit your RV setup.
Winterization Tools & Supplies Used
RV Antifreeze (any type like this will work)
Socket 1-1/16" (for Suburban Steel Tanks)
Socket 15/16" (for Atwood/Dometic Aluminum Tanks)
Anode Rod (for Suburban Steel Tanks)
Gloves & Rags
Winterization Blow Out Adapters with Valve
Winterization RV Video Outline
These are the main steps shown in Video #2, where we use both compressed air and antifreeze.
Drain all holding tanks: freshwater, grey, and black.
Turn off the water heater.
Let the water cool and drain the water heater.
Remove the anode rod (for a steel water heater) or plastic plug (for an aluminum water heater).
Remove the inline water filter.
Put the water heater in bypass mode.
Compressed Air (Optional):
Blow out water lines according to the steps in the video.
Open up all faucets one at a time to blow air through the lines.
Anti-Freeze Method
Do steps 1-6 first (from first section).
Turn RV valves to winterize.
Open a bottle of anti-freeze and set it up to be sucked from the bottle.
Turn the RV water pump on.
Prime the system (about 1 jug) and run anti-freeze through both the hot and cold lines.
Run anti-freeze through all faucets, shower, toilets, etc., both hot and cold lines.
Switch jugs of anti-freeze as needed.
Open low-point drains, both hot and cold lines.
Run anti-freeze through the black tank flush line (if possible).
Close freshwater, grey, and black water holding tank valves.
Pour anti-freeze down all drains to fill p-traps.
Pour anti-freeze into the toilet, flush, fill again, and leave some in the bottom of the toilet.
Turn the RV water pump off.
Drain and disconnect the fresh water hose and sewer hoses.
About Us
Mobile RV Tech Services specializes in onsite RV repair, maintenance, and inspections. We service your RV at your home, campground, or storage unit in Iosco county in Michigan from April 15 - December 15, and Houston, Texas, from January 1 - April 1.
You can learn more about the services we offer and find additional RV resources on our website at https://www.mobilervtechservices.com.
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