Chances are you’re storing your trailer somewhere cold this winter, which means you’ll need to winterize it in order to avoid disruptions or damage to your critical systems (plumbing, electrical, propane etc.). RecProtect is here to give you 7 simple steps to winterize your camper:
1. Clean and Inspect (Interior and Exterior)
Ensuring the interior’s clean gives you a “fresh-start” feeling when you start travelling again come spring, but it also prevents unwanted guests and surprises. Be sure to:
- Remove extra clothing/bedding
- Remove all food (cabinets and fridge)
- Inspect for any signs of mold
- Empty and clean fridge (turn off, empty, defrost, clean and dry), then prop the doors open so it can air out
For the exterior of the camper you will need to:
- Inspect roof for cracks in weather stripping and seals
- Clean and ensure no damage to slides and awning
Any observed damage must be addressed and repaired prior to storing for the winter.
2. Disconnect Batteries and Solar Panels
Batteries slowly lose charge in storage, and a discharged battery can freeze and crack in cold temperatures. Fully charge your batteries, then disconnect them and store them somewhere cool and dry, topping up the charge every month or so. Likewise, if you have solar panels on your trailer and you remove the batteries, disconnect or cover the panels, as a solar charge controller should not be left running with no battery attached. Finally, closing the valves on your propane tanks in case a leak was to develop is also advised.
3. Drain and Clean Waste Water Tanks
Empty both waste tanks at a dump station, black tank first and grey tank second, so the grey water rinses the hose. Black tanks need to be thoroughly cleaned so spring doesn’t welcome you with a distasteful scent. Alternating between opening and closing the valve, in five-minute increments, while the black tank flush is running is the best way to deep clean the system. Never leave the flush running unattended with the valve closed, as the tank can overfill. Another way of cleaning this system, if you don’t have a black tank flush, is using a tank rinsing wand through your toilet.
4. Drain Fresh Water Tank and Lines
Open the drain valve on your fresh water tank and let it empty completely. Then open the low-point drains for the hot and cold lines, along with every faucet, the shower, and the toilet valve, so the lines can drain. Run the water pump for a few seconds to clear any remaining water, then switch it off. Close the drains and faucets once the water stops flowing.
5. Drain Water Heater
Turn off the water heater (both propane and electric), let the water cool completely, and open the pressure relief valve before you begin. Never drain a tank that is hot or under pressure. Water heaters are typically located through a panel outside. You’ll need to remove the drain plug that’s behind this access panel, there may be an anode rod attached to the plug as well depending on the make/model of your trailer. Let the water completely drain before replacing the plug and closing the panel. If you will be using antifreeze in the next step, set the water heater bypass valves so the tank doesn’t fill with antifreeze, and leave the electric element off until the tank is refilled in spring.
6. Protect the Pipes
Caring for the pipes by either blowing the water out of the system or pumping antifreeze into the pipes will prevent the pipes from freezing and breaking during winter storage. If you blow out the lines, keep the air pressure to no more than 30 to 40 psi and open one faucet at a time until no water comes out. If you use antifreeze, confirm the water heater is bypassed first, then use only non-toxic RV antifreeze, never automotive antifreeze, and run each faucet (hot and cold), the shower, and the toilet until it flows pink. Either way, pour a cup of RV antifreeze down each drain and into the toilet to protect the traps.
7. Storing your Travel Trailer Properly
Once the maintenance of your trailer is handled you need to ensure it’s being stored in a proactive way, as snow and ice exposure can cause issues. The best choice is to store your trailer in a covered location that can protect it from winter’s elements. However, if this isn’t an option, a travel trailer cover provides at least one layer of protection from the winter weather it may be exposed to.
Protect Your Trailer All Winter with RecProtect Trailer Insurance
Proper winterization sets you up for a smooth start when camping season returns, but it can’t prevent everything. Theft, vandalism, fire and storm damage can all happen while your trailer sits in storage.
That’s why we recommend keeping your trailer insured year-round, even when it is not in use. RecProtect specializes in recreational insurance, so your trailer insurance policy is built around how you use and store your trailer. Before you put your trailer away this winter, take a few minutes to review your policy with a RecProtect broker and confirm you have the right coverage in place.
Enjoy the winter months worry-free. Get your free trailer insurance quote in less than 30 seconds or call us at 888-887-0881 to speak with a broker.