winterizing a grand design travel trailer

Adventure More

Content submission.

Please provide a detailed description of the type of content you would like us to consider publishing on the Adventure More Blog. 

How to Winterize Your RV or Travel Trailer in Six Easy Steps

Temperatures will soon be dropping, which means you’ll need to prepare your RV for winter. This will protect your RV from damage caused by low temperatures. If you live somewhere warm, these steps are unnecessary, but for those of us in colder climates, it is paramount that we properly winterize our RVs.

Winterizing your RV doesn’t need to be difficult. Just follow these six steps and you’ll be set for the off season.

What you will need:

• 2 jugs of RV antifreeze
• Small receptacle that fits in your sink

Step One: Empty black and gray tanks.

It’s important to begin the winterization process with empty black and gray water holding tanks. Once this step is complete, close the valves.

Step Two: Drain the freshwater tank.

To complete this step, you will need to turn off the water pump. Then you can drain the water and close the valve when you are finished.

Step Three: Clear your water lines.

Put a small receptacle that fits in your RV’s sink, like a bucket or bowl, under the faucet. This will catch water so that it doesn’t go back into your tanks. Next, open the hot and cold sides of the faucet and turn on the water pump until the water ceases to flow. This could take about fifteen minutes. Repeat this process on every sink or shower in your RV.

Once that is complete, place a bucket under the drain valves. Open the low-point valves (these should remain open). After your water lines are cleared, remember to close all faucets and replace drain plugs to prepare for antifreeze.

However, you should open the water heater plug at this time.

Step Four: Bypass the hot water heater.

Many RVs come with a hot water heater bypass system, but some do not. In the case that your RV does not have one, you can purchase one or have it installed by a professional - or you can just skip this step altogether. This step is technically optional because bypassing the hot water heater with the valve simply prevents antifreeze from entering the tank. While antifreeze will not damage your hot water heater, filling it isn’t really necessary and allowing antifreeze to enter would be a waste of at least six gallons.

In any case, you should close your low point drain valves before proceeding.

Step Five: Prepare to fill with antifreeze.

To begin adding antifreeze to your RV plumbing system, you will first need to make sure that you have installed a water pump converter kit. With this in place, you will want to find the siphon from the kit and insert it into one gallon of nontoxic pink RV antifreeze.

Step Six: Let the RV antifreeze run through your system.

Turn on the faucet closest to your water pump and let it flow until you start to see pink. Be sure to do this with both the cold and hot water faucets.

Next, turn on all faucets for sinks and showers and open the toilet valves in addition to all exterior faucets and ports, allowing the antifreeze to flow through your entire system. Flush the toilet until you can see the pink antifreeze. It is also wise to pour about one cup of antifreeze down each drain and the toilet.

Lastly, you need antifreeze to flow through the city water intake. This should be located on the outside of your RV. To complete this step, take off the cap and remove the screen. Then, push on the valve until you see antifreeze. After this is done, you can replace the screen and the cap.

Step Six: Disconnect from antifreeze.

Now that you have drained your tanks and allowed antifreeze to flow throughout your system, you can put it away. Once this is done, you can turn the water pump off and stow the gallon of leftover antifreeze. 

And that’s it! You’re ready to store your RV for the winter.

To go the extra mile, there are a few more things you can do to keep your RV in its best condition during the winter, such as emptying your fridge and cupboards of food that could spoil or attract pests, turning off or unplug appliances or other electronics, and making sure the propane valve is off. You should also check your manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining the battery during the winter.

If you are uncertain about any of these steps for your Grand Design RV, feel free to contact us with your questions or ask your local Grand Design RV service center .

Related posts

How to winterize a Grand Design travel trailer?

When the cold winter approaches, most camping enthusiasts bid farewell to another great season of exploring the wilderness while looking forward to the next one. However, storing your travel trailer during the winter months isn’t just a matter of parking it somewhere and leaving it there until next spring. RVs have water in their supply and drain lines, and water increases its volume when frozen. This may cause your pipelines to burst, and you certainly don’t want to start the RV season by spending time and money to fix yours.

This guide can help you prepare your RV for the winter. By following these steps, you can pick up where you left off when the spring comes, and get back on the road in your RV in no time. 

Steps to Winterize an RV

When the time comes to prepare your travel trailer for the winter, you can either do it yourself or leave it to a professional RV repair shop. If you choose the former, these are the steps you can take to make sure your trailer will be fine the following spring:

1. Gather the Necessary Supplies

As with many DIY tasks, the first step is to get the materials you need for the job. Since winterizing a travel trailer essentially means replacing all water in its pipes with antifreeze, you’ll need a few gallons of RV-specific antifreeze. The exact amount differs depending on your exact make and model, but a few gallons should be enough. You also need a water heater bypass kit and a water pump converter kit, which allow you to drain your RV’s water heater. You should check first, as you may already have them installed.

While these are the bare necessities, you also need some extra gear to help you when winterizing an RV travel trailer. This includes the tools you need to remove your trailer’s drain plugs, a bucket to help you avoid spilling water, and a cleaning wand.

2. Remove Your Travel Trailer’s Water Filters

Your RV’s water filters play an important role, but you can’t leave them on during wintertime as the antifreeze may damage them. They’re placed in different locations depending on your RV’s make and model, so you’ll need to go through your owner’s manual to find their exact location. Some common locations include rear storage areas, under the kitchen sink, and in one of the kitchen cabinets. Removing the water filters is also a great opportunity to see if they may need replacing.

3. Drain the Existing Water Out of the Tanks

Now that you have everything you need and removed the filters, it’s time to get down to business. You can start your travel trailer winterizing by removing water from your freshwater holding tank. Find the valve, open it, and let the water drain. Next, you’ll have to drain the black and grey water tanks that hold the waste from your RV’s bathroom and kitchen. While the freshwater filter could be drained almost anywhere, these two require a trip to a dumping facility, as you can’t simply dump your waste anywhere. You’ll find their valves somewhere underneath the bathroom. 

4. Drain the Water Heater and Water Lines

Before draining your water heater, it’s essential to ensure it’s not pressurized or hot. Turn your heater off, wait a while for the water to cool down, and then look for the valve that supplies it with water. Shut the water off and open the pressure relief valve. Place the bucket underneath the drain plug, unscrew it, and let the water drain into the bucket. 

Once you’re done, you can look for all low-point drain plugs throughout your travel trailer’s water system and open them. Don’t forget to flush your toilet and drain your outdoor shower, if you have one. Any remaining water may freeze during wintertime and cause damage.

5. Bypass the Water Heater and Add Antifreeze

While you could simply fill your water heater with antifreeze, you’d be wasting many gallons and have to drain it again when the spring comes. It’s easier to bypass it, and that’s when the water heater bypass kit comes in handy. Once you’ve installed it, you’re ready to complete your travel trailer winterizing task by filling the system with antifreeze.

Use the water pump conversion kit you bought earlier. It comes with instructions showing you how to fill the system with antifreeze using your travel trailer’s water pump. You can then check to see if you have enough antifreeze in the system by slowly turning on your hot and cold faucets. Antifreeze is colored, so when you see it coming out, you can turn the faucets off. Also, flush the toilet until you see antifreeze in the bowl. You can now turn the water pump off and check that all faucets are off.

Additional Ways to Winterize Your RV

Although making sure your pipes won’t burst is the first step toward having a winterized travel trailer, there are other things you can do to keep yours in great shape in the cold season. Some additional steps you can take are:

• Remove the battery. Car batteries are usually affected if left unused for months in cold weather. Take yours out and store it in a warm place.
• Don’t leave any leftover food. Make sure to vacuum all your food storage areas. Even some leftover breadcrumbs may attract mice.
• Keep your travel trailer stabilized. Place wheel chocks to ensure your trailer will stay in the same position during the winter months.

Speak With Our Team of Grand Design Service Experts if You Have Any Further Questions

Here at Bretz RV & Marine, we’re dedicated to making sure all our customers get the most out of their Grand Design travel trailer . If you have any questions about how to winterize a travel trailer or any other RV-related query, we’re here to help you . Contact us today or come over to any of our locations.

Home » Guides » How To Winterize A Travel Trailer (Step by Step Guide)

How To Winterize A Travel Trailer (Step by Step Guide)

• Last Updated: Mar 31, 2024

When the cold weather starts to creep in, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your travel trailer. If you want to ensure that your trip is a success, you must take the necessary steps to prepare for the colder months. This article will discuss how to winterize a travel trailer so that you can stay warm and comfortable on your next trip!

Why Do You Need To Winterize Your Travel Trailer?

There are a few reasons why you might need to winterize your travel trailer. First, if you live in an area with cold weather, you will want to ensure that your travel trailer is prepared for the colder temperatures . Second, if you plan on taking a trip during the winter months, you will need to ensure that your travel trailer is winterized correctly to stay warm and comfortable while on the road.

What Happens If You Don’t Winterize Travel Trailer?

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get away without winterizing your travel trailer.

However, if you live in an area where the temperatures dip below freezing, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect your investment . Failing to do so could result in severe damage and costly repairs.

So what exactly happens if you don’t winterize your travel trailer? Water lines can freeze and burst, causing extensive damage. The holding tanks can also freeze and crack, resulting in leaks.

And if the RV is left unattended for an extended period, the battery could die. All of these scenarios are costly to fix and could have been avoided by taking the time to winterize the RV.

Related>> How Tall is a Travel Trailer? (And Why You Need to Know)

When Should I Winterize My RV?

The best time to winterize your RV is before the first frost. This will help to ensure that your lines and pipes don’t freeze and burst. However, if you live in an area with a mild climate, you may be able to get away with winterizing your RV later in the season.

No matter when you decide to winterize your travel trailer, the most important thing is to do it before you take it out for the season. This will help to ensure that your RV is ready for anything that winter throws your way.

Tools Needed Before You Start

To winterize your travel trailer, you’ll need a few tools. These include:

• A water heater bypass kit
• A clean and empty five-gallon bucket
• Air compressor
• An RV antifreeze solution (this is different from the automotive antifreeze method)
• Pressure relief valve
• A rags or towels

Once you have all of these things, you’re ready to start winterizing your travel trailer!

How Do You Winterize Your Travel Trailer? Simple Steps To Follow

If you are like many people, you enjoy spending time outdoors in your RV during the warmer months. However, when winter arrives, it’s essential to take steps to protect your investment. Winterizing your travel trailer will help ensure it is ready for next season.

Here are some simple steps that you can follow to winterize your travel trailer:

Step # 1: Clean And Inspect The Roof And Seal Any Leaks

Begin by removing any leaves or debris accumulated on the roof throughout the fall. Next, inspect all the seals around your vents, skylights, and other openings. If you see any cracks or gaps, use a sealant to fill them in and prevent leaks.

Step # 2: Drain The Freshwater Tank And Add RV Antifreeze To All Faucets, Showers, And Toilets

• Open all of the faucets in your travel trailer to allow any water left in the lines to drain out.
• Add RV antifreeze to each one.
• Drain plug on the fresh water tank and add RV antifreeze to that as well.

To do this, pour a few inches of RV antifreeze into a bowl and then use a funnel to add it to each toilet bowl. For your sinks and showers, turn on the faucet until you see the antifreeze coming out, then turn it off. Non-toxic RV antifreeze is safe for humans, pets, and the environment.

Related>> Top 10 Best Toilets for RVs (2022 Review)  

Step # 3: Add Antifreeze To The Toilet Bowl And Holding Tanks

Add a few inches of RV pump antifreeze to winterize your toilet to the bowl. Next, flush the bathroom several times until the antifreeze appears in the bowl. Inline water filters, turn off the bypass valve, and open all of your RV’s faucets until the antifreeze comes out.

Step # 4: Disconnect And Drain The Battery

To winterize your battery:

• Start by disconnecting it from the power source.
• Use a hydrometer to test the level of acid in each cell. If the level is low, add distilled water until it reaches the fill line.
• Charge the battery fully before storing it for the winter.

Related >> Top 10 Best RV Batteries For Boondocking (2022 Review)

Step # 5: Cover Or Remove Any Exposed Water Lines

To protect your water lines from freezing temperatures, start by disconnecting them from the water source. Next, drain any remaining water from the pipes by opening all the faucets in your travel trailer. Finally, either cover the lines with insulation or remove them entirely and store them indoors for the winter.

Step # 6: Remove All Food From The Refrigerator And Freezer

To prepare your refrigerator for winter:

• Start by removing all of the food from it.
• Clean the interior and make sure there is no mold or mildew present.
• Turn off the power to the fridge and prop the doors open to prevent ice buildup.

Step # 7: Cover The Windows To Help Insulate The Trailer

To help insulate your travel trailer:

• Start by covering the windows with plastic.
• Use weather-stripping to seal any gaps around the doors and windows.
• Consider adding a layer of insulation to the walls and ceiling of your trailer.

Step # 8: Store Your Trailer In A Safe And Dry Location

When it comes time to store your travel trailer for the winter, make sure to choose a safe and dry location, if possible, avoid storing it outdoors where it will be exposed to the elements. Instead, opt for a spot in your garage or shed. Winter storage is typically available at most RV dealerships.

By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your travel trailer is ready for winter. Contact a local dealer or service center for more information on winterizing your RV. They will be able to assist you with any questions that you may have.

Wrapping UP

Now that you know how to winterize a travel trailer,  it’s time to get started! This process may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple. Just be sure to take your time and follow the steps carefully. Before you know it, your trailer will be ready for winter!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recently published guides.

Buying a Generator for RV Life

RV Refrigerators: How Do They Work?

How to Repair Norcold Fridge Flap

Search form

• Destinations
• RV Lifestyle
• Testimonials
• GDRV Fur Family Members
• My GDRV Camping Experience
• Knowledge Base
• Troubleshooting
• Tips & Tricks
• Product Suggestions
• Retail Shows
• Event Calendar
• Rally Calendar
• Rally Reports
• Host A Rally - Become A Wagonmaster
• Company News
• Announcements
• Making a Difference
• Grand Design Nation
• GDRV4Life Facebook Group
• Technical Forum

Winterizing- Done Right!

• Submit a Post
• GDRV Calendar

Animals and the Road

Welcome to GDRV Nation

5 Easy Ways to Make Your RV Feel Like Home (No paint or renovation required!)

More how to's.

Awning Light Replacement made "Carefree"!!

HOW TO LOSE THOUSANDS RV LIVING | An RV Mistake You Must Avoid

8 RV PACKING TIPS to REDUCE STRESS | RV Packing Lists | RV LIFE

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

• Search in titles only Search in Electrical only Search
• Advanced Search
• Disclaimer: In general, this forum is intended to be a place for Grand Design owners to gather and exchange ideas regarding their use of and experiences with Grand Design products. Any information contained in the forum should be independently verified by checking with Grand Design, one of its authorized dealers, or reviewing your owner’s manual. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You will need to to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. Thanks for visiting and your interest in Grand Design!

Announcement

Winterizing with solar panel.

• Latest Activity
• Time All Time Today Last Week Last Month
• Show All Discussions only Photos only Videos only Links only Polls only Events only

• Join Date: Aug 2022

• Join Date: May 2019
• Posts: 6647

• Join Date: Nov 2022

• Join Date: Sep 2022