Protect your trailer from freeze damage before the first cold snap. Strong recommendation: have a professional do this if you're new to your trailer.
Freezing water in your RV lines doesn't just crack pipes — it damages pumps, water heaters, and tank sensors in ways that don't always show up until your first spring trip. Winterization takes about 90 minutes if you have materials staged. This checklist covers the antifreeze method with the bypass valve steps that prevent you from pumping antifreeze into your fresh tank.
How to use this list even if a pro does the work
Read through before your service appointment. It tells you every step that should be completed, what supplies the tech is using, and what to ask about when you pick up your trailer.
Do This Before Everything Else
Never winterize with full or partial tanks. Follow the Water Dump Procedure in full, then add a double dose of black tank enzyme treatment.
Water Heater Bypass — Saves 2 Gallons
Before adding antifreeze, engage water heater bypass valves to isolate the heater from the plumbing circuit. If not already installed, add the Camco bypass kit ($10–20).
⚠ Pink RV Antifreeze Only
Never use automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol) — it is toxic and will contaminate your water lines. RV antifreeze is propylene glycol. It looks pink. Anything else is wrong.
Battery Left Uncharged in Winter = Permanent Damage
A 12V lead-acid battery left discharged in freezing temps suffers permanent capacity loss in as little as one winter. A $30 smart maintainer pays for itself in avoided replacements.
80% of RV Water Damage Enters Through Failed Seals
Five minutes of lap sealant in the fall prevents thousands in delamination and mold remediation in the spring. Walk the entire roof and every seam.
Tires Develop Flat Spots After 30 Days Stationary
Place trailer on leveling blocks or tire cradles for storage longer than 30 days. Move the trailer a few inches every month if possible.
Mice Will Find Your Trailer
A stored trailer is a perfect winter home for rodents. They enter through gaps as small as a dime and nest in insulation, chew wiring, and destroy soft goods. Skip this step once and you may spend 8 hours cleaning in spring.
Blow out first with compressed air, then run antifreeze through. Air clears the bulk water; antifreeze handles what air can't reach — P-traps, low points, and the water heater bypass lines.
Label your winterized status. Put a piece of tape on your water pump switch that says WINTERIZED. The next person to open that trailer in April (possibly you) will thank you.
Don't forget the ice maker, outdoor shower, and washer/dryer connection if you have them. These are the winterization misses that show up as expensive spring repair bills.
All 12 checklists, works without cell signal, installs to your home screen in one tap.