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Last Updated May 16, 2025
As the cold weather fades and warmer days return, it’s time to bring your RV out of hibernation. Dewinterizing is an important process that prepares your rig for safe, enjoyable travel. While it might seem like a lot to tackle at once, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much more approachable. A careful walkthrough now can save you from unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs later. Here’s a thorough guide to help you get your RV ready for adventure after its winter break.
Key Takeaways:
Your RV isn't the same after sitting unused for months. Water systems may have been filled with antifreeze. Batteries might be disconnected or drained. Tires lose pressure over time, and rodents can take up residence in hidden corners. Even the RV solar panels aren’t immune, as they can gather dust and debris that reduce their output. No matter how carefully you stored it, your RV is still a complex machine that needs a thorough once-over before you get back on the road.
Dewinterizing is about making sure everything works the way it should for RV owners. This includes everything, starting from the plumbing to the electrical systems, so you don’t run into trouble during your first trip of the season. Think of it as a seasonal reset. It gets your RV back into road-ready shape and gives you peace of mind before you drive even a single mile.
Now, let’s walk through the exact steps to dewinterize your RV properly.
Before anything else, give your RV a complete walkaround. Weather, storage conditions, and time itself can cause issues even if you took steps to protect it.
Take your time during this part. If you notice any issues, it is better to address them before moving on.
If you covered your RV, wheels, or vents for the winter, now is the time to remove those protective layers.
Blocked vents can cause serious ventilation problems, so a quick inspection is worth the effort.
If you disconnected your batteries during winterization, reinstall them now. Before reconnecting:
If your batteries stayed connected over the winter, still inspect their charge levels and overall condition. Weak
batteries often fail once you get on the road, leaving you stranded at the worst possible time.
When winterizing, you likely filled your pipes with non-toxic RV antifreeze. Flushing it out is a must before using the system again.
Even after flushing out antifreeze, sanitizing your RV water system is smart. It clears out bacteria that could have grown during the months of storage.
Here’s a simple way to do it:
Now that the plumbing is flushed and sanitized, look carefully for leaks.
Even a small leak can lead to water damage and expensive repairs if left unchecked.
Next, move through each major system and appliance.
If anything does not operate properly, diagnose the issue while you are still at home rather than halfway through your first trip.
Propane powers several critical systems in most RVs, so a thorough check is important.
If you find a leak, close the valve immediately and have the system inspected by a professional.
For motorhomes and RVs with onboard generators, engine maintenance is just as important as cabin care.
Handling this now prevents unpleasant surprises when you are out camping and far from a repair shop.
Make sure you can legally drive or tow your RV once it is ready.
Before you hit the road, give the interior of your RV a fresh start.
Opening windows to let fresh air flow through will help eliminate any stale odors that have built up during storage.
Taking your time to dewinterize your RV properly makes all the difference when travel season arrives. With a little preparation now, you can avoid many of the headaches that come from hidden winter damage or system failures. Every step, from flushing the plumbing to checking the propane appliances and safety devices, builds confidence that your RV is truly ready for the adventures ahead.
Dewinterizing an RV involves several steps to reverse the winterization process and get your rig road-ready. Start with a thorough exterior inspection to check for damage. Reconnect and charge the batteries, remove the vent and tire covers, and inspect the roof and seals. Next, flush the plumbing system to remove any RV antifreeze and sanitize the fresh tank. Check the propane system for leaks, test all appliances on both electric and propane power, and inspect the engine fluids and generator, if applicable. Finally, clean the interior, restock supplies, and make sure your registration and insurance are up to date.
To flush the antifreeze out of your RV, hook up a clean water source to your city water supply connection. Open all cold and hot water faucets, including the sinks, shower, and outdoor sprayers.
Start with the faucet farthest from the water inlet and move closer as you go. Flush each one until the water runs clear with no sign of pink antifreeze. Don’t forget to flush the toilet and the low-point drains. Afterward, switch off the water supply and open the water heater bypass valve (if used) to let fresh water flow through that system too. Run the system long enough to ensure there’s no residual antifreeze left anywhere.
When winterizing, it’s common practice to leave all faucets open after draining the water and adding antifreeze. This helps prevent pressure buildup and allows any remaining water to expand without cracking pipes if temperatures drop further.
However, when dewinterizing, you’ll need to close all faucets again before repressurizing the system and flushing the water lines. Be sure they’re completely off to avoid leaks or unnecessary splashing during the flushing process.
You can safely leave RV antifreeze in your RV’s plumbing system for several months, which makes it suitable for the entire off-season.
Non-toxic RV antifreeze is specifically formulated to sit in the system without causing damage.
However, it’s a good idea to flush it out and sanitize the water system before your first camping trip of the season.
If left for longer than a year or if it appears discolored or sludgy, it’s best to flush the system more thoroughly and consider replacing any filters.
Signs of water damage include soft spots in walls or flooring, bubbling or discoloration on ceiling panels, a musty smell, or visible mold.
Pay close attention to corners and areas near the windows. If you find damage, address it right away before it spreads or worsens.
Yes, it’s recommended. If you removed the water filter before winterizing, install a new one during dewinterization. If you left it in place, it may have collected bacteria or debris over the winter. A fresh filter ensures better water quality and avoids any odd taste or contamination from leftover residues.
Skipping or rushing through dewinterizing can lead to serious issues. Leftover antifreeze may contaminate your water supply, undetected leaks can cause water damage, and neglected systems might fail during travel.
Even tires or batteries that seem fine at a glance could cause problems if not checked. A proper dewinterizing process protects your RV and helps prevent expensive repairs.
The drain plug on an RV water heater is usually located at the bottom of the heater tank, accessible from the exterior panel.
On Suburban models, it’s often a 1 1/16-inch anode rod, while Atwood models typically use a simple plastic plug.
If you removed it during winterization to drain the tank, you’ll need to reinstall it before flushing and refilling the water system. Make sure the threads are clean and apply plumber’s tape for a tight seal.
Even in mild climates, it’s still smart to run through a basic dewinterization checklist. Systems like plumbing, propane, batteries, and tires may still degrade or lose performance over time. Temperature swings, humidity, and inactivity can affect your RV, whether it’s freezing or not.
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Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
