As the camping season slowly comes to an end, there are a few things that need to be done to your RV to protect it during the winter months. If your RV is equipped with a water filter system, be sure to remove the cartridge and put the system in by-pass mode before winterizing. Then, to winterize the water systems of your unit, use one of the four following methods.

1. First, turn off the fresh water source of your RV. Turn off the water heater as the appliance requires, and drain any remaining water pressure by opening any hot and cold faucets in the RV. (If the water heater was on, wait for water to cool. Or, run hot water until cold water comes from the hot side of the faucet.) Next, remove the hot water drain plug located on the outside of your unit behind the water heater access door, always on the bottom, usually on the left. To properly drain the water heater, you must lift the lever on the blow-out valve, enabling air to enter the heater and, in turn, let the water out. (If your RV is equipped with low point line drains, also open all of them, and then open all faucets, inside and outside, until no water flows from them. The valves are located at floor level or in basement compartments. Not all units are equipped with these drains.)

Flush the toilet for at least 30 seconds to remove water from the toilet valve and supply line. If you have a clothes washer or ice maker, run the appliance through a cycle to drain the water valves located within.

This process could leave water in pipes where bellies and dips occur, and can leave water in the valves themselves.

2. A better way to winterize is to purchase a blow-out plug ($2-$6) that attaches to the water inlet where you connect your hose to pressurize the water system with air. (Do not use more than 30 psi, or you could damage your water system.) Open all drains, faucets and appliance valves, then activate your air source until all lines are clear of water. Close all these water sources while still under air pressure, starting with the one closest to the water inlet then proceeding to the furthest away. After lines are clear, remove the hot water heater drain plug and open the blow-out valve to drain the water heater tank.

This method could also leave water in the system. If you use method one or two to winterize, you will still need to pour a small amount of the antifreeze in all sink and washer drains.

3. The best way to winterize your RV is to pump a drinking-water-safe antifreeze specifically designed for your camper through the entire water system, then use a hot water by-pass kit installed on the rear of your water heater. By-pass units (seasonal units cost about $8, permanent units cost about $25), enable you to by-pass the tank by turning a few knobs, and eliminates the need to fill the water heater tank with anti-freeze.

Locate your water pump (turn it on and listen to determine the location), drain the holding tanks, and remove the hose connection to the inbound side of the pump. (Kits are available for about $15 that make this process as simple as turning a knob or using a hand pump.) Connect a short piece of hose to the pump and place the other end in a gallon jug of RV anti-freeze - two gallons should be more than enough. Turn the pump on, and starting with the furthest away, open all faucets, toilet valves and water appliances until you see the pink solution flow. This method removes the need to pour anti-freeze in sink drains, washer drains and holding tanks.

4. Provide a heat source for your RV all winter. (This is not cost efficient, as heat requires L.P. gas, 12 volt DC or 110 volt AC power, all of which will - sooner or later - fail or run out. Even if your do choose this method, you still need to drain your holding tanks, (fresh, gray and black) and your water heater to prevent possible freeze damage.

No matter which method you choose, taking time to winterize your RV now will greatly minimize the need for costly repairs come spring.

Roger White, owner of Roger's Mobile R.V. Repair, has been serving the RV Industry for 30 years. If you need assistance with these procedures or any other problems with your RV, he can be reached at 364-4260. Located in Gassaway, where he lives with his wife and son, he wants all your camping adventures to be safe, and fun.