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De-winterizing your RV means removing winterization antifreeze, sanitizing the fresh water system, restoring the water heater to service, and checking appliances and safety equipment. Complete these tasks before your first trip so you have time to address leaks or equipment problems at home.
Keystone Master Technicians Matt and Bart demonstrate the process using a Hideout 32LBH. Plumbing layouts and equipment vary, so follow your RV’s Owner’s Manual and component instructions for valve locations and model-specific procedures.
Open windows, roof vents, and exterior storage compartments when weather permits.
While the RV airs out, inspect for signs of water intrusion, pests, damaged seals, or loose components. Check inside cabinets and around accessible plumbing connections before adding water.
Reconnect and prepare the battery and electrical system according to your RV’s startup instructions. Keep the water heater off in all operating modes until its preparation is complete.
Disconnect the winterizing pickup hose from its antifreeze supply and return the pump’s winterizing valve to its normal operating position.
Keep a conventional tank-style water heater bypassed while initially flushing antifreeze from the supply lines. For a tankless heater, follow its manufacturer’s de-winterization procedure.
Connect a potable-water hose to an approved water supply. If using the fresh water tank and pump instead, prepare them according to your RV’s instructions.
Flush the system methodically:
Keep flushing until antifreeze is removed and water flows steadily. Collect and dispose of flushed fluids according to campground and local requirements.
Flushing antifreeze and sanitizing are separate tasks. Clear water alone does not establish that the system is ready for drinking or food preparation.
Sanitize the fresh water tank and plumbing using the procedure in your Owner’s Manual. Follow its specified sanitizer concentration, contact time, flushing steps, and water-heater valve configuration.
Prepare filter housings and install replacement cartridges at the stage specified by the filter manufacturer. Restore refrigerator water systems and other connected appliances according to their instructions.
For a conventional tank-style heater, inspect and reinstall the correct drain plug or anode rod according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check its condition before reuse.
Once flushing and sanitizing are complete, return the bypass valves to their normal operating configuration so water can enter the tank.
Open a hot-water faucet to release trapped air as the tank fills. Continue until water flows steadily without sputtering, then check the other hot-water outlets.
Inspect the drain fitting and accessible water connections for leaks.
Do not energize a tank-style water heater until you have confirmed that its tank is full. Follow the appliance’s startup instructions before enabling propane or electric heating.
Tankless heaters require their own startup checks and should not be treated as storage-tank models.
A small amount of weeping during heating can occur in some tank-style water heaters as water expands. It does not automatically mean the valve is defective, but persistent leakage needs attention.
If the manufacturer calls for restoring the tank’s air gap, follow that heater’s exact procedure. Turn off all heating sources and the water supply, allow the water to cool, and relieve pressure as directed before handling the valve.
Never plug or cap the relief-valve outlet. Have continued dripping, heavy discharge, or other unusual operation assessed before using the heater.
Operate appliances individually according to their manuals. Check the refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and other installed equipment.
Test smoke, carbon monoxide, and propane alarms using their specified procedures. Check battery requirements and replacement dates, and inspect the fire extinguisher.
Watch the Safety Devices video for an introduction to your RV’s safety equipment.
If you smell propane or suspect a leak, stop appliance testing and follow your RV’s emergency instructions.
Confirm that the holding tanks have capacity for the water used during flushing and sanitizing. Empty them at an approved dump station as needed.
Prepare the black tank with the water and treatment amount specified by your RV and treatment-product instructions. Do not fill the black and gray tanks completely as a routine startup step.
Leave the recommended amount of water in the toilet bowl to cover its seal.
Finish by wiping surfaces, cleaning storage areas, and loading bedding, kitchen supplies, clothing, and camping equipment. Complete your normal tire, towing, lighting, and exterior pre-trip checks before departure.
Contact your Keystone dealer if you find leaks or equipment problems during de-winterization.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.