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Winterizing your RV with antifreeze involves draining the water system, configuring the appropriate bypass valves, and pumping RV-approved antifreeze through the plumbing. Protecting every water outlet, drain trap, and applicable appliance is essential—antifreeze flowing from one faucet does not mean the entire system is ready for freezing temperatures.
This guide covers the RV antifreeze method. Review your RV and appliance manuals first, especially for tankless water heaters, refrigerators, and washing machines that require separate procedures.
Gather the following before starting:
Never use automotive antifreeze. It is poisonous and unsuitable for your RV’s potable-water system.
Follow the RV antifreeze label for temperature protection and application. Do not dilute a ready-to-use product unless its instructions specifically allow it.
Disconnect the city water supply and turn off the water pump.
Turn off the water heater in both propane and electric modes, where equipped. Allow the water to cool completely, then open a faucet to relieve system pressure.
Never remove a water-heater drain plug or anode rod while the heater is hot or pressurized. Keep the heater off throughout winterization.
Open the hot- and cold-water low-point drains. Open all faucets, including exterior showers and outdoor kitchen faucets, to help the lines drain.
Open the fresh water tank drain and allow the tank to empty.
Empty the gray and black holding tanks at an approved wastewater dump station. Complete any tank rinsing before winterizing the associated connections.
For a conventional tank-style water heater, follow the manufacturer’s procedure for draining the tank. Depending on the model, this may involve removing a drain plug or anode rod.
Set the water-heater bypass valves to the documented bypass configuration before pumping antifreeze. This routes antifreeze around the drained tank.
Valve locations and handle positions vary. Check your RV’s instructions rather than assuming every valve labeled “on” is in the correct position.
For a tankless water heater, follow its specific winterization procedure. Do not assume the tank-style draining and bypass steps apply.
Remove disposable water-filter cartridges as directed. Drain the housings and reinstall them or install the specified bypass fittings.
Identify appliances with their own water connections, including:
Follow each manufacturer’s winterization instructions. For the residential refrigerator arrangement described in this procedure, drain the ice-maker supply line rather than introducing antifreeze. The refrigerator itself may require additional steps to clear internal water components.
Locate the pump’s winterizing connection or suction-side pickup hose.
Place the pickup hose into the antifreeze container and configure the winterizing valve according to your RV’s instructions. Keep the hose end submerged while pumping.
The water-pump winterizing valve and water-heater bypass valves serve different purposes; confirm both are positioned correctly.
If your RV lacks a pickup connection, use an approved winterizing kit or consult your dealer. Only use the fresh water tank as an antifreeze supply if your RV’s instructions permit it. A fixed quantity may not reach the tank’s pickup, and residual water can dilute the product.
Close the low-point drains and faucets before starting the pump.
Turn on the water pump, then work through the fixtures one at a time:
Replace antifreeze containers before the pickup hose draws air. Turn off the pump when the applicable lines and fixtures are protected.
Follow the washing machine manufacturer’s complete procedure, including any required fill, drain, or pump-protection steps. A fill cycle alone may not protect the whole appliance.
If only washer hookups are installed, winterize both hot and cold branches using your RV’s specified procedure.
Check the black tank flush separately. Pumping antifreeze through the fresh water plumbing does not protect that independent circuit.
Add RV antifreeze to sink and shower drains to protect their traps. Include the washer drain if equipped.
Use the quantities specified by your RV and antifreeze instructions. Leave the recommended amount in the toilet bowl to protect the seal, following the toilet manufacturer’s guidance.
Confirm that the pump and water heater are off. Return plugs, caps, and valves to the storage positions specified in the applicable manuals.
Record the bypass settings for spring startup. Before using the plumbing again, follow the required flushing, sanitizing, and water-heater refill procedures.
Contact your Keystone dealer if you need help locating winterizing connections or protecting model-specific equipment.
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.