How to Winterize Your 5th Wheel Camper
Preparing a fifth wheel camper for the winter requires a few operations all within the abilities of the average camper owner. Winterization requires treating the water system to prevent damage from freezing and similar steps to prevent the battery from similar damage.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Air compressor
- Blow-out plug
- RV antifreeze
- Rodent bait
- Insect repellent
Instructions
-
-
1
Drain the holding tanks and water lines. Open the drain plug on the water heater and fresh water tanks. Open the water faucets--this allows the pressure in the lines to equalize as the water drains.
-
2
Blow out the water lines to remove any remaining water. Connect a compressed air line to the water system with a blow-out plug. This device screws into the city water connection on the camper water system. As the compressed air is being fed into the system, open one faucet at a time. Leave each faucet open until no water is forced from the faucet.
-
-
3
Add RV antifreeze to the camper water system. Usually 2 or 3 gallons is sufficient but more may be necessary in large fifth wheel campers. RV antifreeze is always pink to distinguish it from green, and toxic, automotive antifreezes. Run the pump to move the antifreeze through the system. Make sure antifreeze is in each trap below each drain.
-
4
Remove the battery from the camper. Store the battery in a heated part of your home.
-
5
Place rodent traps or baits in the camper. Also include insect repellents if they are a problem in your climate. Remove any foodstuffs from the camper.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not cover the fifth wheel camper with a tarp. Although the tarp keeps snow and rain off the camper it traps moisture and increases the chance of mold or mildew inside.
