Winter RV Tips
Check List – As with any camping trip, be sure to make a check list of all the things you’ll need to stay safe and warm, then go through it before walking out the door.
Pick the right destination – The number one must-have for winter camping is the perfect destination. Some campsites are closed in the winter, while other campsites are the perfect winter destinations as it may be to hot in the summer months.
Favorite winter activities should also be considered as you choose where to camp. Do you like to hike, fish or ski, make a snowman or are you a snowbird and prefer the sun? There are perfect places to do all those things in winter, so get online or check with local campgrounds about winter adventures in your target area.
Layering is the key to staying comfortable while camping in winter. Pack layers of breathable, water-resistant clothing. Water-resistant shoes are recommended if you will be walking/hiking through a snowy area. Wool, fleece and synthetic materials will help keep you warm and dry. Avoid cotton clothing.
- Thermal underwear, or base layers with moisture wicking properties
- Fleece jacket, wool shirt/sweater or other synthetic layer for warmth
- Wind and water resistant outer jacket
- Winter cap — for daytime
- Gloves/mittens, plus an extra pair in case first pair gets wet
- Winter jacket (even if the weather is predicted to be warm)
- Sturdy boots, with waterproof membrane
- Extra shoes and plenty of extra dry socks
- Rain poncho and rain pants
RV Tips
Put on that winter cap! About 30 percent of your body heat escapes through your head. Wearing a cap is one of your best defenses against that. As the saying goes, if your toes are cold, put on a hat!
Be aware of wildlife safety. Wildlife are often engaged in fall/winter mating rituals so be careful to respect their space. Some animals can be more aggressive as winter nears, so beware of bee hives and be sure to eliminate trash from your campsite to avoid attracting bears and other animals.
Propane level – Know your propane level, be sure to check before you leave.
First-aid kit. Take a first-aid kit. You never know when you might need something.
Hand and foot warmers may come in handy or small chemical heating pads – that slip into boots, gloves or jacket pockets for a quick and easy warmup during the chilly fall months! Great for a chilly morning walk.
Tool kit – Pack a well-stocked tool kit. Add things that your RV might need, like extra fuses, light bulbs, jumper cables, nuts, bolts and connectors. In addition, be sure to bring parts that are unique to your rig. Without these, you risk having to wait for the part to be ordered and shipped.
Winterizing Make sure to get your RV winterized prior to winter season storage. If you need to check on winterization with our service department we have 3 locations to serve you: Sacramento, Livermore and Gilroy.
Outlets and inlets – Inspect all exterior inlet and outlets for your furnace to ensure no insects have nested causing operational issues
Holding tanks – Maintaining your holding tanks; 1) flush out your black tank after each trip 2) drain the grey tank, use tank sensor treatment as needed for correct monitor readings 3) drain fresh water holding tank, use fresh water treatment if water smells or taste odd
Fuses and breakers – Familiarize yourself with location of fuses, breakers, and any water filters in case of issues
Battery water Level – Check your water level in each cell of each battery before your trip prior to charging to extend the life of your batteries as long as possible.
If you need help with any of these issues please give someone in our service department a call, text contact us.
Sacramento (916) 921-2222
Livermore (925) 443-0222
Gilroy (408) 842-2221
DIY Winterizing
If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass before starting.
- Drain the fresh water holding tank.
- Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. If your RV doesn’t have a built in tank flushing system clean the black tank out with a want, or use a product like Flush King that allows you to clean both the black and gray tanks. Lubricate the termination valves with WD-40.
- Drain the water heater. Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. CAUTION: Never drain the water heater when it is hot or under pressure.
- Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toiled valve and outside shower.
- Locate and open the low point drain lines. There will be one for the hot and cold water lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
- Recap all drains and close all faucets.
- By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze.
- Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank). Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of non-toxic RV antifreeze.
- Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required.
- Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.
- Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
- Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze.
- Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
- Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.
- Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
- If your water heater has an electric heating element make sure it is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
- Make sure all the faucets are closed.
- Consult your owner manuals for winterizing ice makers and washing machines.
If you need help with any of these issues please give someone in our service department a call, text contact us.
Sacramento (916) 921-2222
Livermore (925) 443-0222
Gilroy (408) 842-2221
Many units come with a fireplace to keep you nice and toasty in the evening.
Grand Design RV 2970RL Travel Trailer
Grand Design Reflection 303RLS Fifth Wheel
