How to de-winterize an RV

Spring is when freeze damage and winter leaks show up. Here's the checklist from a working RV tech for getting your rig out of storage: flush the antifreeze, sanitize the water, and check everything before the first trip.

Part 1: Water system

1. Close the low-point drains and put the water heater plug or anode back in. Use plumber's tape on the plug threads, but not on an anode: it needs metal contact to work.
2. Take the water heater out of bypass. This is the step people miss in spring. Water won't fill the tank until the bypass is back to normal.
3. Flush the antifreeze. Run each faucet, hot and cold, until the water runs clear and stops foaming. It takes longer than you'd think.
4. Sanitize the system. Use ¼ cup of bleach per 15 gallons, mixed with a gallon of water before it goes in the tank. Run it to every faucet, let it sit 4 hours or more, then drain and flush with fresh water.
5. Check for leaks. Turn on the pump and watch it. If it cycles on and off with every faucet closed, there's a leak somewhere. Check under the sinks, at the pump and at the water heater.
6. Fill the water heater before you turn it on. Open a hot faucet until water runs steady with no air. Turning it on empty burns out the electric element.

Part 2: Systems

1. Leak test the propane system and light each appliance. Spray soapy water on the fittings and look for bubbles. A shop can do a proper pressure test.
2. Test the smoke, CO and LP alarms. Press the test button on each one and check the date. LP and CO detectors expire after about 5 to 7 years.
3. Check the batteries. Top off flooded batteries with distilled water only, after charging, and clean any corrosion off the terminals.
4. If you have a generator, check the oil and run it under load. Run it 30 minutes or more with the A/C or a heater on. Running it with no load leaves deposits that cause surging.

Part 3: Road ready

1. Inspect the roof and sealant for cracks. Look closely around vents, A/C units, skylights and the front and rear edges. Catching cracks now prevents water damage.
2. Check tire pressure and date codes. The last 4 digits of the DOT code are the week and year it was made. Most RV tires should be replaced around 5 to 7 years old, even if the tread looks fine.
3. Test the lights, brakes and breakaway. Pull the breakaway pin and try to roll the trailer: the brakes should lock. Put the pin back right away or the battery drains.
4. On a motorhome, check the engine fluids and chassis battery. Check oil, coolant, transmission and brake fluid. Chassis batteries often die over winter, so have it load tested if it's weak.