Tips & Tricks

How to Dewinterize Your RV the Right Way

February 1, 2025

Spring is here. Or... at leastalmosthere.

And if you’re like many — staring at your RV and daydreaming about that first camping trip — it’s time to talk about how to dewinterize your RV properly. Trust me, this isnotone of those skip-a-step-and-hope-for-the-best situations.

Skipping parts of this process can lead to expensive repairs or worse — drinking weird-tasting antifreeze leftovers in your morning coffee. Ask me how I know.

Here’s exactly what I do every year to wake my RVs back up after winter — in a way that’s easy to follow and beginner-friendly.

When Should You Dewinterize Your RV?

First things first — timing matters.

If you dewinterize too early and get hit with one surprise frost overnight? Cracked pipes. Frozen valves. Big repair bill.

Wait until the freezing temps areconsistentlygone. On Vancouver Island, where I spend most of my Spring, that’s usually around March or April — but it really depends on where you camp.

Not sure if it’s time yet? I share a full guide onhow to winterize your RVtoo — because both ends of this seasonal dance matter.

Step 1: Flush Out That Antifreeze

Most RV owners use non-toxic pink antifreeze to protect their water systems over winter. But you definitely do not want that stuff sticking around.

Here’s how to flush it all out:

Drain the fresh water tank.Hook up to city water with a regulator.Open every faucet (hot & cold) until the water runs clear — sinks, showers, toilets, outdoor showers... all of it. keep checking on your black and grey tanks if they are closed, too much water will overflow them.Don’t forget the water heater. Switch off the bypass and let it fill & flush clear.Drain & rinse your holding tanks. (Both grey and black tanks — yes, even if you didn’t use them!)

Drain the fresh water tank.

Hook up to city water with a regulator.

Open every faucet (hot & cold) until the water runs clear — sinks, showers, toilets, outdoor showers... all of it. keep checking on your black and grey tanks if they are closed, too much water will overflow them.

Don’t forget the water heater. Switch off the bypass and let it fill & flush clear.

Drain & rinse your holding tanks. (Both grey and black tanks — yes, even if you didn’t use them!)

Step 2: Sanitize Your RV Water System

Clean, safe drinking water is non-negotiable. You should sanitize even if you don't drink from it, washing dishes etc in unsafe water is a No-No.

The simplest way to sanitize your system:

Mix 1/4 cup regular bleach for every 15 gallons of your fresh water tank.Fill your tank with potable water.Run the mixture through all faucets until you smell bleach.Let it sit 8-12 hours max.Drain & flush until the bleach smell is gone.

Mix 1/4 cup regular bleach for every 15 gallons of your fresh water tank.

Fill your tank with potable water.

Run the mixture through all faucets until you smell bleach.

Let it sit 8-12 hours max.

Drain & flush until the bleach smell is gone.

Not a bleach fan? They do make RV-specific sanitizers, but bleach is cheap and easy if you rinse well. As a former restaurant manager with the food safe certificate, I can assure you bleach is used often in professional kitchens and if used properly will not harm you or your systems.

Step 3: Check Batteries, Power & Propane

Sitting all winter can be hard on your RV’s power systems.

Check:

House batteries — clean connections, check water levels (if applicable), and charge fully.Test outlets & lights.Flip on appliances. Cool your fridge before you hit the road, but turn it off if it's running on propane when you hit the road.Inspect solar if you use it (here’s my setup with thisportable solar generator).Refill propane and check for leaks with soapy water.

House batteries — clean connections, check water levels (if applicable), and charge fully.

Test outlets & lights.

Flip on appliances. Cool your fridge before you hit the road, but turn it off if it's running on propane when you hit the road.

Inspect solar if you use it (here’s my setup with thisportable solar generator).

Refill propane and check for leaks with soapy water.

Need a portable power boost while you camp? I compared theAnker Solix F1200andBLUETTI AC70— both killer options for van life or boondocking.

Step 4: Inspect Tires, Brakes & Safety Gear

Even if your RV didn’t move all winter, tires lose pressure and can develop flat spots.

Check:

Tire pressure & treadLook for cracks or bulgesTest brakes (if it’s a motorhome or towed trailer)Check propane & carbon monoxide alarmsInspect fire extinguishersReplace water filters if you use them

Tire pressure & tread

Look for cracks or bulges

Test brakes (if it’s a motorhome or towed trailer)

Check propane & carbon monoxide alarms

Inspect fire extinguishers

Replace water filters if you use them

Planning a road trip soon? Don't miss my guide onhow to tow a car behind an RV.

Step 5: Clean It Like You Mean It

This is your chance to shake off that winter funk.

Outside:

Gentle hand wash (avoid pressure washers on seals)Check seals & caulkingInspect roof & windowsWax or protect exterior if needed

Gentle hand wash (avoid pressure washers on seals)

Check seals & caulking

Inspect roof & windows

Wax or protect exterior if needed

Inside:

Vacuum & wipe everything downOpen windows to air it outReplace linens, restock suppliesLook for signs of mice — or better yet, learnhow to repel rodents from your RV

Vacuum & wipe everything down

Open windows to air it out

Replace linens, restock supplies

Look for signs of mice — or better yet, learnhow to repel rodents from your RV

RV Dewinterizing Shopping List

Handy gear I keep on hand every spring:

Drinking water hoseWater pressure regulatorRV-safe sanitizer or bleachDisposable glovesTire pressure gaugeFreshwater filterLubricant spray (for seals & hinges)Batteries for alarmsPropane refill

Drinking water hose

Water pressure regulator

RV-safe sanitizer or bleach

Disposable gloves

Tire pressure gauge

Freshwater filter

Lubricant spray (for seals & hinges)

Batteries for alarms

Propane refill