How to Winterize a Camper Trailer

In order to avoid the cold, there are several important things you must do before winterizing a camper trailer. Antifreeze must be refilled to keep water lines from freezing. Drain water from tanks and clean the interior. You must prevent pests from entering the camper by properly securing the windows and doors. To keep the interior and plumbing warm and safe, make sure the water lines are not frozen.

Antifreeze prevents water lines from freezing

When it gets cold, it can be dangerous to have water lines in your camper trailer freeze. You can prevent this problem by using antifreeze, which prevents cold temperature buildup in the plumbing. Before using your RV, pour about two pints of antifreeze into the water lines. Once the water lines have thawed out, you can open the faucets and turn on the outdoor shower. You should also open the faucets and drains to ensure that the water lines remain accessible.

RVs are often fitted with antifreeze to prevent water from freezing. Since water pipes in these vehicles are thin and narrow, freezing could lead to the expansion and subsequent cracking of the pipe lines. The result can be a disastrous situation with broken pipes, high repair costs, and an extended camping season. RVs are also prone to damage from moisture droplets that are left in the pipes.

Draining tanks

The first step in winterizing a camper trailer is to drain the tanks. Leaving wastewater in the tanks can be a breeding ground for bacteria and freeze, creating problems down the road. Therefore, drain the gray and black water tanks first, and clean them as well. Then, add a chemical deodorizer to the black water tank. It’s important to flush the tanks before winterizing.

Before attempting to drain the tanks in your camper trailer, read the owner’s manual to determine how much water is stored in each. Check the water levels in each tank, and bypass any inline water filters. Drain and flush the fresh and gray water holding tanks, if applicable. If your RV doesn’t have a built-in black water flush, you can use a flush nozzle or tank cleaning wand to empty the tanks.

Cleaning interior

Before you start cleaning the interior of your camper trailer for winter, remove all food and liquids from the RV. Wipe down counters and wipe down the floor. Use a dehumidifying agent such as Starbrite No Damp to absorb excess moisture. It’s also a good idea to leave the interior of the RV open while winterizing it, but don’t leave it closed!

If the interior of the RV is particularly dirty, remove food and any valuables from the refrigerator and cupboards. Clean any surfaces with disinfectant wipes, and make sure the cabinets and refrigerator are empty. Pull the window shades so that they don’t let UV light damage the upholstery. Remove all clothing, blankets, and mattresses from the couch. Prop mattresses against walls so that they don’t get damaged.

Preventing pests from entering your camper

Camping is a fun way to get away from home and work, but one of the things that you may not expect is that you may be welcoming a pest into your vacation retreat. There are plenty of ways to prevent pests from entering your camper trailer, and here are just a few of them. While pests can be annoying and frustrating, they can also be difficult to eliminate. By following these tips, you can protect your trailer from pests and ensure you have a stress-free camping experience.

Mice are not uncommon to find in campers, and they have a preference for areas that are not very clean. Mice are scavengers, so they will make their home near food scraps, like crumbs and even the trash. To avoid mice, prepare your camper for their presence by securing all cracks and gaps and blocking entry points. If you don’t want to use pesticides, you can use natural repellents or bait stations.