Winterize Used Campers

As fall approaches most of us are trying to fit those last one or tow camping trips in before the cold weather hits. When you decide your camping season is over, it is very important that you winterize your camper. Used campers require a great deal of care and winterizing and prolong the use of your camper, save on maintenance bills and problems down the road.

In order to get started, you will need a few things to winterize your camper. Most of these things can be found at your local camper supply store or online. I prefer to buy these things online because it is cheaper than any of the local camping supply stores in my area.

• Non-toxic RV antifreeze Not automobile antifreeze, which is toxic. You want the red RV antifreeze.
• A water heater bypass kit.
• Water pump converter kit.

Once you have these things, you can get started winterizing your used camper. It's important to note that the following list is just a general guide of things that you should do to winterize your camper. You really need to consult your owners manual for specific instructions on how to perform each task. If you don't have an owners manual, call the manufacturer or search the net for your make and model. Your owners manual should have detail instructions specific to your camper.

• Drain the fresh water holding tank.
• Drain and clean out the gray and blackwater tanks. You will want to use a chemical cleaner on these tanks to kill any bacteria.
• Drain the hot water heater.
• Open all of your water faucets and turn on the water pump until all of the water has been drained from the lines. Close all of the faucets after they are drained.
• You will now want to install the bypass for the hot water heater.
• Install the water pump kit according to the kit's directions, connect the inlet tube into your gallon of RV antifreeze, and then turn the water pump on and pressurize the system.
• Open each faucet, open the hot and cold valves until antifreeze appears.
• If you have a toilette, flush it until antifreeze appears.
• You will also want to pour a cup or two of antifreeze down each drain.
• You may want to double check your holding tanks to make sure they have antifreeze in them.
• You will also want to pay close attention to the outer areas of your camper. Make sure the roof is in good shape because it will only get worse during the winter if you have any problem areas.
• You will specifically want to patch any cracks or seams that are worn to prevent rain, snow and ice from getting in. If this happens, come spring time you will have a terrible mildew and mold problem.

That should cover the basics of winterizing your used camper. Again, please consult your owners manual for the specific winterizing tasks that your used camper requires.