Winter is coming, and if you own a camper van, it’s time to start thinking about how to winterize it. Knowing how to winterize a camper van is a critical step to protect it against the harsh winter months. By following the necessary steps, you can ensure that your camper van is in good condition and ready to use when the weather warms up again, AND you can avoid potentially costly repair bills!
Before you start the winterizing process, it’s important to understand your camper van and the essential tools and materials you will need. This includes knowing how to protect the plumbing system, securing the windows, doors, and vents, and storing the batteries properly.
You will also need to know how to add antifreeze to your plumbing lines and how to drain your black and gray tanks. In this guide, we will go through some of the basic steps we use to winterize our own camper van during the colder months here in the Pacific Northwest and provide some useful tips for winter camping.
Key Takeaways
- Winterizing your camper van is essential to protect it from the harsh winter months.
- Understanding your camper van and the necessary tools and materials is important before starting the winterizing process.
- Winter camping can be enjoyable if you take the necessary precautions and follow the proper steps to prepare your camper van.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Camper Van
Before you start winterizing your camper van, it’s important to understand the different components of your vehicle. If you’re new to RVing or van life, it’s a good idea to consult your owner’s manual to get a better understanding of your specific model.
Your camper van may have a variety of features, including a water system, propane tank, electrical system, and heating system. Understanding how these systems work and how they interact with each other will help you properly winterize your van.
One important thing to keep in mind is that different types of campers and motorhomes may require different winterization procedures. For example, a campervan with a simple, under-sink water system may require different steps than an RV with a more complex water system.
It’s also important to consider the type of camping you plan to do during the winter. Will you be using your camper van for weekend trips or full-time living? This will affect how you winterize a camper van and what additional steps you may need to take to ensure your comfort and safety.
Essential Tools and Materials
Winterizing your camper van requires a few essential tools and materials. Here are some of the items you will need to get the job done:
- Wrench and Screwdriver: You will need these tools to remove drain plugs and access the water pump.
- RV Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a crucial component of winterizing your camper van. You will need several gallons of pink antifreeze to protect your plumbing system from freezing temperatures.
- Air Compressor: An air compressor is useful for blowing out water and winterizing the plumbing system. This will help prevent any remaining water from freezing and damaging your pipes.
- RV Safe Antifreeze: This antifreeze is specifically designed for use in RVs and is safe for your plumbing system. Be sure to use enough antifreeze to protect your entire system.
When winterizing your camper van, it’s important to use the right tools and materials to ensure that your plumbing system is protected from the cold. With the right tools and materials, you can winterize your camper van quickly and easily.
Winterizing the Water System
To prepare for winter, you need to winterize your camper van’s water system. This involves draining and bypassing the water system, cleaning and applying antifreeze, protecting the plumbing system, and preventing freezing in tanks and pipes.
Draining and Bypassing
The first step in winterizing your water system is to drain all the water from the fresh water tank, gray and black water tanks, water heater, and water lines. Open all faucets, showers, and drains to allow all the remaining water to drain out completely. You can use a wet/dry vacuum or air compressor to blow out any remaining water.
Next, bypass the water heater by installing a bypass kit or valve. This will prevent antifreeze from entering the water heater and save on antifreeze costs.
Cleaning and Antifreeze Application
After draining and bypassing the water heater, it’s time to clean the water system. Use a cleaning wand to flush out the tanks and plumbing system with fresh water. This will remove any sediment or buildup that may have accumulated.
Once the system is clean, it’s time to apply antifreeze. You can use either a hand pump or an inline water filter to pump antifreeze through the system. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount of antifreeze to use.
Protecting the Plumbing System
To protect the plumbing system, it’s important to install a pressure relief valve. This will prevent damage to the plumbing system in case of any pressure buildup.
You can also install an inline water filter to protect the plumbing system from any contaminants that may be present in the water source.
Preventing Freezing in Tanks and Pipes
To prevent freezing in tanks and pipes, make sure to disconnect any outside water sources and city water inlets. Drain the freshwater tank and turn off the water pump.
Use a blowout plug
A blowout plug is VERY helpful when it comes to removing any remaining water from the low-point drains and city water connection. You can also add antifreeze to the tanks and plumbing system to prevent freezing.
By winterizing your camper van’s water system, you can protect it from damage caused by freezing temperatures and frozen pipes. This will save you money on costly repairs and keep your water system in good condition for years to come.
Preparing the Exterior and Interior
Winterizing your camper van is an important step to prevent costly repairs and ensure your comfort during winter camping. To winterize your camper van, you need to prepare both the exterior and interior. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Battery and Heating System Maintenance
To prepare your camper van for winter, you need to charge your batteries and check your heating system. Disconnect the batteries and store them in a warm place to prevent them from freezing. Inspect the heater and replace any faulty parts. Consider using an electric heater or propane heater to keep your camper van warm during winter.
Roof, Tires, and Awning Care
Winter weather can be harsh on your camper van’s roof, tires, and awning. To prevent damage, clean the roof and apply a protective coating. Check your tires and consider using winter tires or chains for better traction. Inspect your awning and remove any snow or ice buildup.
Appliance and Fixture Care
Your camper van’s appliances and fixtures also need special care during winter. To prevent freezing, drain the water system and use a hand pump to remove any remaining water. Add antifreeze to the toilet bowl, shower drains, and outside shower. Turn off the refrigerator and ice maker and leave the doors open to prevent mold and mildew. Disconnect the washing machine and drain any remaining water.
By following these tips, you can prepare your camper van for winter and enjoy a comfortable and safe winter camping experience.
Winter Camping Tips
If you plan on camping during the winter, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Here are some tips:
- Winterize your camper van before heading out. This involves protecting the plumbing system, securing windows and doors, and storing batteries properly. Check out this guide for another step-by-step process on how to winterize your camper van.
- Pack warm clothing and bedding. It’s important to dress in layers and bring warm sleeping bags and blankets to stay cozy during the night. Don’t forget to bring extra blankets in case it gets colder than expected.
- Use a space heater to keep warm inside the camper van. Make sure to follow safety guidelines and never leave the heater unattended. You can also use a heated blanket or electric mattress pad to stay warm while sleeping.
- Stay dry. Moisture can cause condensation inside the camper van, which can lead to mold and mildew. Use a dehumidifier or crack a window to allow for air circulation. Also, make sure to bring waterproof clothing and gear in case of snow or rain.
- Be prepared for winter weather. Check the weather forecast before heading out, and bring tire chains, a snow shovel, and an ice scraper. Make sure your camper van has good tires and a full tank of gas in case of emergencies.
- DIY winter camping hacks. There are plenty of DIY hacks you can use to make your winter camping trip more comfortable. For example, you can use bubble wrap to insulate windows, place rugs or blankets on the floor to keep your feet warm, and use a hot water bottle to warm up your sleeping bag.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable winter camping trip in your camper van.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to properly winterize a camper van?
To properly winterize a camper van, you need to follow a few steps. First, clean and empty the van. Second, protect the plumbing system using antifreeze. Third, secure the windows, doors, and vents. Fourth, store the batteries properly. For more detailed information on each step, check out this guide.
How often should a camper van be winterized?
You should winterize your camper van once a year before the cold weather arrives. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may need to winterize your camper van more than once a year. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
What is the best antifreeze to use when winterizing a camper van?
The best antifreeze to use when winterizing a camper van is propylene glycol antifreeze. This type of antifreeze is safe for the environment and won’t harm your plumbing system. Be sure to use the correct ratio of antifreeze to water, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Should you cover a camper van during winter storage?
Covering your camper van during winter storage is a good idea. A cover will protect your van from snow, ice, and other winter weather conditions. It will also keep your van clean and dry. Just make sure the cover is breathable so that moisture doesn’t get trapped inside.
Can you leave propane tanks in a camper van during winter?
You can leave propane tanks in a camper van during winter, but it’s important to take some precautions. Make sure the tanks are turned off and disconnected from the camper van’s propane system. Store the tanks in a cool, dry place, away from any sources of heat or flame.
How do you properly drain and flush the water system when winterizing a camper van?
To properly drain and flush the water system when winterizing a camper van, you need to follow a few steps. First, turn off the water supply and drain the freshwater tank. Second, open all the faucets and drain the water lines. Third, flush the system with antifreeze. For more detailed instructions, check out this guide.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve always felt at home in the outdoors. We created Evergreen Adventures PNW to share our love of hiking, camping, and exploring, and to help others discover the best adventures this region has to offer. Along with trip guides and tips, we also enjoy diving into the science behind the landscapes—thanks to a background in Environmental Science—because understanding nature makes every adventure even more meaningful.