When the warm weather dissipates and the cold sets in, it’s time to have your RV, camper, or travel trailer winterized for the next adventure — whether that means new journeys in northern regions or stowing until the warmth returns. Our team at Sunny Island RV near Chicago, IL, has crafted this guide to help you learn more about why you should winterize your RV and trailers. Whether you’re a veteran traveler or interested in becoming one, winterization is an important aspect of ownership to consider.

Sunny Island RV is your trusted destination for RV and trailer winterization in the greater Chicago region. When you’re ready, schedule a service appointment to get started. If you have questions about winterization services or would like to schedule service by phone, contact our service experts at (815) 874-7226.
 

Why Should You Winterize Your RV?

Near- and sub-freezing temperatures can have a direct impact on the lifespan of the components on any vehicle, recreational vehicles included. On RVs and trailers, the plumbing, gas, engine, and other systems — much like your home and automobile — can be impacted by these temperatures in an undesirable way.

There are various reasons to winterize your RV or trailer before you venture out on a cold-weather excursion or park until spring. Winterizing includes, among many other steps, the process of draining used fluids from your RV or trailer so that when you’re ready to embark on your next adventure, you can do so with refreshed systems. Plus, it makes prepping for your next journey a breeze. But if there is one core reason why you should winterize your RV, camper, or travel trailer, it’s simple: it will prolong the life of your trailer, components, and systems, and help save you from potentially unnecessary and avoidable maintenance costs later on.

 

Interior & Exterior Winterization Tips

What can you do to begin the winterization process on your own? Your RV or trailer owner’s manual should be your primary source of information for your model’s specific winterization processes. Below, we’ve added some very general, basic tips to help you get started before you visit Sunny Island RV to let us complete the winterization process for you.

• Remove electronic devices

• Remove batteries from devices that will remain inside

• Remove food, perishables, and any products that may attract pests

• Remove clothing and linens

• Place rodent, roach, and other traps throughout to help keep pests away

• Open the refrigerator and freezer

• Turn off electrical (and propane if equipped) breakers completely

• Pull down the window shades to prevent UV damage to interior materials

• Complete a thorough, general cleaning, inside and out
   

Water Heater Maintenance

Proper winterization of your water and plumbing systems can prevent freezing pipes and possible damage when the temperatures drop. The process involves draining and removing the water from your RV and adding antifreeze. Below is a general list of tips for an overview of what is involved in winterizing your RVs water heater. Please check your owner’s manual for your model’s specific instructions.

• Disconnect the outside water source

• Bypass the water filter and water heater

• Drain the water heater tank and leave the drain plug open

• Clean the inside of the tank

• Drain water heater and lines

• Add antifreeze

Water System Refill

Warmer days are ahead and that means it’s time to hit the road for the first trip of the year. The process of de-winterizing your RV is a bit more in-depth than simply refilling your tank, particularly if you’ve added antifreeze to your system.

• Drain and flush the antifreeze from your water system — please be sure to follow proper, safe disposal and handling precautions, and dispose of only at approved locations. Add water to the holding tank, then open all faucets and let the water run for several minutes to ensure the system is fully clear of any antifreeze.

• Sanitize your water system — after not being used for several months, it’s important to remove any possible bacteria or mold. Use ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons in your tank — fill the water tank. You can leave the solution in the tank for a few hours or you can immediately drain it. You’ll flush the system using the same method as with the antifreeze.

• Refill your fresh water tank — once the system is completely free and clear of any antifreeze and/or cleaning solution, it’s time to refill your water tank so you can embark on new journeys with fresh, clean water.

Why Visit Sunny Island RV for Your Winterization Service?

You’ve got a deep passion for the outdoors and visiting the wonders of the world at your own leisure. At Sunny Island RV, we know how freeing that experience is. Our team is dedicated to helping you maintain your beloved RV or trailer so you can continue starting new chapters of adventures — whether “adventure” is traveling to your favorite spots around North America or just a week-long road trip to see family with the comforts of home in tow.

Visit our service department for information about maintenance and repairs for your RV or trailer, or connect with our service experts directly by calling us at (815) 874-7226.
 

RV, Trailer, & Camper Winterizing Services Available Today!

Ready to prepare your RV or trailer for cold weather? Our parts department offers various tools and kits to help you start the winterization process on your own. Connect with the professionals at Sunny Island RV for all your RV, travel trailer, and camper winterization services — call us at (815) 874-7226 or schedule a service appointment online.
 

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