DEWINTERIZING YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER: A SIMPLE 4-STEP SPRING GUIDE

Dewinterizing your travel trailer (RV) is an essential step to kick off your camping season. The good news? It’s much easier than you think.

Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to get your trailer ready quickly and stress-free.

STEP 1 – CONNECT YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER (RV)

Before anything else, make sure your trailer is properly connected to essential services.

To do:

Connect water to the city water inlet
Plug in electricity (30A or 50A depending on your unit)
Connect the sewer hose
Open slide-outs, if applicable

👉 Tip: This step is ideal if you’re at a campground or at home with full hookups.

STEP 2 – FLUSH OUT THE ANTIFREEZE FROM THE PLUMBING

During winter, RV antifreeze (pink liquid) protects your pipes. Now it’s time to remove it completely.

Procedure:

Open all faucets (kitchen, bathroom, shower)
Let water run until the pink liquid is completely gone
Run cold water first, then hot water
Flush the toilet to remove antifreeze from the system

No access to running water?

Fill the fresh water tank
Turn on the water pump
Set the pump valve to summer mode

STEP 3 – OPEN THE LOW POINT DRAINS

Low point drains allow you to fully empty the plumbing system.

To do:

Locate the low point drains under your trailer
Open both valves (hot and cold water)
Let water run until no antifreeze remains
Close the valves

👉 Recommended: Check for leaks after closing the valves.

STEP 4 – REACTIVATE THE WATER HEATER

The water heater is usually bypassed during winter. It must be set back to normal operation.

⚠️ For tankless water heaters, skip this step

Procedure:

Locate the valves (typically 1 to 3 depending on the model)
Set them back to summer mode
Reinstall the drain plug or anode rod (very important)

⚠️ Never turn on the water heater without water inside — this can cause serious damage.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL TIPS

For a complete and safe RV spring opening, also:

Remove protective covers (AC unit, water heater vent, etc.)
Check seals and caulking
Inspect tires (pressure and wear)
Test all appliances (fridge, furnace, air conditioner)
Sanitize the fresh water system (recommended at the start of the season)

CONCLUSION

Dewinterizing your travel trailer is a quick and essential step to fully enjoy the camping season. By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure a smooth start and extend the life of your RV.

Guide to Opening Your Travel Trailer