How to prepare your RV or travel trailer for winter

You’ve chased sunsets, tackled highways, and made memories on the move. Now it’s time to park your rig while you rest and plan next season’s adventure. But freezing temperatures, lingering moisture, and months of sitting still can quietly take a toll on an RV, and most of that damage doesn’t show up until you’re ready to roll again.

Water left in the lines can freeze, expand, and split pipes and fittings. Batteries slowly drain. Rodents look for a warm, quiet place to nest, and trapped humidity invites mold and mildew. Learning how to winterize a camper the right way is the simplest way to avoid a costly surprise in spring.

This guide walks you through each step in order, from draining the plumbing and adding RV antifreeze to protecting tires, slide-outs, and seals. The steps apply whether you’re storing a weekend travel trailer or a Class A motorhome, with notes on what’s different between them. Check your owner’s manual as you go, since plumbing layouts, water heaters, and generators vary by manufacturer.

Why Winter Storage Preparation Matters

• Frozen water lines: Water expands as it freezes, which can crack pipes, fittings, valves, and water heater tanks. 
• Pests and rodents: Mice and other critters chew through wiring, insulation, and upholstery. 
• Battery drain: Detectors, control panels, and other small loads keep drawing power even when everything seems off. 
• Moisture buildup: Trapped humidity leads to mold, mildew, odors, and damaged interiors. 

One overlooked detail can turn spring startup into a headache. That’s why a pre-trip inspection before your first outing matters just as much as winter prep. 

How To Winterize a Camper or Travel Trailer: Step-by-Step 

Step 1: Choose your storage spot 

• Indoor, climate-controlled storage offers the most protection. Covered outdoor storage is a good middle ground. 
• If storing outdoors, park on level, well-drained ground away from trees. 

Step 2: Clean out and pest-proof the interior 

• Remove all food, liquids, and anything that can freeze or hold moisture. 
• Turn off and dry the fridge, then prop the door and cabinets open for airflow. 
• Set out moisture absorbers, and seal gaps where pipes and wires enter with stainless steel wool or copper mesh. 

Step 3: Wash and seal the exterior 

• Wash off road salt and grime, and wax painted or fiberglass sidewalls. 
• Clean the roof with a product made for your roof type. Rubber roofs can be damaged by petroleum-based, abrasive, or citrus cleaners. 
• Reseal any cracks around roof seams, vents, and windows. 

Step 4: Drain the water system 

• Dump the black tank, then the gray tank, and drain the fresh water tank. 
• Turn off the water heater, let it cool completely, then drain it. 
• Open the low-point drains and every faucet so the lines empty. 

Step 5: Bypass the water heater and add RV antifreeze 

• This is the core of how to winterize a camper with antifreeze: 
• Close the drains, set the water heater to “bypass,” and connect non-toxic RV antifreeze to the water pump. Never use automotive antifreeze. 
• Run each faucet (hot and cold), the shower, the outdoor shower, and the toilet until antifreeze runs pink. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any additional plumbing fixtures or appliances. 
• Pour a little antifreeze into each drain to protect the P-traps. 

Step 6: Shut off the propane and protect the batteries 

• Close the valve on every propane tank. Store removable cylinders upright and outdoors, never in a garage or home. 
• Fully charge the batteries, then disconnect them or connect a smart maintainer. Check the charge monthly. 
• For battery-specific tips, see our RV battery winter maintenance guide. 

Step 7: Stabilize the fuel and care for the generator and engine 

• Fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer. 
• Change the generator oil, and exercise the generator monthly under load, following its manual. 
• Motorhomes: If you start the engine during storage, run it long enough to fully warm up, since short idles leave condensation in the oil. Confirm the coolant is rated for your winter lows. 

Step 8: Prep the slide-outs, awnings, and vents 

• Clean and condition slide-out seals, then retract the slides fully. 
• Make sure the awnings are completely dry before rolling them up. 
• Add vent covers so roof vents can stay cracked for airflow. 

Step 9: Protect the tires, cover up, and check in 

• Inflate tires to the placard pressure, cover them, and chock the wheels. 
• Lower stabilizer jacks only until snug. They aren’t designed to lift the RV. 
• Use a breathable RV cover (not a tarp), take photos for your insurance records, and check your RV monthly. 

Special Considerations for Travel Trailers

• Hitch Maintenance: Grease the hitch ball and lock mechanism to prevent rust.
• Tongue Jack Protection: Cover the jack and raise it off the ground with a stabilizing pad.
• Weight Distribution: Ensure tires are evenly loaded; consider jacking up slightly to relieve pressure.
• Wheel Chocks & Stabilizers: Don't skip them—winter winds can shift even parked trailers.

Unlike motorhomes, travel trailers often sit idle for longer stretches, making preventive steps more important.

Essential Products for Winterizing Your RV

Here's what you'll need to get the job done right:

• Non-toxic RV antifreeze: Protects your plumbing without damaging drinking water lines. 
• Winterizing siphon or pump converter kit: Lets the water pump draw antifreeze straight from the jug. 
• Water heater bypass kit: If your RV isn’t already equipped. 
• Smart battery maintainer: Keeps voltage stable without overcharging. 
• Fuel stabilizer: Helps keep fuel fresh in the engine and generator. 
• Tire covers and wheel chocks: Protect against UV damage and keep the RV from shifting. 
• Breathable RV cover: Shields your rig while letting moisture escape. 
• Moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier: Help prevent interior mold and mildew. 
• Rodent traps and stainless steel wool or copper mesh: For keeping pests out of the RV and storage bays. 

Proper winterization helps prevent storage-related problems, but unexpected issues can still arise when you're ready to travel again. Roadside assistance provides an additional layer of support for covered breakdowns, including jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and towing.

Documentation and Insurance Considerations

Take photos of your RV's condition before storage for insurance protection. Contact your insurer about storage discounts.

Climate-Specific Strategies

• Humid Climates: Use extra moisture absorbers and consider solar ventilation fans.
• Dry Climates: Focus on UV protection—rubber seals and tires deteriorate faster.
• High Wind/Snow Areas: Secure external accessories and ensure covers can handle weather loads.

Final Thoughts: Protect Now, Travel Confidently Later

Proper RV winterization is an investment in peace of mind. It takes less than a day to prep your rig—and can save thousands in repairs. Whether you're winterizing a full-size motorhome or a weekend travel trailer, Good Sam has your back with 24/7 roadside support all year long. 

When you're ready to break out of winter storage and hit the road again, you'll have the confidence that comes from proper preparation—and the security of knowing Good Sam's network of over 30,000 providers is ready to help if anything unexpected happens.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Need reliable coverage while storing—or taking one last trip south for winter? Join RVers who trust Good Sam to stay protected through every season—whether you're parked in snow country or chasing sunsets. From unlimited towing to the nearest service center to family coverage at no extra cost, keep your journey smooth with Good Sam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. When should I winterize my camper? 

Before the first freeze in your area, ideally once nighttime temperatures start dropping toward 32°F. 

2. How much RV antifreeze do I need to winterize a camper? 

About 2 gallons for a small travel trailer, 3 for a midsize RV, and 4 to 5 for a large fifth wheel or Class A, with the water heater bypassed. Add about a gallon each for a washer or dishwasher. 

3. Can I winterize a travel trailer without antifreeze? 

Yes. You can blow the water out of the lines with an air compressor instead, but you’ll still need a little RV antifreeze in each drain to protect the P-traps. Follow manufacturer-approved procedures and use a pressure regulator. Excessive pressure can damage fittings and fixtures. 

4. Should I disconnect the propane tanks? 

Close every tank valve. If your cylinders are removable, store them upright and outdoors, never in a garage or home. 

5. Is indoor storage really worth the price? 

If you live in a region with sub-freezing temps and snow, indoor storage helps preserve seals, paint, and tires, and it reduces rodent risk. 

6. What if I have problems during my first trip after storage? 

Good Sam Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 for jump starts, flat tires, fuel delivery, lockouts, and towing to the nearest service center. Compare RV plans to find the right fit.