The Northeastern United States, with its breathtaking snowy landscapes and brisk winters, provides a unique setting for RV enthusiasts. However, the unforgiving winter conditions in this region require a specialized approach to RV ownership. The most crucial step to protect your RV investment and ensure its longevity is winterization. In this blog, we’ll delve into the technicalities of why winterizing your RV is of paramount importance, especially in the Northeast, and provide straightforward explanations to help you grasp the significance of this process.
Northeastern Winters: A Challenge for RV Owners
Below are some of the technical aspects of why winterizing your RV is imperative:
1. Protecting Your Plumbing and Safeguarding Appliances:
Water expands when it freezes. If the plumbing system of your RV is not adequately winterized, the freezing and subsequent expansion of water within the pipes, tanks, and faucets can result in burst pipes and severe damage. Numerous RV appliances and components incorporate water, from the water heater to the toilet. Failing to winterize these appliances can lead to damage due to freezing temperatures.
2. Preserving the RV Structure:
Extreme cold can impact the exterior of your RV, causing seals and seams to contract. This contraction can create vulnerabilities that allow moisture to penetrate, potentially leading to structural damage and costly repairs. By taking care of the exterior, you will be able to take care of the interior better. Moisture that enters your RV through cracks in the seals during the winter can foster an environment conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. These can be health hazards and lead to unpleasant odors while being costly to remedy.
The Technical Steps to Proper Winterization
Winterizing your RV involves a meticulous process to protect all crucial systems from the cold. Here’s a breakdown of the technical steps:
1. Drain Water Tanks and Purge Water Line:
Empty all water tanks in your RV, including the fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks. Open all facets and let them empty out fully for several days to dry out. This will ensure that all water lines are completely empty. Use RV antifreeze to expel any remaining water from your plumbing lines. Be thorough, making sure all faucets and fixtures are adequately drained.
2. Safeguard Your Water Heater:
Turn off your water heater and drain it completely. Make sure you open the valves to let everything drain and dry out completely. If your water heater features a bypass valve, set it to bypass mode. Adding antifreeze to the water heater prevents freezing.
3. Insulate Exposed Pipes:
If your RV has exposed plumbing pipes, use foam pipe insulation to shield them from freezing temperatures. Like how you protect your hose facet at home you want to protect any open area so that if there were any water left over in the pipes by accident.
5. Seal Gaps and Openings:
Conduct a comprehensive inspection of your RV for any gaps or openings that allow cold air to infiltrate. Utilize weather stripping or silicone sealant to seal these areas effectively. While you are checking your RV, make sure you are covering your RV to help protect it from moisture getting in. Invest in an RV cover to shield your vehicle’s exterior from snow and ice. This protective layer not only preserves your RV’s paint but also hinders moisture infiltration. If you have any questions about anything on your RV that might pop up and be issue, contact our service department today.
Winterizing your RV in the Northeast is more than a precaution; it’s an investment necessity. The region’s harsh winter conditions can inflict substantial damage and result in costly repairs if you neglect this critical process. By following the technical winterization steps detailed above, you ensure that your RV remains in optimal condition and is prepared for your next adventure when spring arrives. Don’t underestimate the technicalities of winterization – take the time to safeguard your RV and enjoy peace of mind throughout the winter months.
We at Wilkins RV are always here to help and answer to make sure your RV investment is safe and protected for years to come. We have a winterizing special going on right now called Winterize While You Wait! With this special, you’ll get a 12-point visual inspection of your camper! This is such a great deal when going into the winter months to help protect your RV and address any issues you want to fix before the cold hits. Interested in this deal? Contact us today and we’ll schedule an appointment for you today!
