How to Winterize Your Forest River RV: A Comprehensive Guide

Winterizing your Forest River RV is absolutely essential to protect it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Proper winterization involves draining water from all plumbing systems and adding RV antifreeze to prevent pipes from bursting and components from cracking, ensuring your RV is ready for adventures when warmer weather returns.

Why Winterization is Non-Negotiable

Leaving water in your RV’s plumbing system during freezing temperatures is a recipe for disaster. As water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on pipes, fittings, and even your water heater. This can lead to costly repairs, including replacing burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and damaged water pumps. Beyond the plumbing, freezing water can also damage holding tanks, appliances like your refrigerator and ice maker, and even the RV’s exterior. Taking the time to properly winterize your Forest River RV is a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run and prevent frustration down the road. It also prolongs the life of your investment.

Step-by-Step Winterization Process

Before starting, gather your supplies. You’ll need:

• RV antifreeze: Use a non-toxic propylene glycol-based antifreeze specifically designed for RV plumbing. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it is toxic. The amount needed depends on the size of your RV; generally, 2-3 gallons are sufficient for smaller units, while larger units might require 4-6 gallons.
• Water heater bypass kit (if applicable): This kit allows you to isolate the water heater and prevent antifreeze from filling it, saving you a significant amount of antifreeze.
• Water pump converter kit (or tubing to connect to the pump): This allows you to draw antifreeze directly into the water lines using the existing water pump.
• Hand tools: A wrench, screwdriver, and pliers may be needed.
• Drainage hoses: For draining the fresh water tank and holding tanks.
• Air compressor (optional): Can be used to blow out water lines.

Preparing Your RV for Winterization

1. Drain all holding tanks: Empty both your black and gray water holding tanks at a designated dump station. Flush the black water tank thoroughly. Consider using a tank cleaning wand for a more comprehensive cleaning.

2. Drain the fresh water tank: Locate the fresh water tank drain valve and open it. Allow the tank to drain completely.

3. Bypass the water heater: If your RV has a water heater bypass kit, engage it now. This will prevent antifreeze from entering the water heater, saving you a considerable amount of antifreeze. If you don’t have a bypass kit, you can drain the water heater separately.

4. Drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool completely. Remove the drain plug (usually located at the bottom of the heater) and allow all the water to drain out. Replace the drain plug after draining. Important: Ensure the pressure relief valve is also open during draining.

Winterizing the Plumbing System

There are two primary methods for winterizing your RV’s plumbing system: using the water pump and blowing out the lines with compressed air. We’ll cover both.

Method 1: Using the Water Pump and Antifreeze

This is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring complete winterization.

1. Install the water pump converter kit: Disconnect the water line from the inlet side of your water pump. Connect the converter kit (or tubing) to the pump’s inlet and place the other end into a container of RV antifreeze.

2. Turn on the water pump: Turn on the water pump and allow it to pump antifreeze through the system.

3. Open each faucet and fixture: Starting with the faucet furthest from the water pump, open both the hot and cold water taps until you see a steady stream of pink antifreeze. Repeat this process for all faucets, showers, and toilets. Don’t forget outside showers and the toilet sprayer.

4. Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze in the bowl.

5. Pour antifreeze into the drains: Pour antifreeze into each sink and shower drain to protect the P-traps from freezing.

6. Pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl: Leave some antifreeze in the toilet bowl to prevent the seals from drying out.

Method 2: Blowing Out the Water Lines with Compressed Air

This method uses compressed air to force water out of the lines. While effective, it may not remove all the water. Using antifreeze in conjunction with this method is highly recommended for optimal protection.

1. Connect an air compressor: Connect an air compressor to the city water inlet using a blow-out plug. Set the compressor to a low pressure (around 30-40 PSI). Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your RV’s plumbing system.

2. Open each faucet and fixture: Starting with the faucet furthest from the water inlet, open both the hot and cold water taps. Allow the air to blow until no more water comes out. Repeat this process for all faucets, showers, and toilets.

3. Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet until no more water comes out.

4. Pour antifreeze into the drains: Pour antifreeze into each sink and shower drain to protect the P-traps from freezing.

5. Pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl: Leave some antifreeze in the toilet bowl to prevent the seals from drying out.

Other Important Winterization Steps

• Ice maker and washing machine: If your RV has an ice maker or washing machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing these appliances. These often require special procedures.
• Exterior shower: Don’t forget to winterize the exterior shower, if your RV has one.
• Inspect seals and caulk: Check all seals and caulk around windows, doors, and vents. Repair any cracks or gaps to prevent water intrusion.
• Battery maintenance: Disconnect the RV battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Check the water levels (if applicable) and charge the battery periodically throughout the winter.
• Cover your RV: Consider purchasing an RV cover to protect it from the elements. Choose a breathable cover to prevent moisture buildup.
• Rodent prevention: Take steps to prevent rodents from entering your RV. Seal any potential entry points and consider using rodent repellent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much RV antifreeze do I need?

The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size and plumbing layout of your Forest River RV. Smaller units usually require 2-3 gallons, while larger units might need 4-6 gallons. It’s always better to have a little extra on hand than to run out mid-process.

2. Can I use automotive antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?

Absolutely not. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your RV’s water system, making it unsafe for drinking or washing. Always use a non-toxic propylene glycol-based antifreeze specifically designed for RV plumbing.

3. Do I need to bypass my water heater?

Bypassing the water heater is highly recommended. This prevents antifreeze from filling the water heater tank, saving you several gallons of antifreeze and reducing the time it takes to winterize. If you don’t have a bypass kit, you can still drain the water heater separately.

4. How often should I winterize my RV?

You should winterize your Forest River RV every year if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing. Even short periods of freezing temperatures can cause significant damage.

5. What happens if I don’t winterize my RV?

Failing to winterize your RV can lead to burst pipes, cracked fixtures, damaged water pumps, and other costly repairs. It can also damage holding tanks and appliances.

6. Can I winterize my RV myself, or should I hire a professional?

While many RV owners successfully winterize their own RVs, it depends on your comfort level and experience with plumbing systems. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it’s best to hire a qualified RV technician.

7. What is the best time to winterize my RV?

Winterize your RV before the first freeze of the season. Don’t wait until temperatures are already dropping below freezing.

8. How do I winterize my RV toilet?

Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze in the bowl. Then, pour a generous amount of antifreeze into the bowl to prevent the seals from drying out.

9. Can I use compressed air alone to winterize my RV?

While compressed air can help remove water from the lines, it may not remove all the water. Using RV antifreeze in conjunction with compressed air is highly recommended for optimal protection.

10. Where should I store my RV antifreeze?

Store RV antifreeze in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.

11. How do I de-winterize my RV in the spring?

De-winterizing involves flushing the antifreeze out of your RV’s water system. Sanitize the fresh water tank and lines by filling them with a bleach solution (1/4 cup of bleach per 15 gallons of water), letting it sit for several hours, and then flushing thoroughly with fresh water.

12. What should I do if I suspect my RV has already frozen?

If you suspect your RV has already frozen, do not turn on any of the plumbing fixtures. Contact a qualified RV technician to inspect the system for damage before attempting to use it.