FMCA Tech Tip: Winterizing Your RV: Air vs. Antifreeze

Unless you’re one of the lucky RVers heading south this time of year, fall’s cooler weather means it’s almost time to winterize your RV. The how-to of winterizing can be a hot debate (pun intended). FMCA has tips to help you decide the right option for your RV.

About Winterizing

Winterizing deals primarily with the plumbing system and protecting your RV from freeze damage. All water must be removed from holding tanks, water lines, and plumbing fixtures. Two methods are performed to winterize RV plumbing: using air pressure to blow moisture out of the system or pumping antifreeze through the water lines.

Which should you use? The answer depends on where you live and the complexity of your RV’s plumbing system.

Air

Air is easy to use; just connect an air compressor to the water hose and blow everything out. In theory, the system will be dry. Plus, air is free, so it eliminates the need to buy bottles of antifreeze. Air pushes most of the water out, but residual water can remain in water lines’ low spots where it can freeze, expand, and cause damage.

In a simple RV with minimal plumbing lines, using only air may not be an issue. But if you live in a place with long, cold winters, using air may not be enough to protect your RV from freeze damage.

Antifreeze

RV professionals consider antifreeze to be the best method for preventing freeze damage. Keep in mind that it differs from automotive antifreeze. RV antifreeze is nontoxic and is safe to use in fresh-water systems. It freezes but does not solidify. Instead, it turns to slush, which will not expand to crack fittings or water lines.