Step-by-Step RV Winterization for Central PA Owners

Winterization isn’t just about pink antifreeze—it’s about ensuring your RV wakes up in the spring exactly the way you parked it. The cold, damp months in Central PA can crack fittings, grow mildew, and flatten batteries. Here’s a clear, step-by-step plan from the RV techs at Immaculate Kinetics in Danville, PA.

1) Deep Clean & Dry

Wash and wax the exterior; clean awnings and slide toppers; vacuum and wipe down the interior. Moisture is the enemy—run a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers for a day before sealing the rig. Remove all food and soft goods that attract pests.

2) Plumbing System: Drain, Bypass, Protect

1. Drain fresh tank and open low-point drains.

2. Water heater: Turn off, cool fully, drain, and bypass (saves gallons of antifreeze).

3. Blow-out method: Use dry compressed air (30–40 PSI) at the city-water connection to push water from lines, opening each faucet one at a time (hot and cold), including outside showers.

4. Antifreeze method: Pump RV/Marine antifreeze (propylene glycol—pink) through the system via the pump pick-up tube; run each faucet until you see pink. Don’t forget toilet, sprayers, and low-point drains.

5. P-traps: Pour a cup of antifreeze into every drain and a bit into the toilet to protect seals.
   Tip: Most Class C/Class A rigs use 2–3 gallons; larger systems may take more.

3) Tanks & Valves

Thoroughly flush black and gray tanks before storage. Lubricate dump valves per manufacturer guidance and verify caps seal tightly to keep odor and moisture out.

4) Appliances & Propane

• Furnace & water heater: Clean burners and inspect for wasp nests; turn appliances off for storage.

• Refrigerator: Defrost, prop doors open, and place moisture absorbers inside.

• Propane: Close service valves, check pigtails and regulators, and cap lines securely. Store with adequate ventilation.

5) Electrical & Batteries

• Chassis battery: Clean terminals, test, and either disconnect the negative terminal or connect to a smart maintainer.

• House bank: Fully charge; check water levels in flooded cells; maintain with a quality charger/maintainer.

• Parasitic draws: Kill master switches or pull select fuses to avoid phantom drain from detectors and monitors.

6) Tires, Suspension, and Brakes

Inflate to spec (some owners add a few PSI within spec for storage), park on boards—not bare ground—and roll the rig a quarter turn monthly to avoid flat spots. Chock wheels properly and leave parking brakes off on some air-brake coaches per OEM guidance.

7) Sealing the Envelope

Inspect and reseal roof seams, windows, and penetrations. Replace cracked wiper blades and cover them to prevent springtime streaking. Use a breathable cover sized for your RV; avoid plastic tarps that trap moisture and chafe paint.

8) Pest Prevention

Seal openings around plumbing and wiring. Use screens over furnace and water-heater vents. Remove fabrics that attract nesting and place deterrents in storage bays.

9) Storage Location & Check-Ins

Choose a level, well-drained, ventilated spot away from trees that drop sap and limbs. Visit monthly: air out, check for water intrusion, test maintainers, and inspect the cover.

10) Spring Recommissioning (Plan Now)

Create a checklist for March/April: sanitize freshwater (chlorine flush), reinstall water-heater from bypass, inspect anodes, test LP systems, and perform a full brake/tire inspection. Planning now speeds your first trip.

If you’d rather hand winterization off, Immaculate Kinetics offers complete RV services—plumbing, roof sealing, battery care, and safe storage prep—so you can park with confidence.