Winterizing Your Sportsmobile: A Guide to Protecting Your Investment

Owning a Sportsmobile RV is an investment in adventure and freedom, but as winter approaches, it’s essential to take steps to protect that investment. Winterizing your RV is a simple process that prepares your vehicle to withstand cold temperatures and avoid potential damage. By spending a bit of time on these preparations, you’ll prevent costly repairs and ensure your Sportsmobile stays in great condition, ready for the next season of travel. Here’s a comprehensive guide to winterizing your Sportsmobile.

Why Winterize Your RV?

RV plumbing systems are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes, seals, and tanks to crack or burst, leading to expensive repairs. Winterizing your Sportsmobile will protect your plumbing, safeguard your investment, and keep your RV in top shape for years to come. Taking these preventive steps will help avoid any unpleasant surprises when you’re ready to hit the road again in spring.

When Should You Winterize?

The best time to winterize your RV is after your last trip of the season and before the first hard freeze. If temperatures are expected to dip below freezing for extended periods, it’s essential to prepare your water systems. Sportsmobile vans can withstand brief cold snaps, but if prolonged freezing is in the forecast, winterizing becomes necessary to prevent damage.
Most owners find that winterizing their Sportsmobile is easy and can be done with minimal effort using common tools and supplies.

Tools You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following items:

• Hose coils
• Shop rags
• Potable RV antifreeze (NOT automotive antifreeze, which is toxic)
• Freshwater
• Baking soda
• Dehumidifying or deodorizing materials (like charcoal)
• Pipe dope (if you have a propane water heater) 1 ⅛” socket, anode rod

Steps to Winterize Your Sportsmobile

1. Drain the Water Systems

• Gray and Black Water Tanks: Begin by draining and flushing your gray and black water tanks to remove any residual waste. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures no dirty water sits in the tanks over winter. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Black water must be dumped into an approved dump station
• Freshwater Tank: Use any remaining water in the fresh tank to flush the gray and black tanks, then open the valve by the fresh water tank to let any excess water drain out.
• City Water Connection: Open the valve near the connection under the van. This is the lowest point in the water system. Keeping this valve open when the system is drained helps prevent trapped water from freezing.

2. Open All Faucets

Inside the van, open all faucets, both hot and cold, to release any remaining water.

3. Drain the Water Pump

Turn on the pump to empty it completely, allowing it to run until dry. Remove the outlet hose on the pump to release any remaining water, using a rag to catch it, then reattach the hose.

4. Drain the Water Heater

• For Electric Water Heaters: Flip the bypass valves at the top of the heater to isolate it from the water system. Drain by removing the lower plug and opening the pressure relief valve to drain.
• For Propane Water Heaters: Use the bypass kit to isolate the water heater from the water system. Shut off gas and electrical power, then remove the anode rod from the tank (reinstall it in spring with pipe dope on the threads. New Anode rod can also be reinstalled after water is drained.) Ensure the pressure relief valve is open to allow for complete drainage.

Using RV Antifreeze

In some cases, adding RV antifreeze to your system is a wise precaution. If you will be using your Sportsmobile during the winter months in freezing temperatures, it is an absolute must! Only use RV-specific antifreeze, as it is non-toxic and safe for your water system. Automotive antifreeze should never be used in an RV Fresh water system.

• Completely Drained System: If you’ve fully drained the system, pour a small amount of undiluted RV antifreeze down the sink and shower drains to protect the P-traps, same applies to the toilet to protect the BW tank, and add about a ¼ gallon to the toilet to protect the black tank valves.
• If Water Remains in your Fresh Water Tank During Freezing Weather: Pour RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank, turn on the water pump, and open cold and hot faucets until you see antifreeze. Repeat for the shower, marine toilet, and macerator pump (if applicable), allowing antifreeze to circulate and protect your lines. Add additional antifreeze each time you fill your fresh water tank.

Note: Avoid running antifreeze through the water heater. Leave the heater on bypass until you sanitize the system, and remove the antifreeze.

Additional Winterizing Tips

• Deep Clean: Winter is a great time to thoroughly clean your van. Make sure all food is removed to prevent spoilage and deter pests.
• Odor Prevention: Place a box of baking soda in the fridge and freezer to absorb any odors.
• Battery Maintenance: If storing the van long-term, consider fully charging and disconnecting the battery system to prolong its life.
• Rodent Prevention: Pests can cause significant damage if they find a way into your van. Ensure it’s clean, and consider bringing cushions or mattresses inside if your storage area is prone to pests.

Enjoy Peace of Mind All Winter

By following these winterizing steps, you’ll ensure your Sportsmobile freshwater system is protected from the harsh winter elements and ready for adventure when the weather warms up. Take the time to winterize now, and you’ll save yourself from potential headaches and costly repairs down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the faucets open?
Yes, once the water system is drained, you can leave the faucets open to ensure any residual moisture escapes.

Can I winterize the van myself?
Absolutely! With some basic tools and a bit of time, most Sportsmobile owners find winterizing their van to be a straightforward process.

Should I put antifreeze in the water heater?
No, antifreeze should not go through the water heater. Instead, keep it bypassed while antifreeze is in the rest of the system.

At what temperature should I winterize?
If temperatures will stay below 30°F for several hours, it’s wise to winterize to protect your water lines and tanks.