Winter Camping Essentials

What do I need to winterize my RV's fresh water system?

At a minimum you need RV antifreeze (non-toxic, propylene glycol), a water heater bypass kit, and a blowout plug to clear lines with compressed air. Most owners also add a hand pump siphon kit to draw antifreeze through the freshwater pump. Our RV winterizing kits bundle these together so you can complete the job in one pass. Confirm whether your water heater is a Suburban or Atwood/Dometic model before ordering a bypass, the fittings differ.

How do I keep my RV water heater from freezing?

Drain the tank completely, remove the anode rod (Suburban) or plastic drain plug (Atwood/Dometic), and install a bypass valve so antifreeze does not fill the 6 or 10 gallon tank. Leaving the tank full of antifreeze wastes product and is unnecessary. If you are replacing a tank this season, see our 10 gallon RV water heater options for direct-fit Suburban and Atwood replacements.

Do RV covers actually protect against winter damage?

A properly fitted cover blocks UV degradation on roof seals, sheds snow load off slide-out toppers, and keeps moisture out of vents and seams. Look for a breathable polypropylene fabric rated for your climate zone, with reinforced corners and tension panels to prevent flapping. Measure length including bumpers and ladder before ordering, undersized covers tear at the rear cap within one season.

What hitch and tow accessories matter for cold-weather travel?

Cold temperatures stiffen rubber and grease, so inspect your hitch ball coupler, breakaway cable, and 7-way connector before any winter tow. Dielectric grease on the trailer plug prevents moisture intrusion and corrosion when roads are salted. If you tow into freezing conditions regularly, keep a spare 7-way plug and a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter on hand. Browse our RV plug adapters for shore power options at winter-ready campgrounds.