.png)
Sara and Kyle are brand new to the motorhome lifestyle. Since their kids have grown older, they've been inspired to show them this great nation that we live in and what better way to see it than by traveling in their motorhome! Sometimes it's not just the destination but the journey and traveling in their Entegra Coach Vision XL that allows them to enjoy the journey. Their travel plans will mostly revolve around weekends and extended weekends, so it’s a perfect fit for them with both working full time and two children in school. This lifestyle does require a bit of warrior spirit, as they are often on a tighter schedule with fewer days to reach their destination and make the most of the experience. They are excited to use the motorhome to explore every state and venture off the beaten path.
If you live or travel in areas where temperatures dip below freezing, winterizing your motorhome is an essential step before storing it for the season. Last year was our first time going through the process, and let’s just say… we didn’t get it quite right. We thought we had drained all the water out, but we missed a small line behind the refrigerator, which led to a leak and repair bill we weren’t planning on. Lesson learned!
This year, we’re approaching it with more confidence, and we wanted to share a few steps we’ve learned along the way. We’re not experts (yet), but hopefully this helps if you’re new to camping life like us.
These are the steps we take to winterize our motorhome (And What We Learned the Hard Way)
- Drain all water lines completely.
- Open every faucet, showerhead, and outdoor shower to make sure water has fully run out. Don’t forget the toilet and any hidden lines (we missed one behind our refrigerator last year).
- Bypass & drain the water heater.
- Make sure to let it cool down first, then drain it fully. Many motorhomes have a bypass valve to keep antifreeze from filling the tank.
- Blow out the lines OR use antifreeze.
- Using compressed air to blow out any leftover water in the lines or running antifreeze through the system- either way, the goal is the same: no water left behind to freeze and crack a line.
- Empty all holding tanks.
- Fully dump and flush the black and gray tanks, then add a bit of antifreeze to keep any residual liquid from freezing.
- Protect the inside.
- Remove food, clean thoroughly, and check for any places critters could sneak in. We also like to put a few moisture absorbers around the coach to prevent dampness and musty smells. Finally, dryer sheets are always our friend to deter mice from the inside of the camper.
- Care for the exterior.
- Wash the motorhome, check seals, and consider a cover or indoor storage if possible. Batteries and tires also need attention.
What We’ve Learned:
- Double-check every water source, even the ones you don’t think of daily.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Rushing is when mistakes happen.
- Ask questions! Read a forum, YouTube, and even neighbors with camping experience have been some of our best teachers.
- Consult your Owner's Manual.
- If not comfortable doing it yourself – hire it out.
We’re still learning, but this year feels less intimidating than the last. Winterizing might not be the most glamorous part of camping, but it’s one of the most important if you want to hit the road in the spring without surprise repairs.
