Winterizing Your Pop-Up Camper: Is It Necessary?

Pop-up campers are a great option for family vacations, but they need to be winterized to protect them from damage caused by freezing temperatures. Winterizing a pop-up camper involves several steps, including draining water tanks and lines, adding antifreeze, removing the battery, and more. This process ensures the camper is ready to use in the spring and prevents costly repairs. While it may seem overwhelming, following a comprehensive checklist will help you safeguard your investment and ensure your camper is well-maintained.

Draining the tanks

First, start by dumping your wastewater tank or tanks. This includes both the grey and black water tanks. To do this, go to a dump station and drain the tanks until they are completely empty.

Next, you will need to drain the fresh water tank. Locate the drain valve on the underside of the trailer, near the fresh water tank, and open it to drain the tank. Make sure to also open the sink faucet to break the vacuum of the system, allowing the water to drain out via gravity feed.

If your pop-up camper has a hot water package, you will need to take a few additional steps. Bypass the hot water tank by opening the pressure relief valve. Remove the hot water drain plug or open the drain petcock to allow the water to drain out. Once the hot water tank is empty, reinstall the plug or close the petcock.

If your camper has a water filter canister, remove the water filter and reinstall the empty canister. This step ensures that the water filter does not get damaged by freezing water.

Finally, open all faucets, including the sink, shower (if applicable), and exterior shower (if applicable), and let them run until there is no more water coming out. This ensures that all the water lines are completely drained.

It is important to note that even after draining the tanks, there may still be some water left in low-point drains, the water filter canister, or the hot water tank. To remove this remaining water, you can use compressed air or antifreeze.

If using compressed air, blow air into the inlet side of your water pump and then into the sink drain. This will remove any remaining water from the hidden low points in the water lines.

If using antifreeze, attach a hose to the inlet of your water pump and insert the other end into a jug of RV water system antifreeze. Turn on the water pump and open the sink faucet. Let the antifreeze run through the system until it comes out of the faucet. Remove the sink drain plug and allow antifreeze to drain into the p-trap.

By following these steps, you can effectively drain the tanks in your pop-up camper, preventing any damage caused by freezing water.

Clearing the water lines

Step 1: Drain the Water Tank

First, locate the drain valve on the underside of your pop-up camper's fresh water tank. Open this valve to completely drain all the water from the tank. It is crucial to ensure that the tank is entirely empty before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Antifreeze

For this step, you will need to purchase RV antifreeze, which is typically pink or coloured to make it visible when it comes out of the faucets. Pour the antifreeze into a jug or container that can be easily accessed.

Step 3: Hook Up the Hand Pump

Locate the suction side of your hand pump, which is usually connected to the camper's water tank. Unhook this hose from the water tank and place it into the jug of antifreeze. Ensure that the other end of the hose is still connected to the hand pump.

Step 4: Pump Antifreeze Through the System

With the hand pump connected to the antifreeze, start pumping. Continue pumping until you see a small amount of antifreeze coming out of the sink faucet. This indicates that the antifreeze has travelled through the pipes and reached the sink.

Step 5: Address the City Water Inlet

Now, turn your attention to the city water inlet. Hook up a separate hand pump to the city water inlet and open the faucet. Start pumping to push antifreeze through the pipes and out of the faucet. Ensure that you have a good seal between the pump and the inlet to prevent any leaks.

Step 6: Final Steps

Once you've pumped antifreeze through the system, remember to clean the sink thoroughly, as antifreeze can stain. Additionally, if you have a Porta Potty, don't forget to empty the holding tank and pour antifreeze into the fresh water holding tank to flush through the system.

Winterizing your pop-up camper is essential to prevent damage caused by freezing water. By following these steps, you can effectively clear the water lines and protect your camper during the cold months.

Adding antifreeze

Step 1: Drain all the water from your pop-up camper water tanks, including the fresh water tank and hot water heater. It is important to ensure that all water is removed from the tanks and pipes to prevent freezing and potential pipe bursts.

Step 2: Hook up air to the city water inlet and blow air through the faucet. This step ensures that any remaining water is removed from your water tank and pipes. Even a small amount of water can freeze and cause damage.

Step 3: Prepare a jug of antifreeze and unhook the suction side of your hand pump at the pop-up camper's water tank. Place the hose into the jug of antifreeze.

Step 4: Pump the hand pump until a small amount of antifreeze appears in the sink. This ensures that the antifreeze has reached all the way through your pipes.

Step 5: Hook up the hand pump to the city water inlet, open the faucet, and start pumping antifreeze through the pipes. Continue pumping until the antifreeze jug is empty.

Step 6: Re-hook everything back up and clean the sink thoroughly. Antifreeze can cause stains, so it is important to clean any spills or residue.

Step 7: If you have a Porta Potty, empty the holding tank and pour antifreeze into the fresh water holding tank. Flush the antifreeze through the Porta Potty using the hand pump.

By following these steps, you can effectively add antifreeze to your pop-up camper, protecting it from freezing temperatures and potential damage. Remember to use non-toxic RV antifreeze and always clean up any spills to prevent stains.

Removing the battery

• Locate the battery: The battery is usually located in a battery box on the tongue of the pop-up camper (the part that includes the hitch).
• Disconnect the cables: Start by disconnecting the negative cable, which is typically black and connected to the negative terminal of the battery. Then, disconnect the positive cable, which is typically red and connected to the positive terminal.
• Remove the battery: Carefully lift the battery out of the battery box. It may be heavy, so consider getting assistance if needed.
• Store the battery: Place the battery in a dry, temperature-controlled area, such as a shelf or workbench in your home or garage. Avoid placing the battery on concrete or the ground, as this could affect its performance. Instead, place it on a piece of cardboard or wood to insulate it from the floor.
• Maintain the battery: Keep the battery charged during the winter by connecting it to a smart trickle charger or a battery maintainer. This will help ensure the battery stays in good condition and is ready for use when camping season begins again.

Remember to keep your battery charged during the winter and to periodically check on it to ensure it is in good condition. A well-maintained battery can last for several years and provide reliable power for your pop-up camper.

Lubricating the lift system

Firstly, identify the type of lift system in your camper. Most pop-up campers use a strong spring-like rod that rotates on a mechanism to push the top up. This system can be manually operated with a hand crank or powered. If you have a hand crank system, you will need to lubricate the wiffletree, which is the part at the end of the crank where the cables attach.

When it comes to choosing a lubricant, opt for a spray lubricant designed specifically for cables. A popular option is LPS's spray lubricant. Alternatively, a silicone-based grease product or spray can also be used. Avoid using grease or oil, as they can attract dirt and dust, making a sticky mess that could be challenging to clean.

Before applying the lubricant, ensure you have adequate protection, such as gloves and eye protection. If possible, work in a well-ventilated area to minimise the inhalation of fumes. Place a lint-free cloth underneath the camper to catch any excess lubricant and protect the surrounding area.

Now, apply the lubricant to the lift system. If your camper has a grease fitting, attach a grease gun and pump general-purpose or high-temp axle grease into the fitting until it appears around the cable. If your camper has exposed lifters or cables, use a spray lubricant. Direct the spray onto the cables, lift arms, pulleys, and any other moving parts. Be cautioussection,section, cautious not to spray the canvas, as it may damage the waterproofing. You can use cardboard or another barrier to protect the canvas.

After applying the lubricant, wait for it to dry or settle. Then, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant from the tubes or exposed surfaces.

Finally, test the lift system by cranking it up and down. Ensure that all parts are moving smoothly and quietly. If you notice any squeaks or resistance, apply additional lubricant sparingly to the affected areas.

By following these steps, you will help ensure that your pop-up camper's lift system remains in good condition and is ready for your next adventure.

Frequently asked questions