Winterizing Your Rockwood Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Winterizing your Rockwood camper is essential to protect it from the harsh winter conditions and prevent damage. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your camper for the cold weather:

- Drain the Water System: Open all faucets, including the shower, and don't forget the toilet valve. Drain the fresh water holding tank and empty the black and grey water holding tanks at a sanitary dump station.

- Bypass the Water Heater: Install a water heater bypass kit or use the built-in bypass valve if your RV has one. This will prevent you from wasting antifreeze and ensure it doesn't damage your water heater.

- Protect the Plumbing System: Pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain, including the shower, and don't forget the toilet. This will help protect your pipes from freezing.

- Winterize the Interior: Remove all perishable food and clean the fridge and pantry. Cover your furniture to protect it from moisture and dust.

- Exterior Inspection: Check the roof, sidewalls, windows, and doors for any cracks or gaps that could let in cold air or water. Cover the AC unit and vents to keep small animals out.

- Prepare the Electrical System: Unplug and store all cords properly. If you have a battery disconnect switch, turn it off. If not, consider removing and storing the battery in a warm place.

- Protect the Tires and Undercarriage: Inflate the tires to the recommended PSI and cover them to protect against UV damage. Check the undercarriage for any signs of rust or damage.

By following these steps, you'll be able to safely winterize your Rockwood camper and protect it from the cold weather.

Drain the water system

Draining the water system is the first step in winterizing your Rockwood camper. It is important to remember that if you do not drain the water system and the temperature drops, the water in the pipes can freeze and burst, causing significant damage.

To drain the water system, start by opening all the faucets, including the shower, and don't forget the toilet valve. Drain the fresh water holding tank and empty the black and grey water holding tanks at a sanitary dump station. If your camper has a water filter, be sure to remove and bypass it before adding antifreeze to the system.

Next, locate and open the low point drains. These are usually located on the passenger side of the camper, towards the rear, underneath the bathroom. They can be a bit tricky to access, so you may need additional tools like wrenches to remove the caps.

Once the low point drains are open, you can now drain the fresh water tank. To do this, open the drain valve on the fresh water tank and let it empty. Close the drain valve once the tank is empty.

Now, disconnect the water line from the city water connection. Open all the faucets in the camper again to allow any remaining water in the lines to drain out completely.

At this point, your fresh water tank should be drained, and the water lines disconnected. The next step is to add non-toxic RV antifreeze to the system to protect the pipes from freezing. Pour the antifreeze into the fresh water tank through the fill opening. Once the tank is full, turn on all the faucets in the camper and run the water until you see the coloured antifreeze coming out. Do this for both hot and cold water. Don't forget to flush the toilet until you see the antifreeze in the bowl as well.

Once you have run antifreeze through all the faucets and the toilet, turn them off and close the fresh water tank's fill opening.

Your Rockwood camper's water system is now winterized! Be sure to follow the other necessary steps to winterize the rest of the camper, including bypassing the water heater, protecting the plumbing, and winterizing the interior and exterior.

Bypass the water heater

Bypassing the water heater is an important step when winterizing your Rockwood camper. This process will prevent you from wasting antifreeze, as your water heater can hold up to six gallons of water. It will also prevent potential damage to your water heater.

To bypass the water heater in your Rockwood camper, you will need to purchase a water heater bypass kit if your RV does not have a built-in bypass valve. You will also need basic hand tools, such as a wrench and screwdrivers.

First, locate the water heater and identify the bypass valve. In most kitchens, the water heater is housed in a base cabinet, and you may need to remove an access panel to reach the bypass valve. The valve handle in line with the water line is open, while the valve handle perpendicular to the water line is closed.

Next, open the bypass valve (valve A) and close the hot (valve B) and cold (valve C) water valves. This will isolate the water heater, allowing water to flow through the system but preventing fluid from entering or exiting the water heater.

If your Rockwood camper does not have a built-in bypass valve, you can install a permanent one or use an external bypass kit. Consult your owner's manual or a specialist for advice on the best option for your specific model.

It is important to note that you should not put RV antifreeze into the freshwater tank. Instead, drain the tank and bypass it before adding antifreeze to the system.

Protect the plumbing system

Protecting the plumbing system of your Rockwood camper is a crucial step in winterizing your RV. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your plumbing system is ready for the cold weather:

Drain the Water System

Start by draining your entire water system, including the fresh water holding tank and the grey and black water holding tanks. Locate and open all faucets, including the shower, and don't forget the toilet valve. Drain all the water from these sources to prevent it from freezing and causing damage.

Bypass the Water Heater

Your water heater can hold a significant amount of water, so it's essential to bypass it to avoid wasting antifreeze. Most modern RVs have a built-in bypass valve. If your Rockwood camper doesn't have one, you can install a permanent bypass valve or use an external bypass kit. Ensure that you close all faucets and drain valves before proceeding.

Add RV Antifreeze to the System

Using a water pump converter kit or tubing, introduce non-toxic RV antifreeze into your system. Turn on the water pump and open each faucet one at a time, starting with the hot water and then the cold, until you see the coloured antifreeze coming out. Do the same with the toilet; flush it until you see the pink antifreeze.

Pour Antifreeze Down the Drains

To provide extra protection for your plumbing system, pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain, including the shower, and don't forget to add some to the toilet as well. This step ensures that the pipes are protected and helps prevent any damage caused by freezing temperatures.

By following these steps, you'll effectively protect the plumbing system in your Rockwood camper from freezing temperatures and potential damage. Remember to refer to your owner's manual for any specific instructions related to your model and always be cautious when handling antifreeze.

Prepare the electrical system

To prepare the electrical system of your Rockwood camper for winter, you should unplug and store all cords properly. If your camper has a battery disconnect switch, turn it off. If not, consider removing the battery and storing it in a warm place to prevent damage.

Cover the camper

Covering your camper is an important step in the winterization process. It helps protect your camper from the harsh winter elements, such as snow and ice, and cold temperatures. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly cover your Rockwood camper for the winter:

• Choose the right cover: Select a cover that is specifically designed for your Rockwood camper model. It should be made of breathable material to prevent condensation and ensure a snug fit. Make sure the cover is designed to withstand your local winter conditions, such as heavy snowfall or strong winds.
• Clean your camper: Before covering your camper, thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could cause damage during the winter. Pay special attention to the roof, windows, and doors, as these areas are more susceptible to leaks and cracks.
• Seal any openings: Inspect your camper for any openings that could allow cold air or water to enter. This includes windows, doors, vents, and the roof. Seal any cracks or gaps with appropriate sealants to prevent water leakage and reduce heat loss.
• Cover the air conditioner: The air conditioner is particularly vulnerable to winter damage. Cover it with a tarp or shrink wrap to protect it from the elements. Make sure the cover is securely fastened to withstand strong winds.
• Cover the vents: Small animals and pests may seek shelter in your camper during the winter. Cover the vents with mesh screens or other suitable materials to prevent unwanted guests from entering.
• Cover the tires: The tires of your camper are also susceptible to weather damage. Cover them with tire covers to protect them from the cold and UV radiation. Additionally, consider using RV levelling blocks to take some of the weight off the tires and prevent flat spots.
• Secure the cover: Once you have placed the cover over your camper, ensure that it is securely fastened. Check that the cover is tight and will not be blown away by strong winds. Use ropes or straps if necessary to keep the cover in place.
• Store in a protected area: If possible, store your covered camper in a dry, protected area, such as a garage or covered carport. This will provide additional protection from the elements and help keep your camper in good condition during the winter months.

By following these instructions, you can effectively cover your Rockwood camper for the winter, ensuring it remains in good condition and is ready for your next adventure when spring arrives.

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