After a long winter in storage, your RV deserves a proper wake-up. De-winterizing your RV is an essential step to ensure it’s safe, clean, and road-ready before you head out on your first adventure of the season.
This guide covers everything you need to do — from flushing your plumbing system to checking your battery and propane lines — whether you’re in Hamilton, Niagara, Guelph, or anywhere in between.
Why De-Winterizing Matters
During the winter, your RV's systems go into hibernation. Antifreeze protects your plumbing, the battery gets disconnected, and appliances stay unused for months. Without proper reactivation, you could face:
- Cracked pipes from lingering antifreeze or frozen water
- Corroded terminals and dead batteries
- Gas leaks or appliance failures
- Mold, mildew, or interior damage
Step-by-Step RV De-Winterizing Checklist
1. Inspect the Exterior
Start with a walk-around inspection:
Check the roof, seams, and windows for cracks or water damage
Look for dried or separated seals around doors and hatches
Wash off any salt or dirt buildup
Inspect your tires:
Look for sidewall cracks or bulges
Check tire pressure and tread depth
Tighten lug nuts if needed
2. Reconnect and Test the Battery
Reinstall the battery if it was removed during storage
Clean the terminals and apply corrosion protectant
Fully recharge the battery before testing voltage
Test with a multimeter — replace if weak or swollen
3. Flush and Sanitize the Plumbing System
Drain any remaining RV antifreeze from the plumbing system
Bypass and drain the water heater (if it was winterized)
Fill the freshwater tank with clean water
Turn on the water pump and run water through all faucets until it’s clear
To sanitize:
Mix 1/4 cup of bleach per 15 gallons of water
Fill the system and let it sit for at least 12 hours
Flush the system with fresh water until there’s no bleach smell
4. Check for Plumbing Leaks
Inspect all pipes and fittings under sinks, showers, and the toilet
Look around the water heater and pump for signs of dripping or corrosion
Keep the water pump running briefly to test pressure and flow
5. Test the Propane System and Appliances
Open the propane valve slowly and inspect hoses and connections with soapy water
If you see bubbles, you have a leak — shut off the valve immediately
Light all propane-powered appliances: stove, furnace, fridge, and water heater
Let them run for a few minutes to confirm everything is operational
Also:
Test your CO and propane detectors
Replace detector batteries if needed
6. Check Electrical Systems and Lights
Inspect and test all interior and exterior lights
Replace any burnt-out bulbs or blown fuses
Test the generator (if equipped) and plug the RV into shore power to check the converter
Reset any tripped breakers
7. Refill Fluids and Check Engine Components (Motorhomes Only)
Check and top up oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid
Inspect belts and hoses for wear or cracking
Test your wipers and horn
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate fluids
If you have a trailer:
Inspect the tow hitch and safety chains
Test your trailer brake controller and lights
8. Deep Clean and Restock the Interior
Open windows to let in fresh air
Wipe down all surfaces and disinfect kitchen and bathroom areas
Clean the fridge and let it air out
Restock essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, cooking supplies, bedding, and first-aid kits
When Should You De-Winterize in Ontario?
Aim for late March to early April — when daytime temperatures consistently stay above freezing. De-winterizing too early could risk freezing pipes during a cold snap, and too late might mean you’re unprepared for spring camping opportunities.
Need Help? We’ll Come to You.
At RUNASO RV Service, we make RV spring maintenance simple. We offer mobile de-winterizing services throughout Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara, Halton, Guelph, and Brampton. No need to bring your RV anywhere — we come to your location.
Our Service Includes:
Full plumbing flush and system sanitization
Battery test and charge
Propane system inspection
Appliance testing
Tire pressure check
Full walk-around inspection and report
📍 Serving: Hamilton, Niagara, Halton, Burlington, Guelph, Brampton
📞 Call us: +1 (289) 659-0404
📅 Book online: https://rv.runaso.com/contact
📧 Email us: rvservice@runaso.com
Final Tip Before You Hit the Road
Before your first trip, take a short test drive. Listen for anything unusual, test the brakes, and make sure everything feels right. Keep a notepad handy to jot down anything that needs attention before your longer journeys.
Your RV is your adventure vehicle — let’s get it ready for an amazing season!
