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RV de-winterizing checklist

Tick boxes on screen or print a clean copy.

Work through this in spring. Wait until hard overnight freezes are over (or be ready to drain again), and do a short shakedown trip before going far.

Inspect first

Roof: vents, skylights, A/C shroud, sealant, membrane
Underbelly and compartments: rodent signs, damage, stains
Interior: water stains, soft spots, smells
Tires: pressure, age, cracking

Power

Batteries installed/connected; terminals clean and tight
Battery voltage checked; converter charging
12V lights, fans, water pump, propane detector working

Water system

Water heater plug/anode reinstalled (new anode if needed)
Water heater still in BYPASS
Pump winterizing valve back to FRESH TANK
Low-point drains closed
Antifreeze flushed from every faucet (hot & cold), showers, toilet
Holding tanks dumped after flushing

Sanitize (per your manufacturer's procedure)

Fresh tank drained
Bleach solution mixed and added (unscented household bleach, never mixed with other cleaners)
Tank filled; every faucet run until chlorine smell
Left to sit for the recommended time
Drained and flushed until no chlorine smell

Water heater

Bypass back to NORMAL
Hot tap run until steady flow (tank full)
ONLY THEN electric element or gas turned on
Relief valve not leaking excessively

Leak check

Pump on, taps closed: pump stays off (no cycling)
Under sinks, behind toilet, around water heater, pump, outdoor shower checked
Pump strainer cleaned

Propane & appliances

Vent covers removed; vents checked for nests
Tank valve opened slowly
Accessible fittings leak-tested with leak solution
Stove lit first (purge air)
Furnace runs and heats
Water heater works on gas and electric
Fridge cools on gas and electric
Propane/CO alarm tested; date checked
Smoke alarm tested
Fire extinguisher gauge in the green

120V & A/C

Shore power through surge protector/EMS
GFCIs tested and reset
Microwave and outlets working
A/C filters cleaned; A/C tested

Mechanical

Slides operated; seals conditioned
Awning opened; fabric inspected
Jacks/stabilizers tested
Trailer brakes, breakaway battery, lights tested
Lug nuts torqued; bearings per schedule
Motorhome chassis/generator service done

Paperwork

Registration and insurance current
Passes for the season (Parks Canada, Kananaskis, Public Lands Camping Pass)
First trips booked