
Many RVers begin to think about winterizing their rig as the temperatures drop. Winterizing your RV is important to protect it from the cold weather and prevent damage that can occur when water freezes in the lines.
One of the best ways to winterize your RV is by using an air compressor. An air compressor can help remove moisture from the lines and prevent freezing.
Table of Contents:
- Why You Should Use an Air Compressor to Winterize Your RV
- How to Use an Air Compressor to Winterize Your RV
- What Else You Need to Do to Winterize Your RV
- Tips on Storing Your RV For the Winter
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Why You Should Use an Air Compressor to Winterize Your RV

An air compressor is an important tool to use when winterizing your RV. It can help prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your RV.
Here are four reasons why you should use an air compressor to winterize your RV:
- An air compressor can help remove moisture from the inside of your RV, which can prevent mold and mildew from forming.
- An air compressor can also help circulate warm air around your RV, preventing pipes from freezing in cold weather conditions.
- Using an air compressor to winterize your RV will also ensure that propane-powered appliances are working properly before heading out on a trip.
- Finally, if you plan on storing your RV for extended periods, using an airing-out method with an air compressor will give it the best chance at surviving through the off-season unscathed.
How to Use an Air Compressor to Winterize Your RV

Assuming you have an air compressor and the necessary hoses, follow these steps to winterize your RV:
1. Park Your RV on Level Ground and Engage the Parking Brake.
Chock the wheels to prevent movement during inflation.
2. Locate the Schrader Valve Stem Caps on Each Tire (Usually found near the wheel’s center).
Remove each cap by unscrewing it counterclockwise with a small wrench or pliers. If any dirt or debris is present, clean out the valve stems with compressed air before continuing.
- Connect one end of your airline hose to the quick-connect coupling on your air compressor tank (or directly to the outlet if using a portable unit).
- Open the air compressor’s pressure release valve to bleed off any residual pressure in the tank.
- Connect the other end of your airline hose to the tire valve stem on one wheel and open the valve by depressing it with a small screwdriver or similar object.
- Slowly turn on your air compressor unit, monitoring the gauge until it reaches the desired PSI for that particular tire (usually between 30-60 PSI).
- Repeat this process for each remaining tire on your RV, then double-check all tires for proper inflation before disconnecting your hoses and reattaching each Schrader valve cap clockwise by hand.
- 8 winterizing tips every RV owner needs to know.
As a final step in winterizing your RV, taking some preventative measures inside the vehicle itself is important.
Here are eight tips every RV owner should follow:
- Remove all food items from cupboards and cabinets, then clean these surfaces with a mild disinfectant solution.
- Drain any remaining water from sinks, showers, toilets, and pipes by opening all faucets and allowing them to run until dry.
- Add antifreeze to freshwater tanks (and toilet bowls if desired) according to the manufacturer’s instructions – this will help keep plumbing lines from freezing and bursting in cold weather conditions.
- Turn off propane appliances such as heaters, stoves, and ovens, then disconnect them from their fuel source.
- Cover or remove air conditioner units before storing your RV for the winter.
- Invest in good quality window coverings that help insulate your RV against extreme temperatures.
- Place rodent traps throughout your RV – mice love nothing more than snuggling up in warm places like RVs during winter!
- Finally, consider investing in a storage shed or garage where you can keep your RV protected from the elements when not in use.
Following these simple tips can help ensure that your RV will be ready to hit the road again come springtime.
What Else You Need to Do to Winterize Your RV

Assuming you’ve already taken care of the basics, like disconnecting your water lines and adding antifreeze to your system, there are a few other things you’ll need to do to fully winterize your RV.
These include:
- Draining the fresh water tank and adding antifreeze.
This will help prevent any water left in the tank from freezing and causing damage.
- Disconnecting and emptying the grey and black water tanks.
Again, this prevents water from freezing inside the tanks and damaging them.
- Removing all food from the fridge and cupboards.
Any perishable items should be removed so they don’t spoil during storage, while non-perishable items can be packed away to avoid them being damaged by cold temperatures or pests.
- Packing away any items that could freeze or be damaged by cold weather conditions.
This includes anything made of glass or ceramic, as well as sensitive electronics or papers/documents that could be ruined by moisture condensation.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your RV will be properly winterized and ready to withstand any cold weather conditions.
Tips on Storing Your RV For the Winter

Assuming you want a blog titled “Tips on Storing Your RV For the Winter”:
It’s that time of year again when we are getting our RVs ready to be stored for the winter.
If you’re new to owning an RV, or if this is your first winter storing, you may be wondering what you need to do to prepare it for storage.
Here are a few tips:
1. Choose a Location That Is Dry and Sheltered From the Elements.
This will help protect your RV from weather damage while it’s being stored.
2. Clean Your RV Inside and Out Before Storage to Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth.
A clean RV is also less likely to attract pests like mice or insects while in storage.
- Inspect all systems, including plumbing, electrical, and propane, for leaks or damage. Fix any problems you find before storing your RV to prevent further damage.
- Fill all tanks with fresh water to prevent freezing and bursting pipes.
If you have an onboard generator, ensure it is properly serviced before storage.
5. Remove All Food From Your RV’s Refrigerator and Cupboards, and Clean Out the Fridge Completely.
This will help prevent mold growth while your RV is in storage.
- Turn off the propane tank and disconnect all hoses leading to it.
- Unplug all electrical appliances and devices, including the TV, microwave oven, coffee maker, etc., to avoid potential fire hazards while your RV is in storage.
Following these simple tips will help ensure that your RV is in good condition when you take it out of storage next spring.
FAQs
How do I winterize my RV with air pressure?
There are a few ways to winterize your RV with air pressure. One way is to use an air compressor to blow out the water lines.
Another way is to use compressed air to force antifreeze through the system. Either method will work, but an air compressor is generally considered the more effective option.
How do you winterize an RV water line with an air compressor?
First, you will need to locate the water lines that lead into and out of your RV. These are usually located near the base of the RV.
Once you have found them, disconnect the line that leads into your RV. Next, attach your air compressor to the line leading out of your RV.
Turn on the air compressor and let it run until all the water has been forced out of the lines. Finally, turn off the air compressor and disconnect it from the water line.
Is it better to winterize a camper with air or antifreeze?
Winterizing a camper with air is better because it will prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. Antifreeze can cause the pipes to freeze and burst if there is not enough ventilation.
How much air pressure do you use for winterizing a camper?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the air pressure required to winterize a camper will vary depending on the size and type of camper.
However, most experts recommend using an air compressor with at least 30 pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure.
Conclusion
Like most RVers, you probably can’t wait for the snow to fall so you can hit the road in your trusty camper. But before you do, it’s important to winterize your RV with an air compressor.
This will help prevent any damage that freezing temperatures could cause.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use an air compressor to winterize your RV:
- Start by disconnecting all water hoses from your RV and draining the fresh water tank.
- Next, open all faucets and flush the toilets several times until the water has been removed from the lines.
- Now it’s time to add an antifreeze solution to every drain in your RV (sinks, showers, etc.).
Use about a cup of antifreeze per drain pipe.
- Once the drains have been treated with an antifreeze solution, turn off the propane tanks and disconnect them from your RV.
- The last step is to use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water from the lines.
Attach the air compressor hose to your RV’s city water inlet and set the pressure gauge to 30 PSI.
- Open all of your faucets again (including outdoor ones) and let the compressor do its job until you see the antifreeze solution coming out.
- That’s it!
You’ve now successfully winterized your RV with an air compressor.
Air Compressor Total is the place to go if you’re looking for information on buying, owning, and using an air compressor. We offer various services to help you get the most out of your air compressor, including advice on which model to buy and how to maintain it. We also have a wide selection of parts and accessories available for purchase, so you can rest assured that we have everything you need to keep your air compressor running smoothly.
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