When temperatures dip and frost hits the ground, it’s time to protect your RV from Canada’s harsh winter. Whether you’re storing your camper, travel trailer, or motorhome until spring, proper winterization saves you from cracked pipes, costly repairs, and a stressful start to camping season.

At Hitchweb Canada, we’ve helped thousands of Canadian RVers get their rigs winter-ready — and we’ve got the gear (and know-how) to help you do the same. Follow our step-by-step guide to keep your RV safe, dry, and road-ready when the snow melts.

Step 1: Drain and Winterize the Water System

Water is the #1 thing you need to deal with before winter. If left inside your RV’s plumbing, it can freeze, expand, and burst pipes, fittings, or your water heater. 

1. Make Sure the Water Heater is OFF 

Some RVs have multiple switches (interior control panel, exterior access, or circuit breaker), so double-check all points for safety.

2. Remove Water Filters 

Keep them clean and reusable next season. Common filter locations include:

• Under the kitchen sink or in the cabinet
• In the wet bay or convenience center
• At the rear storage area or near the control panel

3. Drain and Clean the Gray and Black Water Tanks

• Drain the black water tank first, then the gray water tank to flush out the hose.
• Use a cleaning wand or tank flush system to remove buildup.
• Lubricate the termination valves to make them easier to use come spring.

💡 Pro Don't be a jerk Tip: Always empty tanks at an approved dump station — never on the ground.

4. Drain the Water Heater

• Remove the anode rod or drain plug using a socket wrench.
• Open the pressure relief valve to let water flow out.
• Flush again briefly to clear out any sediment or rust before reinstalling the plug or rod.

If you notice heavy scaling or rust, replace the anode rod before next season.

Not So Fun Fact: If you smell rotten eggs when you use hot water in your RV it is most commonly caused by sulfur-reducing bacteria reacting with the anode rod in the hot water heater. Alternatively it's caused by bacteria in the water hookup or a compromised heating element. To fix it, flush the water system, sanitize with a solution of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, and clean or replace the anode rod. Find accessories like new anode rods HERE

5. Bypass the Water Heater 

6. Drain the Fresh Water Tank and Low-Point Drains

Remove the fresh water tank plug and let it empty fully. Open all faucets to help with flow. Once it's drained, close the faucets and reinstall the plugs. 

💡 Pro Tip: Another option is to use compressed air and gently clear the lines of water. You will need an air compressor, and a nozzle fitting thst matches your plumbing intake.

7. Add RV Antifreeze

• Set up your antifreeze siphoning kit or connect your siphon hose to the jug of non-toxic RV antifreeze.
• Turn on your water pump to push antifreeze through the lines.
• Starting from the lowest point, open faucets one at a time (inside and out) until pink fluid appears — then close them again.
• Don’t forget to run your toilet, shower, outdoor kitchen, and exterior faucets.

8. Protect the Drains

By pouring a small amount of antifreeze into each sink drain, shower drain, and toilet to protect the P-traps from freezing. Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears — this protects the flush valve, which is a common failure point.

9. Double-Check Everything.

Confirm all faucets are closed and that the water heater’s heating element is turned off.

You can find RV antifreeze, siphon kits, and water heater bypass kits all in one place on hitchweb.com.

Step 2: Protect the Exterior

What to do:

• Wash and wax the exterior to remove dirt and protect the finish.
• Inspect seals, vents, and windows — reseal any cracks or gaps.
• Lubricate slide-outs, hinges, and locks.
• Use a breathable RV cover to protect against snow, UV rays, and debris.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid fully waterproof covers — they trap moisture. Go for breathable, water-resistant options. We have many options choose from here. If you need help shoot us an email to info@hitchweb.com with your campers height and length and we'll help you find the right fit.

Step 3: Care for Your Battery

Cold weather drains batteries fast. Remove it, clean the terminals, and store in a dry, temperature-controlled spot. Hook it up to a trickle charger or battery maintainer through winter.

Step 4: Protect the Interior

Moisture and critters love an idle RV.

Here’s how to keep them out:

• Clean thoroughly and vacuum everything. Don't leave any crumbs behind to tempt those critters.
• Leave cabinets, the refrigerator and freezer doors, open for air circulation.
• Use moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers.
• Plug any openings (like vents or cable ports) with mesh or steel wool to stop rodents.

💡 Pro Tip:  If you live in a more rural location with more frequent critter visits, you may want to set humane traps and check them frequently as mice can do a lot of damage in an rv where you can't see it.  

Step 5: Tires, Tanks & Fuel

• Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
• Have a cover that protects the tires from UV light.
• If possible, move your RV every few weeks to prevent flat spots or use tire cradles.
• Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine briefly to circulate it through the system.

Step 6: The Final Walkaround

Do a full walkaround from top to bottom. Check seals, vents, and storage compartments. Take photos and notes of any maintenance needs for spring.

Ready to Winterize?

At Hitchweb Canada, we make it easy to find everything you need to protect your RV — and your investment — from the Canadian winter. From RV antifreeze and covers to battery maintainers and moisture absorbers, we stock trusted brands made to handle our climate.