Skip to main content
Tiffin Motorhomes Knowledge Base

General Winterization Instructions

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
This step-by-step version highlights critical areas of the winterization process. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions.

General Winterization Steps

  1. Turn off the water heater (both electric and LP) and let it cool completely to prevent injury when draining the water heater.

  2. Disconnect from city water and turn off the water pump to stop water flow during the process.

  3. Open all faucets (hot and cold) to relieve pressure in the system to prevent pressure buildup when draining.
  4. Drain the water heater
    • Remove the drain plug/anode rod
    • Open the pressure relief valve to Ensure no water is left to freeze and damage the tank.
  5. Bypass the water heater
    • Locate and activate the bypass valve(s) to prevent antifreeze from entering and filling the water heater.
  6. Open low-point drains for hot and cold water lines to allow remaining water to drain from plumbing lines.
  7. Drain the fresh water tank completely to prevent stagnant water and freezing issues.
  8. Empty black and gray tanks at an approved dump station to avoid freeze damage and odor issues.
(Optional) Blow out lines with compressed air 

Edit section

  • Use a blow-out plug at the city water inlet (30–50 PSI MAX)
  • Open all faucets, toilet, shower, and outside sprayer until no water flows to clear water without using antifreeze.
  1. Pump RV-safe antifreeze through the system (Preferred Method)
    • Use the onboard pump siphon or external pump to replace water with antifreeze in all lines.
  2. Run antifreeze through all fixtures.  Ensure pink antifreeze flows out of each to confirm protection:
    • Faucets (hot and cold)
    • Shower (interior and exterior)
    • Toilet flush valve
    • Washing machine (if equipped)
    • Ice maker/fridge water line (if equipped)
  3. Pour 1–2 cups of antifreeze down each drain (sink, shower, toilet) to fill P-traps to prevent freezing and pipe cracking.
  4. Pour antifreeze into washer and dishwasher drains (if equipped) to protect hidden appliance traps.
  5. Close all faucets and re-cap drains to secure the system for winter storage.
  6. Inspect and prep the coach for storage
    1. Remove or disconnect house batteries, or place on maintenance charger to prevents battery drain and preserve battery life.
    2. Inspect for rodent entry points and cover exterior vents (furnace, fridge, water heater) with insect screens to keep pests out during off-season.
    3. Check tire pressure
    4. Seal roof

This step-by-step version highlights critical areas of the winterization process.  Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions.

  1. Back to top
  • Was this article helpful?

Recommended articles

  1. Page type
    Topic
  2. Tags
    This page has no tags.