South Texas winters are mild most of the time, but as anyone who lived through the 2021 freeze knows, a hard cold snap can arrive fast and cause devastating damage to unprepared RVs. Burst water lines, cracked tanks, and failed water pumps are all preventable — if you winterize before the temperature drops. Here's how to do it right.
When to Winterize
Winterize your RV whenever you know temperatures will drop to 32°F or below for an extended period, or when you're storing the RV and won't be using it for several weeks in cold weather. In South Texas, that typically means being prepared from November through February.
What You'll Need
Non-toxic RV antifreeze (pink, propylene glycol — NOT automotive antifreeze), a water pump converter kit or bypass valves, a water heater bypass kit, and basic hand tools.
Step 1: Drain Everything
Drain the fresh water tank completely. Open all faucets (hot and cold) until water stops flowing. Flush the toilet until empty. Open the low-point drain valves — usually located underneath the RV — to remove remaining water from the lines. Drain the water heater (turn it off and let it cool first, then remove the drain plug).
Step 2: Bypass the Water Heater
Install a water heater bypass kit if your RV doesn't already have one. This prevents you from filling your water heater with antifreeze — a 6 or 10-gallon heater would waste a lot of antifreeze unnecessarily.
Step 3: Add RV Antifreeze
Using a hand pump or water pump converter kit, draw RV antifreeze through the water system. Open each faucet one at a time — hot and cold — until you see pink antifreeze flowing from it. Don't forget the outdoor shower, toilet, and ice maker line if equipped.
Step 4: Protect the Drains
Pour a small amount of RV antifreeze directly down each drain to protect the P-traps. Add a cup to the toilet bowl as well.
Step 5: Final Checks
Remove and store any water filters. Disconnect and store battery maintainers. Close all vents and openings where pests might enter during storage.
If you'd rather have a professional handle winterization, Colonia del Rey RV in Corpus Christi can take care of it for you. It's a small investment that protects a big one.