RV Winterization Basics For Beginners - Step-By-Step Process

[@JohnMarucci]

Here's a link to the free downloadable process document. Click the link and look for the RV Winterization for Beginners Process document: johnmarucci.com/docs-downloads

[@JMHDKDKL22]

Do you also blow out your black tank flush?

[@jredhayjay196]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I just finished every one of those steps myself. (First time RV owner myself). I just have one question...I had antifreeze coming through the rear low point drain, but not the front. Should I be worried? Should I try again?

[@smvogel73]

So if your water pump does not have a pigtail line for winterizing, where can I find out how I can source the same connector as my water supply line? Your siphon hose appears to have an identical fitting as your supply line. I’m presuming that you’ll need that in order to connect the siphon hose properly and not get a giant pink mess everywhere…no??

[@Vulture-88]

I'm 58, newly single and needing to learn how to function on my own. Sometimes I like it. Sometimes I don't. Thank you so very much for making videos like this. I really need and appreciate them. From Northern Minnesota 🙋🏼‍♀️🌽🐄💖

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video is helpful! All the best!

[@sheilaborges8006]

Two females who don't know anything was able to winterize the camper following your steps. Very easy to follow. Thank you for the downloadable documents. We needed this

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear! All the best!

[@patrickwagner4368]

Great step by step, no babbling on about nonsense, straight forward easy to follow. Bravo well done

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Glad it was helpful!

[@MartyCameron]

John is so good - I use his video every year since I bought my camper 2 years ago -

[@JohnMarucci]

I use it every year as well. All the best!

[@toddpratt7222]

Just want to follow up. I did my TT this weekend using your guide. Worked like a charm. I threw a small bucket under my low point drain and captured the antifreeze to use in my sink drains. I had an extra outdoor kitchen sink. Used less than 2 gallons. Thanks again for making such a thorough how to.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great tip on the bucket to catch the antifreeze under the low-point drains and reuse. Glad it all worked out for you!

[@SaltyDawg154]

Isn't it redundant to pour antifreeze down the drains since you already turned the faucets on to get the AF to flow through the lines? Seems a waste to add more when the traps are already full.

[@neilhudson6194]

@@toddpratt7222 Sorry--I still don't understand--the water pump is sucking the antifreeze and distributing it to the faucets--the trap should be full when you turn the faucet off--no?

[@toddpratt7222]

@@neilhudson6194 you are getting some in traps and toilet but I cut it off quick so not a lot. Rather than step 20 using clean in the jug antifreeze which seems a waste, I found the amount I caught in the bucket to be plenty for traps and toilet in addition to small amount from faucets. This was just my way to save the stuff in the jug.

[@waynesbike]

​@neilhudson6194 as cheap as that stuff is why not be super safe than sorry? I love where it gets negative degrees for long periods so 3 gallons is fine for me.

[@Lucas-pv2wn]

I’m a new travel trailer owner, and I followed this video to a T yesterday - and it froze here in Wisconsin last night. We have a Coachmen Catalina Summit 184bhs. It wasn’t clear where anything was and after a few calls to the manufacturer, I was able to locate the bypass under the bottom bunk, and remove a drawer under the sink to access the water pump. I feel SO MUCH relief now that our camper is winterized. Thanks for the clear instructional video.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the comment!

[@jpts]

1st time winterizer here. Great job on this video. Clear, concise, unintimidating. Have 100% confidence that this will be pretty simple, thanks to a video like this.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@dstary]

Just a quick update on making sure even if you haven't used your water heater for a couple months, that you use the pressure relief valve before you remove the anode rod. John was nice enough to mention it in the video but my elevator doesn't always go to the top (on paying attention) and I got a face full of hot water tank water (it was cold water by now) mixed with all the white junk in it. It would make America's funniest videos if someone captured me doing it but it could also be dangerous when the anode rod bursts out. That's my bad, John mentions it but I didn't follow directions step by step. Thanks for the video, John!

[@laserengraver8383]

Thanks for this great video. We moved from California last year. Had no clue about winterizing. Our Winnebago trailer water heater blew up. That was a $1600.00 lesson to learn. We will winterize this year for sure. Thanks for the great advice.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gerogeac]

New trailer owner- my second winter with it, but never had any idea to do all this. I had to replace toilet parts, kitchen sink parts and bathtub drain. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this video!! I don’t want to replace parts again come spring!!

[@JohnMarucci]

George, glad to hear that the video is helpful!

[@marcuse.9522]

love the explanation john.. very informative.. what i usually been doing for years is: after draining all the water out of the rv and water heater tank, i put 3 jugs on antifreeze on my clear water tank, turn on the water pump and turn on all the faucets till antifreeze is running on those hot and cold lines. after that i turn off water pump and take the clear tank cap off and let the remaining antifreeze out of that tank straight to a bucket and later on dumped on p traps around the coach and toilet.

[@JohnMarucci]

It certainly is a way to do the process without having to use a siphon hose. You may want to think about a final rinse of the fresh water tank so the antifreeze residue doesn't remain in the tank off season. Thanks for sharing.

[@1drew6789]

I"m new to the RV life, just bought an older 17' travel trailer late this summer. I have to say that this is the most simplest video on how to winterize an RV that I could find! Most of the others seem to be manufacturer specific, but not this one. Thanks for making it so simple. Another Subscriber here!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear that the video was helpful. Thanks for subscribing!

[@1drew6789]

@@JohnMarucci FYI. I winterized my RV. Including the time to hook up a brass T to the intake of my pump, I think it took less than half an hour! If I had a channel that had anything to do with R'V's, I wouldn't do my own video, I'd just link this one!

[@nelsonday2802]

Outstanding and very detailed step by step video, this is my first time doing this and with your detailed instructions I could do this without hiring someone. Thank You

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear you found the video helpful!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear you found the video helpful!

[@ag4716]

Hey John. I bought my 2021 Bullet Crossfire new in 2020. I've been using your video every year since. The dewintization one as well. Great work. You have saved me from having to remember each step every year since, including today. Thanks again.

[@JohnMarucci]

I use them every year as well. No easy way to remember all the steps. Thanks for sharing!

[@Stariana19]

My husband and I have a 2006 Layton 5th Wheel. We don't use the pink antifreeze for our water lines. We live in the Northeast where we have at least 5 months or more of winter. My husband uses a small air compressor at PSI 25 to blow out all the water. You have to open all faucets when doing so and the outside hot water heater has to be drained too. Works awesome!

[@JohnMarucci]

Yep, many people use the compressed air method to winterize. There is risk if you don’t understand what to do. Some newer folks can cause real damage in this regard. Thanks!

[@legionair469]

Absolutely love the way you explain every step of this process! I’ve been watching this every season ever since you have posted it and cannot thank you enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@JohnMarucci]

That is really great to hear. Thank you for the kind words!

[@jacobsin2]

Very good information. Thanks for keeping this straight to the point. Thumbs up for you my friend.

[@Steve-rd4kj]

Thank you for the video, but also for having a printable checklist. Best RV channel imo.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video and checklist have been helpful!

[@ROFLCOPTERS92]

Just bought my first camper this year and was worried the winterization process would be troublesome. This video made it SUPER easy. Thank you!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@liv2dive64]

Please disregard my first comment about the flashing light on the video. I'm not sure why it happened, but when I went back to your video it was gone. Excellent video with step by step directions. So thankful to you for making this available to us on KZbin! God bless.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@leonardhoyt6289]

what a great video! Since we bought our tt, have always taken back to the selling dealer for winter and summer service. Its an hour and a half each way and $250, so this year i followed your video and saved $225 and 5 hours.

[@JohnMarucci]

That's awesome! I'm glad the video helped you save some money and time.

[@richarda9983]

Thank you! This is our second Winter with the Trailer. Last year the dealership charged us 100.00 to winterize, this year they wanted 225.00 and I'm not willing to pay that. Your video and check list nailed everything I needed to know. Again, thank you.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@loudboomboom]

2nd year using this video as my guide. Thanks again!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear!

[@brads7061]

This is an amazing video. It's detailed enough, but there is no unnecessary fluff either. Spectacular job, this really helped me remember how to do this so I didn't have to go to the dealer this year.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear!

[@chrisnsusanloughrin9940]

Thanks John. Being new to camper ownership and winterizing, your video has been a lifesaver!!!!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear!

[@dariodearburn1402]

Thanks very much John for the good advice. I just did it. i can't wait for spring for your other vidéo "dewinterization" :))

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@DavidHolt-q1p]

Very well explained. I understood completely and I am a novice RV'er. This was my first winterization. Thanks.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful. I think if you take your time doing it, it should go well. All the best.

[@mnbrowning]

Most thorough and detailed video on winterization. Thanks for helping out this camping newbie!

[@JohnMarucci]

Many thanks!

[@rwhite1357]

Thanks John for an another good video. I watched your RPod video every year with my 2018 179. Now I have a Lance 1995. This helps.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear you're finding the videos helpful!

[@MIoffGridAdventures]

Thank you so much for the clear instructions! Since I have a nearly identical model, I was able to easily follow all of your steps and it wasn't intimidating at all, even the first time.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@danreed4920]

I just bought my first-ever RV. An East to West Silver lake 29K2S. Loaded with the info John presented here, I took notes, I'll ask the guys at the dealership to run through it with me as a noob. Thanks John, your presentation was tremendously helpful.

[@JohnMarucci]

Dan, congrats! You should video the dealer walkthrough if possible do you can refer back to it. All the best!

[@2inHeartattack]

I fabricated the systems the manufacturer uses to make that model. I always wondered where all those went.

[@JohnMarucci]

@@2inHeartattack Wow, I know I bought 8 of them. They seem to fit as expected. Thanks!

[@JimCantu]

One of the most comprehensive and complete video I’ve seen. Great job and thank you for the information!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@t.j.sortino7844]

Thanks for making this! I not new to RV life, but felt I needed a refresher course before helping my grandfather winterize his huge, brand new class A! I didn't want to forget something, and be the reason something bad happened over the winter months. Got the job done just in time for a winter storm, that brought single digit temperatures ❄️🥶! I subscribed, can tell you put a lot of effort into your content. 🙏

[@JohnMarucci]

T.J. That’s great to hear that the video was helpful. Sounds like you did the job just in time. All the best!

[@hayshay]

Thanks! This was a perfect step by step. You don’t know what you don’t know. I bought my rv last summer, barley used it and suddenly in Idaho the temperature changed. I knew I needed to winterize but didn’t know where to begin. This video was perfect and I hit each step one at a time and done. I learned a ton! Thanks John for making this video.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Congrats! Also, thank you for the support with the Super Thanks gift!

[@machonsote918]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.................This will be the first time we winterize our RV.

[@JohnMarucci]

I’ve used the video every year for a while. Just take your time. All the best!

[@machonsote918]

@@JohnMarucci Thanks.

[@stephtravelsforfun]

John, thank you so much for making such a clear instructional video! We just got our first travel trailer and winter is coming fast here in Utah. Everything is such a new learning curve so I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the effort you put into sharing this information.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garyp9906]

Very good video! I do just about everything that you showed, however I don't go through the process of disconnecting the intake hose at the pump. It's hard to get to in my Coachmen Catalina 243RBS. After I blow the entire system out, I add about 2 gals of the pink antifreeze right to the fresh water tank. I then turn the pump on and open each faucet until I see pink. Then I'm through. In the Spring, I drain the fresh water tank and flush it a few times with some bleach and water. We don't use the fresh water tank to drink from...just showers and washing dishes. So far, so good. Haven't had any problems yet. My other RV that we had, I was able to easily get to the pump and add antifreeze the way you showed. I have a friend that only blows his system out with air and says he's never had a problem. Never uses antifreeze. Again, good video!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Gary, thanks for sharing your process!

[@JoeWilderness]

Just winterized my RV for the first time ever with this video. Thanks so much. 🤙🏻

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it helped!

[@pamelatabar3669]

Dude, these were THE BEST newbie instructions EVER!! THANK YOU!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@lovinglife69]

Thank you for this video! You broke it down so this lady could understand! Im confident I can do this in a couple weeks.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful! All the best!

[@erichunnewell9906]

Just followed this video step by step. Thank you so much for such a simple tutorial!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it helped! FYI, I just used the video myself. Hard to remember all the steps!

[@sueoreilly5038]

I have used this video guidance and process document for the last season and this year. Thank you very much. It is concise, well presented and executed. I have gained confidence to do this "chore" myself. Thank You!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it helped! I also use this video every year!

[@lulusoffroad]

Great video on complete winterization! Best I've come across. Thank you so much.

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@milybeck]

This was probably the most helpful and informative video I've ever viewed. Thank you for being both thorough and concise all at the same time.

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks for the very encouraging comment. Glad the video was helpful!

[@JSer67]

Thanks so much for the detailed video. Just winterized my Jayco for the first time.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it helped!

[@josephtee8911]

Excellent video!! It couldn't have been done any better. This week will be my first time trying this alone. I always forget a year later and have to ask for help every year. LOL

[@JohnMarucci]

Joseph, I’m glad the video was helpful. I also have to look at the video to remember all the steps required. All the best!

[@quickbucksaw]

Excellent information. I am never quite sure about the order of the steps for winterizing. Thank you so much.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaeldohm9383]

First time winterizing my camper. This video made it easy to do. Very clear and concise. Thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. All the best!

[@randybeach9907]

Thank you again John , now that we have sold our RPod , and moved up to a Cougar 22mls this was very helpful just like the RPod video was! I ended up installing a bypass kit on my water pump, it worked very nicely and made the job relatively easy. Thank you again my friend !

[@JohnMarucci]

Randy, glad the Winterization video was helpful. All the best with the new trailer!

[@geason77]

Great video. P traps were already filled with antifreeze, so you can save even more by skipping that step.

[@stevo5521]

Your instructions are very thorough. Easy to follow. Excellent video. Thank you

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidbraun1404]

I want to send out a big thank you for your great video! I just happen to have a bullet premier so it was a huge help in my first winterizing process. Thanks again!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful.

[@rcohran]

Great Video .. I did by from camping world the Winterize Kit that made connection to my water pump a snap! ... 1st time I did this and your Video was VERY helpful.

[@jasonwoods305]

Best winterizing video I have used to winterize my travel trailer (and I have used quite a few over the years). Easy to follow. Thorough. Well done and thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Glad the video was helpful!

[@murraybristow1901]

Thanks for excellent videos! They are most helpful! I reference the winterization video every year!

[@JohnMarucci]

That is wonderful to hear. Thank you for the nice gift! All the best!

[@karenserota2353]

Thank you .. very informative and easy to follow … put a tray under the down spouts and reuse it!

[@JohnMarucci]

Yep, good idea to capture the RV antifreeze from the low-point drains. Thanks!

[@rayw5289]

I was happy to discover that the blow out plug uses the same size socket as the hot water anode. How handy.

[@toddpratt7222]

Great how to guide. I just got a 2017 Cruiser Radiance and have been researching the Winterizing process this month. All my water connections and valves lined up perfectly with this. I feel much more confident now that I got this as soon as I find the panel hiding the water pump. 😊 Thanks for making a clear instructional video.👍

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dandesjardins2552]

20 steps not bad , thanks kind sir 2022 GrandRiver 25bh owner first time this helped alot

[@JohnMarucci]

It isn't too difficult. Glad the video was helpful!

[@AlaskaFloatsMyBoatcom]

Great video! Thank you so much for the clear and thorough presentation.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@georgiejanet]

Thank you, thank you for all your help. On the r-pod 2021 171, the water heater is under the bed boards but the water pump is under the seat board up front under the water pump control panel. I printed up the winterization document and that was very helpful. Otherwise, your many recommendations are spot on.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video and printable instructions were helpful. All the best!

[@keithplumley2054]

Thanks, this is just what I needed to know. Thank you for taking the time to create this video.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ken12269]

Great video, happy to find this as I sit here in Maryland on December 13, it’s 24 degrees and dropping, and I just realized what I forgot to do this season as very cold weather snuck up on us. I think I got it done in the nick of time. I’ve done this for years, but your video showed me how to do a more complete job, so thanks.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear that the video was helpful!

[@brandongrant1214]

This video is awesome and so helpful!! Thanks John

[@JohnMarucci]

Awesome! Great to hear.

[@Nater257]

By far the best and most useful video for this procedure. Thank you. I have a 2017 coachmen freedom express set up completely different from your setup. I was able to follow along almost exactly based on your step by step instruction. Made it way easier to follow. Thanks again.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Glad the video was helpful. All the best!

[@hargoniyamaki5168]

Very useful video, much appreciated, I downloaded your PDF on the process and took notes, so I am confident my rookie winterize will go well.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video and pdf are helpful. Not too difficult a task if you take your time. Thanks!

[@dennisfaust6607]

Very helpful - very clear and to the point. Thanks very much John!

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks, glad the video was helpful!

[@BoutthatRVLife]

Very good video. It was super helpful. Now on to winterizing 12 units.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video helped. All the best in your winterizing efforts!

[@angelamiller5571]

I just moved into a trailer. I'm soooooo thankful for the easy, step by step clear direction!! still nervous to do it myself but excited to learn. Thank you

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful! All the best!

[@yamachicken1334]

I can’t remember if I put a comment on here in the fall. Wanted to say thank you for this video, first year winterizing and we used your video to guide us. Thank you!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks for sharing. It’s great to hear that the video was helpful.

[@yamachicken1334]

Followed your video again this year, thank you again!!

[@yamachicken1334]

3 years in a row, great reference!! Thank you!

[@yamachicken1334]

Back again for year 4 to follow as we go!

[@romo2517]

thank you! first time for me after years of paying someone to do this for me. i followed your instructions step by step. easy and i got to know my TT more.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad to hear that you were able to do this yourself! All the best!

[@vamumc3121]

Used this video to winterize my camper. I would like to say thank you. You saved these newbies 250.00. Cannot tell you how much we appreciate you sharing your talents.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it helped! All the best!

[@ytiniowa828]

Thank you. Very clear and simple instructions.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@MJSDENVER]

This is incredibly helpful. Very easy to follow. So appreciate your knowledge and presentation.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@Pryor1973]

I use this video every year. Thanks John!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@stevengray3096]

Thanks so much brother. Just winterized out trailer. This video made everything so clear and simple. Much love.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Glad it worked out well for you!

[@justinnelson9316]

Just wanted to thank you, John. This was my first year RV’ing and your video helped me so much with winterizing my NoBo 19.3. This was a really well made, informative video. Thank you.

[@JohnMarucci]

Justin, glad to hear that the video was helpful. All the best!

[@trevor_corey8037]

Subbed just because of how concise this video was.

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks. We have a complete video list here if interested: johnmarucci.com/video-index-desktop/

[@warrenlange6106]

Great video sir. Thank you for all your efforts putting this together. The video was far better than the instructions that came with the camper.

[@JohnMarucci]

Warren, great to hear. Thanks for the comment!

[@timothyreid3061]

That was wonderful. Thanks John. First timers.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@donjuanbanks1]

Hi John, New subscriber. I did it just like you said and it worked out great! You saved me a lot of money. I just wanted to thank you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. All the best!

[@erikarice6081]

This video was extremely helpful! Thank you so much for walking us through winterizimg our camper!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanp5137]

New to the Rv world and thank you for this video!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markdaniels70]

Great video!....my first time winterizing my Cougar half ton...😀👍

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@josephgreer4616]

This video really helped out for a first timer. Thanks!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Thanks!

[@JosephKundrat]

This video helped me tremendously. Thank you so much for making this!

[@TSommer741]

This was so, so helpful. Thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear you found it helpful!

[@Dracule0117]

Great video, man. I really appreciate the attention to detail.

[@JohnMarucci]

I appreciate it!

[@loudboomboom]

Used your guide and it was fantastic. Thank you!

[@joelm7660]

I live in northern Michigan been trailer camping 30 + years .. blow out with air compressor. Zero need for antifreeze. Keep all faucets in on position..

[@JohnMarucci]

Yep, that's certainly a way to do it if you know what you are doing. Lot's of people don't know or are new and the risk is pretty high if you don't get all the water out. There's a comment below from a lady who works in an RV dealership and they see lots of broken water pumps in the spring from folks who leave water in the pump when winterizing. Thanks!

[@martinsachs3837]

Feel a little funny after drinking that pink stuff. Thanks!

[@JohnMarucci]

Yeah, don’t drink the RV antifreeze!

[@OmarCarrasco-o8q]

Awesome video! Very well explained. Thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StokesRVTeam]

Love your channel. Question once you turn the hot water tank to bypass after done do you turn it back to non by pass position?

[@wolfganggunther9514]

Awesome explanation for this RV noob here. Thank you for sharing 👍🏼

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@Ellis1127]

Great idea on the smoke alarm!

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks!

[@shawnadams2140]

thanks for the video.. mine is alittle different, but you covered the basics.. Thank you!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iaingregory5597]

Thanks for making this video, John. I'm about to perform my first winterization and this video is incredibly helpful. I appreciate your attention to detail and breaking this down into straightforward steps.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear! All the best!

[@BCfitbody]

Thank you so much for this just gonna be doing for first time end of the month

[@JohnMarucci]

It isn’t too difficult if you go slow and do one step at a time. All the best!

[@ROBOSTOUT]

Just finished up following your instructions! Thanks for the clear video!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!