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

In this video, we’ll go through the step-by-step process of dewinterizing my 2020 Keystone Bullet 243BHS travel trailer. While you may have a different RV, most of these steps should apply to your situation.
Here is the link to the dewinterization list/document used in the video: johnmarucci.com/2021/03/30/rv...
Please read this blog if you have concerns with sanitizing your hot water tank: johnmarucci.com/2022/04/06/rv...
Podcast of why I allow bleach solution into my hot water tank when dewinterizing: jmotr.podbean.com/e/why-i-san...
SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS
If you have received help from this video, please consider showing your support financially. Just click the word THANKS and the heart symbol with a $ below the video to help out!
AMAZON STOREFRONT NOW OPEN*
- www.amazon.com/shop/johnmarucci
- Beginning your Amazon shopping experience from our storefront provides you with an easy way to find many of the items talked about in our videos. This also provides a way for you to help support this channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
- Instagram: / johnmarucci
- Twitter: / johnmarucci
- Facebook: / johnmarucciontheroad
- Website: johnmarucci.com
FEATURED PRODUCTS*
- Camco 90 Degree Hose Elbow: amzn.to/39r5Ipo
- Camco RV Brass Inline Water Pressure Regulator: amzn.to/3u9fCnw
- Camco TastePURE Inline RV Water Filter: amzn.to/3u5hCNp
- Camco 50' Tastepure Freshwater Hose: amzn.to/3wc4Rm4
- Camco Water Tank Filler with Shutoff Valve: amzn.to/3sAWRZN
PURPOSE
The purpose of the John Marucci - On The Road KZbin channel is to provide entertainment and educational information based upon our travel experience and research in order to help viewers weigh options to facilitate better decisions. Viewers are expected to do their own research, including seeking professional opinions, and draw independent conclusions, understanding, and opinions before acting upon any recommendations or information presented.
*Affiliate Link Disclosure:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
©2021 Happy Tent Media Group, LLC

[@savvyhorsegirl]

I wanted to thank you immensely for posting this video. My husband died 4 months ago, unexpectedly, and I was faced with doing this solo. We always worked as a team. Your instructions were clear and transferable to my camper and horse trailer with living quarters. The manuals that come with these things are pretty much a waste of paper. I like being independent and knowing how things work. Now, I can take a much needed trip away, with my dogs. With much gratitude…..😁💕

[@JohnMarucci]

Sorry for your loss. I am glad to hear that you were able to watch the video and dewinterize your trailers. I hope you have many more adventures. All the best!

[@Lammdawg1]

So sorry for your loss, Michelle. You got this

[@lisadaiek3691]

Sorry for your loss Michelle. I too am a single traveler (dog comes along), And have made my RV care a Hobby! I now look forward to learning everything I can. (John Marucci is always spot on for guidance!) Traveling makes life better for me! YOU CAN DO THIS!!

[@debd7197]

Sorry for your loss Michelle. My husband died unexpectedly 9 months ago and I had to learn how to winterize and now dewinterize the camper. You’ve got this! This video was just what I was looking for. Like you, I like learning to do stuff on my own. Next up - towing. Hang in there.

[@hitchport1192]

We appreciate the level of quality you maintain in your videos. Thanks for these step-by-step clear directions.

[@JustMe-pq4hy]

Hey John! Newbie hear. Your vid’s are great. I was able to de-winterize my newly acquired used camper with this process. Worked like a charm. I’m all set for my first trip. I’ll be going through all your vids to learn more. Thx again for all the hard work you put into these.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear! I have a new to RVing video list if interested: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/

[@TheMb1058]

Wow - I really appreciate how thorough your instructions are, the fact that you provide a checklist, AND how you didn’t discount the questions regarding introducing diluted bleach into the water heater. So much research and time went into this analysis, and as a newbie, it is invaluable. THANK YOU!

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks!

[@bonicourtright5839]

I did it! Even though I have a motorhome as opposed to a trailer, I was able to follow along and get it done. I’m so proud to myself. I’m 74 and it was easy to follow your steps, once I found all the valves to open and close. Thank you so much.

[@JohnMarucci]

Congrats!

[@adamwilliams5516]

We are new owners. I watched a few of these videos and your's with the checklist was the most helpful. I completed it easily last weekend on a GeoPro and wanted to say how much you are appreciated!! I always enjoy your informative content, thank you again!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Adam, great to hear that the video was helpful! I have a list of new to RV videos if you are interested. Just head to: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/ Thanks!

[@IdahoVoyager]

John, a tip of the hat to you Kind Sir! Your videos are very detailed, professional AND helpful. The links to your website and corresponding printable pdf's are especially thoughtful. We appreciate the content on your channel. Thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks so much for the comment. I am glad the videos are helpful. I am also very glad that the work put into publishing the downloadable pdfs. are being used. Thanks again!

[@christinecamilleri5696]

I have had my Outdoors RV Backcountry 4 years now and every spring I read or watch a lot of on line advice. NONE was as logical and simply explained step by step as yours. THANK YOU SO MUCH. You saved me time and worry. I don't subscribe to anything...but yours I did.

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful. I have a list of maintenance videos in one place on my site if interested. It is under new to RVing, but helpful to have them in one location for reference: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-18-videos/

[@Mike_In_Idaho]

John, that was a fantastic video! Clear instructions and great visual aids. I'm headed outside to de-winterize my RV for our first camping trip in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the help!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@NStyleBEAST98]

Thankyou for allowing me the opportunity to learn and be able to take on projects like these on my own. Its truly a amazing, Keep up the good work Mr.Marucci.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear this! Thanks for sharing!!

[@donnimatthew6235]

this is the best de-winterization video i found online. thanks, john!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lanceparr8231]

Thank you John! We just purchased our first RV last month and will be de-winterizing it this weekend. Your video is really helpful and I love the step by step breakdown

[@JohnMarucci]

Lance, glad the video was helpful!

[@kworley100]

John, my wife and I are RV newbies. We purchased a 30 foot 2023 Freedom Express travel trailer which has opened up an entirely new world of how-to RV questions. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to create this excellent step-by-step video. Well done & appreciate all of the videos you've posted on KZbin!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear! Sounds like you have already discovered my New to RVing videos, but here is the link if needed: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/

[@Daeraug81]

I bought my RV last year and your videos has been invaluable for me to be able to handle the maintenance on my own. Thank you.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear!

[@Pioneerrvtravels]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write everything out on your website. It's my first RV and first dewinterize. Thanks!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad to help!

[@dianeramsay7067]

Just got my first travel trailer last year and this video was exactly what I needed to unwinterize the trailer. Very much appreciated!:)

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Glad the video was helpful!

[@loratodd9077]

John your step by step explanation is very helpful. Good work!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad to hear it! All the best!

[@donnasdoodles]

Thank you SO much for this Wonderful, Instructional Video that I could understand, follow & DO without having a frustrating, emotional meltdown. My Husband passed away recently & he always Winterized & DeWinterize the campers, my Sons helped me after he passed, but I was able to DeWinterize my Mavis Motorhome By myself, for the FIRST time, following your video❤

[@JohnMarucci]

This is so good to hear that the video was so helpful. I have several other how-to videos for owners: johnmarucci.com/how-to-videos-for-rv-owners/

[@karenpaulsen3086]

So helpful for this first time camper owner. Thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@bcloetta]

Thank you so so much! I bought a DIY campervan 2 years ago, and thanks to this video was able to complete this process for the first time solo (without the previous owner's help)

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@dave041153]

Thanks, John. We’ve got a 2020 257RSS and it’s time!

[@KiltedVeteran]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm brand new to the camper life and this video was easy to follow and extremely helpful.

[@JohnMarucci]

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

[@barbarabecker7484]

Thanks for getting right to the point and explaining things without too much fluff!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidgadbury1832]

Thanks for this in depth video.

[@RVAmerica]

Great job on the video. I really like the way you teach people through such projects. Danny and Lynn

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@luciacantu9648]

I a newby, first time that will to this process after my winter purchase! Thank you for the easier explanation and checklist!!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnl6769]

This is one of the most helpful KZbin videos I have ever seen. Very clear concise; both video and audio, as well as content were very well presented,. Thank you very much!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smeggy22]

Thanks for this. Bought a 2021 243bhs last fall and need to dewinrerize it soon enough

[@Flamedramon212]

Thank you for this video! New to RV/camper trailer handling and this video was very informative, helpful and detailed!!

[@JohnMarucci]

I’m very happy the video was helpful. All the best!

[@kellyharrison159]

such a helpful video with clear instructions, thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

really cool video John Marucci. I shattered that thumbs up on your video. Keep up the exceptional work.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wayneottawa1809]

Great teaching points, effective and on point!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@frankszekely5452]

Thanks for the perfectly explained step-by-step instructions. This will be my first time with my new trailer (2022 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 19BH).

[@JohnMarucci]

Frank, all the best in doing this maintenance task. It isn't too difficult if you follow the steps. Thanks!

[@Deargdoo]

Just bought a used 97 Lance Truck Camper. All of your instruction was very helpful. Thank you

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@mariomedeiros6567]

Really appreciate all your help John👍

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@lisajuanis7422]

Very informative and easy to follow instruction. Your videos have been a great help!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the videos are helpful!

[@samcarver1805]

Thanks for the video! Good instructions.

[@crookedman54]

Always very informative John , thanks for your comprehensive RV videos !!!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@candycecressotti8494]

Great video! I will use this to do my first dewinterization!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@steventhornsberry1850]

This is great to follow. I didn't use antifreeze I blow the lines clear before winter but the same sequence works just less in the Grey tank

[@JohnMarucci]

Lots of people use the compressed air method and blow out the lines. Saves using antifreeze as long as you understand exactly how to do it. All the best!

[@philhebert2684]

Very helpful/informative thank you so much!!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamcalabrese2197]

this was a great video very easy to understand and comprehend really good video

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kinner2967]

Amazing video! I bought my first RV and it was winterized . This helped alot!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it helped!

[@mdubg01]

Glad I found this video as my wife and I just purchased our first travel trailer: 2022 keystone bullet 290 BHS and I’m needing to flush it out cuz it was already winterized before we bought it

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear that the video was helpful!

[@rosanapasquini8714]

Thank you for the this video hubby and myself are newbies with life style. Do not know a lot .

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful! I have a set of videos for those new to RVing if interested: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/

[@1966spyderco]

Thx John!

[@RB_AdVANtures]

Extremely well done. Been searching for vids that make winterizing and dewinterizing more understandable. Although I have a Class B Coachmen Galleria, the basic steps and methodology will do the trick. I should be able t o handle both processes now. Thanks so much for posting!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful. Here is a link to the maintenance video on the channel: johnmarucci.com/how-to-videos-for-rv-owners/

[@RB_AdVANtures]

Perfect. The dump station guidance is huge for a newbie like me. I haven’t had to do it yet (have been using the rig all winter in MN without water) so I’m a bit anxious for the first time. Mine will be a little different, but your steps all apply and make it very easy to understand. The extra pointers are helpful. Thanks again.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it is of help! All the best!

[@SP0FAW]

For the third year in a row. Thank you my friend!

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Thanks! I also use this video annually as I can’t remember all the steps!

[@berniemarkley]

Thanks. This was extremely helpful!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@jcobra09]

Thanks a ton, John! Makes sense, and great “for dummies” style. Just like the army😂. I learn best with videos like this. Awesome content throughout your channel as well

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad to help!

[@danmcgarry5077]

Great info presented very clearly..perfect video for the info I needed..🎉🎉🎉thank you😁

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justintoso]

A great game to play while watching this video. Take a drink every time you hear "bleach solution". Seriously though, this is a great video.. I watch it every spring.

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks Justin!

[@breevestal]

This video has helped me so much. Thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@zacwoodbeck3235]

Awesome video very helpful I was wondering if i needed to sanitize the lines with the bleach solution if I have a brand new rig

[@JohnMarucci]

It’s your call. There likely hasn’t been any water in the tank or lines.

[@scottmarino3197]

Thank you John Very clearly explained

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brandoncameron441]

Thank you for this video this has helped me out alot thank you and I subscribed 😊

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@russthompson7994]

Thank you for your excellent videos. I will support you and purchase from your Amazon store. Keep the good stuff coming. 👍

[@JohnMarucci]

Many thanks!

[@kevinbrownrigg]

Thanks for the helpful videos!

[@JohnMarucci]

Many thanks for the generous support. Great to know the videos are helpful!

[@parneypots]

Enjoyed thorough explanation!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dtaylor7003]

THIS THIS THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEED RIGHT NOW!!!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@bbfamily9081]

Thank you for your help, your very through.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@pamil1923]

Good video, Thank you Sir!👍🏼☮️

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@marythursby4291]

Thank you this helped me very much

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it helped! All the best!

[@johnharbaugh3137]

Great video… my girlfriend and I just used this step by step to dewinterize super easy … if I was a betting man I would bet you are a vet and know how to prep and deliver training for soldier/airman training events :) thank you sir

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful. I wasn't in the military but am a teacher by nature and had a fairly disciplined upbringing as a soccer player. Both have helped when developing material. Thanks again for commenting!

[@Float4Fun]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks, glad the video was helpful!

[@MJSDENVER]

Thanks! You and your videos are amazing. You've save me LOTS of $ and aggravation that comes with bringing my RV into the dealer for basic stuff. Thank you, thank you.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad to help! Many thanks for the generous gift!

[@MJSDENVER]

And you are worth every penny, and more.

[@MJSDENVER]

John, I do have a question. I tried to drain the gallon of water/bleach into the Fresh Water tank input and the opening must have some kind of "anti-backflow" feature, because nothing would flow into the tank. The only way to get water into the Fresh Water tank seems to be a hose with water pressure. Any suggestions. I have a picture of the interface if you need that. Thanks

[@JohnMarucci]

It sounds like the entry to your fresh water tank may have a backflow preventer, as you mention. This would mean you likely will need to pump the solution into the tank. You may want to try a hand pump like this one from Camco (link below). Disclaimer, I have not used this product, so please consider the online reviews carefully before purchasing. Most reviews appear to be for winterizing, but there would be no reason why it couldn't be used to introduce the bleach solution into the freshwater tank. Here is the link to the product from my associate account: amzn.to/3PI3Yhb

[@MJSDENVER]

@JohnMarucci As always, thank you. The pump does look like it would work. I'll keep you posted. Mark

[@jaydog9508]

I find that flushing brakes sediment free and I usually have to take apart the faucets to remove debris. I do this every year now, helps keep the water pressure up in my RV.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great point. Thanks for sharing!

[@firekeeper1944]

Great video! I would add that you need to be sure to turn off the electric element in the hot water heater when you drain it (a lesson learned the hard way!)

[@JohnMarucci]

Yep, good reminder!

[@kylequintana]

How do I do this?

[@artofcampingnow]

@@kylequintana there may be a switch for the electric heating element behind the outside water heater panel and then a switch for propane heat on the inside control panel…this is how ours is configured.

[@jseb4025]

What happens if you don't

[@mikes.7073]

Hi John. Great video with very clear instructions. I am new to this and did my first winterizing last fall. Now, I am thinking of flushing out the antifreeze using the city water attachment before doing the bleach sanitization. The instructions I had for winterizing was to bypass the water heater to prevent antifreeze from entering. So my thinking was to flush out the lines before opening the water heater lines. Does that make sense? Thanks!

[@JohnMarucci]

Your call. I unbypass the hot water tank in the first step as there is little risk to the tank of having a small amount of RV antifreeze in the tank for a very short time before flushing.

[@Samiamd663]

Great video as always. I’m just wondering, when you hook up to city water on any trailer etc, what stops it filling backwards into the cold water storage tank and overflowing it etc …. Is there a check valve or is there an instruction to turn off a certain valve and I missed it ? I pick up Colt Bullet in a week so trying to get ahead of the curve. Thanks again !

[@JohnMarucci]

Dan, the freshwater tank line comes from the freshwater tank directly to the water pump which has a check valve. Thanks!

[@jessicastucki7322]

Thank you very much!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@VincentWestberg]

I watch your videos ever year 😊 I can never remember how to winterize and de winterize😅

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the videos are helpful!

[@billyparks2226]

thx for the video! great info here... have a quick Q: what if I'm not hooked up to city water?

[@JohnMarucci]

You’ll still need to get fresh water into your tank to flush. I’ve used Jerry cans at times from a water source to fill my fresh water tank. Once the water is on the tank, you can engage the water pump flush the system. Thanks!

[@CruiserlifestyleBlogspot]

Excellent video very detailed as is your winterizing video. A few words of caution, only use NSF approved chlorine for sanitizing, even with flushing, household bleach is not a safe alternative made for use in drinking water applications. If you HAVE to use regular bleach, make sure it is unscented. Full 4-log inactivation of viruses only takes about 20 minutes, no need to wait 3-6 hours to flush the lines. Thanks for the video!

[@JohnMarucci]

Question about the 4-log inactivation of viruses taking only 20 minutes. At what level of dilution is that measured? The ratio used and recommended by most RV manufactures is the 1/4 cup bleach per 15 gallons of water or 1 part bleach to 960 parts water when sanitizing. Any clarification for users is appreciated. Thanks.

[@dianneyork]

@@JohnMarucci In the absence of a reply from RVSailing, I thought I might chime in with my professional experience in the medical virology and microbiology laboratory setting. When I disinfected surfaces in the laboratory, I used a 1:10 solution of bleach for 20 to 30 minutes. So much more concentrated than what we're using in the RV sanitizing procedure, and I had a different objective in the lab. Personally, I'm sticking with the recommendations from the RV manufacturers. John, thanks so much for your videos. Extremely helpful to me as a newbie RV owner!

[@mistermixter1]

Very informative video, thank you. Do you still recommend using the bleach solution for a brand new camper?

[@JohnMarucci]

I think it is your call on a never-used plumbing system. It can’t hurt to sanitize the fresh water tank before you ever use it. Thanks!

[@Collective_Oilers]

Enjoyed the video - newbie here we managed to winterize ourselves for the first time (Jayco jay flight) - most of the steps look the same I saw another comment about electrical on the hot water valve - what did they mean? Could the antifreeze be dumped into a septic tank?

[@JohnMarucci]

I am not certain where the comment mentioned is, so I'll take a guess that what someone was talking about was the switch for the hot water tank at the hot water heater outside. This varies by RV model, so I am not certain as to what your RV has. If you RV has a switch to run the hot water heater on electric (whether the switch is on the inside of the RV or outside by the heater itself), you'll want to ensure this switch is off when dewinterizing. Let me know if this makes sense. As far as dumping your gray water tank that will have minimal antifreeze in it after doing this process, I usually just wait until my first visit to a public dump station after my first camping trip. I do not know how or what RV antifreeze would do to a septic system, but likely you'll want to avoid doing this. There really is only a gallon or so of the antifreeze in the gray tank after doing the process, and if you wait until you camp, it will be greatly diluted before you dump. Thanks!

[@carikoster7529]

Thanks for the step by step, we'll be following tonight as we do a last minute de-winterizing before we hit the road tomorrow! I have a probably really dumb question, but where is it easiest/best to do this? At home in the driveway? At a campsite? At a dump station? Does the camper need to be perfectly level? (Our driveway is not level and our flat camper storage spot does not have water access). Do I need to then empty the gray/black tanks before using the camper?

[@JohnMarucci]

I do it on my driveway with the trailer level (my driveway is also on a slant). I try not to do this until right before my first camping trip so I can dump so thereafter.

[@bruceklutz2870]

John happy spring and new camping season! Wondering if you had any video or recommendations for trailer hitch locks when storing camping in summer at a storage yard. also do you remove the battery and/or LP gas tanks so they can't be stolen? As always great job on your videos and updates. thank you. Bruce

[@JohnMarucci]

Bruce, I remove the battery and propane tanks while storing my unit at the local public storage facility. Here is a link to my Amazon store with the lock I’ve used for years: amzn.to/4b2XXDN

[@brucestrong6930]

Thanks John - I'm a virgin RV owner walking through this process for the very first time. Not to mention that my RV has a very different (Nautilus) water management control panel, so nothing is the same. But this video was tremendous! Do you also have one for winterizing the camper? I'l love to follow your same clear directions for that process at the end of the year. Thanks again!

[@JohnMarucci]

Bruce, thanks for the comments. I do have a winterization video on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aamxY2CXndB_a8k

[@mikefranklinjr123]

@@JohnMarucci John's Winterization video is my go to.

[@michaelroybal3990]

Newbie here, great educational video. I don't have the luxery of letting solution sitting overnight as I have to go to a rv park to dewinterize. What would you recommend is the minimal amount of time for solution to sit in lines and tank before draining and rinsing? I will be dewinterizing a brand new travel trailer for the first time. I'm sure I'll have to capture all water being drained form fresh and low point into a bucket to avoid and issues with management. Any tips for rv park draining? Thanks again.

[@JohnMarucci]

Given the trailer is brand new, there should not be any water in the fresh water tank. You can double check this by opening the valve on the fresh water tank and see if anything comes out. Unless you plan on drinking from the fresh water tank (I only use it for rinsing dishes and showers), you potentially could forgo a full sanitation if the trailer is brand new and has never been used. If you would feel better by sanitizing the system before first use, you’ll want to let the bleach solution sit for a minimum of 3 hours in the tanks and lines. Thanks!

[@seven3cop]

This was very helpful - thank you.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coreyquinton8617]

I like how simple and straightforward this is. Even for a city slicker I understand

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear, glad the video was helpful!

[@johnharbaugh3137]

Thanks!

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks John for the generous gift, much appreciated!

[@deuceloosley]

Thank you so much for this video. Perfect step by step tutorial on dewinterizing after anti freeze winterization. We owned a 20+ year old trailer for 5 or 6 years and we always winterized by blowing the lines with compressed air. We very recently bought a new to us 2020 Coleman and the dealer had it anti freeze winterized. After watching and rewatching multiple times this video, I confidently got this done. Thank you. Would you recommend the anti freeze over air winterization? Is there pros and cons?

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad the video was helpful. I have always used the RV antifreeze method for winterizing and have a step-by-step video on subject if interested. Some people use forced air without issue. I suppose it depends on how cold it gets where the trailer is stored off-season and how confident you are in removing all water from the plumbing lines and water pump.

[@user-jl5ri6hm3k]

Loved the video - as a newbie it walked me through the process flawlessly. Appreciate that very much. One question: Where did you get the fitting that you put on the end of the filter so you could attach the clear flex tube? I went to a local store and didn't find anything like that. TIA!

[@JohnMarucci]

Here is the link to the part from my storefront: amzn.to/3pXA1Pt

[@tomfisher4705]

Thanks for the video John. One question I have is that I have heard from multiple other sources to never put bleach in the black tank as the bleach will kill the good bacteria that is necessary to break down the waste. So after filling the fresh water tank with the water/bleach mix, you flush the toilet multiple times, which introduces bleach into the black tank. Should flushing the toilet be skipped altogether, and only flushed after all the bleach has been pushed through the water system? Also, what's the point of sanitizing the toilet? Why not just flush it with clean water to purge the pink antifreeze through. Thanks!

[@JohnMarucci]

Tom, thanks for the question. There are a lot of opinions on whether to run bleach solution (1:960 ratio bleach to water) into the black holding tank. Both Forest River and Keystone don't mention it when talking through sanitizing the plumbing systems. I think they don't mention it because the very minimal amount of solution that sits in the black tank is diluted with antifreeze and other water. Also, the fact is that you wouldn't be dewinterizing if you didn't plan to take the trailer out fairly immediately, use it, add more liquids to the tank and flush it. Once you do use the black tank, flush it, and add water and Happy Camper (or the like), you are adding back bio breakdown mechanics to help the tank. Hope this helps. Thanks!

[@lew-e]

Super helpful video. Thank you! I suppose I shouldn't drain the bleach water near my wife's flowers.... I know its diluted but thats a mess I don't want to make!

[@JohnMarucci]

Probably a good call to avoid plant life with any bleach solution!

[@annblair4459]

Thank you

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@bengieramos8692]

I watched your video on winterizing my R.V. and it worked perfectly!!! Now I am getting ready to DE- WINTERIZE my R.V. and I watch your video and it has me filling my fresh water tank with bleach. My question is why can't I just siphon from my water pump and have that bleach water go through there instead of going through my fresh water tank that wasn't used in the winterizing stage? NOT doubting you it's just confusing to me where i'm thinking I can do the same process but from the siphon at the water pump. Can you tell me cause i'm getting ready to DE-WINTERIZE my trailer. Thank you and I love your videos.

[@JohnMarucci]

You really will want to sanitize the freshwater tank before using it. It can get nasty in the freshwater tank off-season, and likely will need this after sitting for so long. I suppose if you will be camping with only city water hookups and won't be using your freshwater tank, you can pass on this; otherwise, you really should sanitize the freshwater tank.

[@davecoyne4284]

Great video. I question opening the hot water valves before flushing the antifreeze out. Is that ok to do?

[@JohnMarucci]

You can keep the valve closed if you want to. There is very little risk to allowing a small amount of RV antifreeze in the hot water tank right before flushing the system. Thanks!

[@davecoyne4284]

Thanks John for your reply.

[@user-qz3qp3se4j]

Excellent video! Sorry if this was asked before. Do you recommend dumping prior to first outing? First weekend outing will not have sewer hookup.

[@JohnMarucci]

I always fully dump before I winterize in the fall, so i don’t need to do it again before dewinterizing. If you didn’t do this when winterizing, then it’s up to you and would depend on how full your tanks are.

[@davidcochran934]

Great video and very informative but what do you do now that all the water is in your gray tank? Just let it run out?

[@JohnMarucci]

David, I dewinterize only before I am going to take the trailer out for the first time, so I plan to dump the gray tank that contains the little bit of water, solution, and RV antifreeze pretty quickly after dewintering. Thanks!

[@toddtannehill2646]

John, good video. We are taking it out in April for weekend trip. However sometimes we will still get a night below freezing when it is at the storage yard. Do I need to keep redoing the winterizing for one night below 32?

[@JohnMarucci]

Todd, it is not an easy answer. It really depends on how cold it will be for how long. You may be able to risk it if it will stay just at or below freezing for a few hours, but any real length of time for more than a degree or two below freezing can cause damage, especially where water sits at the extremities of the RV. I have left water in my trailer below freezing but only when I've been using it and am running the heat over night. One thing you can do is drain all the water by opening the low point drains and an interior faucet, and pass on adding RV antifreeze. Also, if you have an air compressor, there are videos on KZbin on blowing out the lines that many people do to remove all water. Hope this helps!

[@Dzimmy]

This is a great video… on the hot water tank do u leave that line open or close it

[@JohnMarucci]

You unbypass the line so water will flow into the hot water tank, then leave it open for the season. I do drain the tank if I am not going to be using the RV for a while during season. Hope this helps.

[@mroselli]

good video

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks!

[@georgesolley2818]

Great video, but I have a question. I have two 45 gal. fresh water tanks. When dewinterizing, do I fill the first 45 gal. tank 1/3 full then do the bleach process, or do I figure both tanks?

[@JohnMarucci]

You'll want to sanitize both tanks for sure. If they both run off one water pump, then try to do them at the same time.

[@stevenbruce2659]

Thank you for this info, but I have well water. Can these same steps be followed or do you recommend a different method?

[@JohnMarucci]

I think it would be fine. You may want to use a filter when filling and flushing the tanks. Thanks!

[@user-si5uy7mj2x]

Hi John. Thank you so much for posting. I have a question regarding the fresh water flush after the sanitization has been completed. Do you have to empty the water heater tank a second time as well, or just the fresh water tank? Thank you!

[@JohnMarucci]

Dana, there is a basic assumption that if you are dewinterizing then you plan to use your RV fairly quickly thereafter. This is why the process doesn't include draining the water heater a second time. If you dewinterize and will leave the RV sitting for some time before using it, then feel free to drain the water heater a second time. Most people leave the fresh water tank empty while traveling and fill it when they get to their campground, otherwise you are towing much more weight. Thanks!

[@Uneektlcme]

Do you have any videos on outdoor kitchen repairs?

[@JohnMarucci]

Sorry, I usually make videos from issues I’ve experienced. I haven’t had an issues besides replacing a small fridge.