Putting an RV away for winter comes down to two jobs: protecting the rig itself, mainly its water system, from freezing, and picking a space that suits your climate and budget. The steps below come from the manufacturers of the components most RVs use (Thetford toilets, Suburban water heaters and Dometic refrigerators). Every RV is plumbed differently, so your coach's own owner's manual always comes first. All sources were checked on October 27, 2026.
To find a space, use our storage search or browse your state from the home page.
Winter prep checklist
Water system and holding tanks
- Dump and rinse the holding tanks, then empty the water lines and drains. Thetford says to do this first, then use RV antifreeze as your owner's manual directs to prevent damage to the plumbing. Thetford: How to Prepare Your RV for Winter
- Use RV (potable) antifreeze only, never automotive antifreeze. This is from Thetford's permanent toilet owner's manual. Thetford Permanent RV Toilet Owner's Manual (PDF)
- Tanks: Thetford's winterizing FAQ says to add holding tank treatment, drain valve lubricant and, if freezing is possible, antifreeze to each tank. Thetford: What products should I use to winterize my RV sanitation system?
Toilet
Thetford's manual for its permanent RV toilets lists these steps: turn off the RV's water supply, drain the bowl, disconnect the supply line at the water valve, drain the toilet's supply line completely, then add antifreeze and a quarter bottle of Thetford toilet seal lubricant to the bowl. If you blow the lines out with air, keep the toilet valve open. Don't use petroleum products or vegetable oils on the seal; Thetford says they make it swell and fail over time. If the water in the toilet has already frozen, don't flush until it thaws. Thetford Permanent RV Toilet Owner's Manual (PDF)
Portable cassette toilets are different: Thetford's C200 manual says to drain the toilet for storage unless it's kept somewhere heated, and does not advise antifreeze. Thetford C200 Cassette Toilet Manual (PDF)
Water heater (Suburban)
Suburban says the water heater must be drained if the RV is stored over winter, so it isn't damaged by freezing:
- Turn off the heater's electric power at its switch or breaker.
- Shut off its gas supply.
- Turn off the water pump.
- Open the hot and cold faucets.
- Remove the anode rod (a 1-1/16 in socket) to drain the tank.
- Drain the rest of the water system following your RV maker's instructions.
If you're putting antifreeze in the plumbing, use the bypass kit and leave the heater bypassed, because Suburban says antifreeze is very corrosive to the anode rod. With no bypass, remove the anode rod, store it for the winter and fit a 3/4 in drain plug. Refill the tank and purge the air before you turn the heater back on in spring. Suburban Water Heaters manual (PDF) · Suburban FAQs
Refrigerator (Dometic)
The operating manual for Dometic's DM and DMA absorption refrigerators says to turn the fridge off when it won't be used for an extended period, and to use the door airing position card to keep the doors latched but ajar. The same manual says the unit shouldn't sit in storage below -30 °F or above 130 °F for more than 12 hours at a time. Other models use a different latch, so check your own model's manual. Dometic DM/DMA Refrigerators Operating Manual (PDF)
Outside and inside
Thetford suggests a full clean before storage: wash the roof and sides, clean the awning and let it air dry unrolled before you stow it, and clean the interior and throw out any trash. A clean roof and sides make the spring cleanup easier. Thetford: How to Prepare Your RV for Winter
Covered, indoor or outdoor storage for winter?
We cover the three types of space, and how they compare, in covered vs indoor vs outdoor RV and boat storage. For winter specifically:
- Outdoor (open lot): usually the cheapest, but the rig takes whatever the weather brings. Winterizing matters most here.
- Covered (canopy): a roof keeps snow and rain off the top, but the sides are open, so the RV is still at outdoor temperatures. You still need to winterize fully.
- Indoor or enclosed: walls and a roof keep weather off the whole rig. Unless the facility says the building is heated or climate controlled, don't assume it stays above freezing; winterize anyway.
For real posted prices by type, see RV storage cost.
What to ask a storage facility before winter
- What is the largest space you have, and how tall is the door or canopy clearance?
- Is the space outdoor, covered or fully enclosed? Is an enclosed unit heated or climate controlled?
- Are there electric hookups, so you can keep a battery maintainer connected?
- Is there a dump station on site, so you can empty tanks before parking?
- What are the access hours in winter, and is the lot plowed after snow?
- Is there a waiting list for covered or indoor spaces, and is there a minimum term?
- What insurance do you require? See RV and boat insurance in storage.
FAQ
Should I use RV antifreeze or automotive antifreeze?
RV (potable) antifreeze only. Thetford's toilet manual says never to use automotive antifreeze.
Do I need to drain my RV water heater for winter storage?
Suburban says yes: if the RV is stored over winter, the water heater must be drained to prevent freeze damage. If you add antifreeze to the plumbing, bypass the heater or swap the anode rod for a 3/4 in drain plug.
Is covered RV storage enough in winter?
A canopy keeps snow and rain off the roof, but the space is still open to outdoor temperatures. Winterize the water system exactly as you would on an open lot.
What should I do with the refrigerator?
Dometic's DM and DMA manual says to turn the fridge off for extended storage and keep the doors latched but ajar using the airing position card.