As fall arrives in Colorado, chilly nights and early frosts can quickly turn into costly problems for RV owners. A single freeze can crack pipes, damage tanks, and leave you with expensive repairs come spring. That’s why RV winterization is one of the most important maintenance steps you can take this season.
At Windish RV Lakewood and Windish RV Fountain, our service teams are here to make winterizing simple. You can follow the steps below to do it yourself, or save time by joining us at our upcoming drive-through RV Winterization Event — where we’ll handle the work for you and include a free roof inspection.
Why Winterizing Your RV Matters
Winter in Colorado is tough on RVs. A single hard freeze can create costly problems if your rig isn’t prepared.
- Frozen pipes and tanks – Water left in lines expands when it freezes, which can crack fittings, split pipes, and damage holding tanks.
- Roof and seal issues – Ice and snow buildup can sneak through weak seals or roof damage, leading to leaks, mold, or structural problems.
- Battery and tire damage – Cold weather drains batteries faster and causes tires to lose pressure, shortening their lifespan.
- Costly spring repairs – Repairs for freeze damage often run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars, far more than preventive winterization.
- Peace of mind – A properly winterized RV lets you store it confidently and focus on next season’s adventures instead of surprise repair bills.
Getting it done early with the Windish RV service teams in Lakewood and Fountain ensures your RV is protected before the first big freeze.
What You’ll Need (Tools & Supplies)
If you plan to winterize your RV yourself, here are the basics you’ll need:
- Non-toxic RV-grade antifreeze (made for potable water systems)
- Water heater bypass kit (for traditional water heaters only)
- Wrenches and basic hand tools for drains and fittings
- Flashlight to check low-point drains and tight spaces
- Bucket or hose to help drain holding tanks
- RV-friendly sealant or lubricant for valves and gaskets
- Protective gloves and rags for handling antifreeze and draining tanks
- Optional: air compressor with a blow-out plug (for those who prefer to push air through lines before antifreeze)
Note: If you have a tankless water heater, you’ll skip the bypass kit. Instead, make sure to run antifreeze through the system to protect the coils.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to buy or store all these supplies, our Windish RV Winterization Event includes everything you need — plus a free roof inspection — so you can drive in, get it done, and drive out with peace of mind.
How-To Winterize Your RV: Step-by-Step
Winterizing your RV protects your plumbing, appliances, and seals from freezing Colorado temps. Here’s a straightforward checklist. If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, bring your RV to our Windish RV Winterization Event in Lakewood or Fountain and we’ll handle everything for you.
1. Power Down and Prep
- Turn off the water heater, water pump, and disconnect power sources.
- Allow the water heater to cool before draining.
2. Drain All Holding Tanks
- Empty the black water tank first, then the gray tank, followed by the fresh water tank.
- Use a tank flush if available to clear out any residue.
- Leaving water in tanks is one of the most common causes of freeze damage.
3. Drain and Protect the Water Heater
For Standard Water Heaters:
- Open the pressure relief valve and remove the drain plug to let the tank empty completely.
- Once drained, place the water heater in bypass mode. This keeps antifreeze out of the tank (saving you gallons of antifreeze you don’t need to use).
How to bypass your water heater:
- Look for the valve or set of valves located at the back of your water heater.
- Most RVs have either one three-way valve or two to three simple on/off valves.
- Turn the valves so that water flows around (bypasses) the water heater instead of into it.
- Check your RV owner’s manual for exact instructions, since valve placement varies by model.
For Tankless Water Heaters:
- Tankless water heaters cannot be bypassed like standard models.
- Instead, run RV-safe antifreeze through the system to protect the heat exchanger coils.
- Turn on the water pump and draw antifreeze from the jug until it flows through the hot water faucets — this ensures the antifreeze has reached the coils.
- Some tankless models also have a small drain plug or filter that should be removed to release any trapped water.
- Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific tankless winterization instructions.
Pro Tip: Tankless water heaters freeze faster than traditional models because they don’t store water. Don’t skip this step — coil damage can be one of the most expensive winterization mistakes.
4. Open Faucets and Low-Point Drains
- Open all faucets (hot and cold) and the low-point drains until no water flows.
- Don’t forget outside showers and spray ports if your RV has them.
5. Pump in RV Antifreeze
- Attach a hand pump or switch your RV water pump to draw from a jug of RV-safe, non-toxic antifreeze.
- Run antifreeze until it flows steadily from every faucet, shower, and toilet.
- Pour a small amount into each sink and shower drain to protect p-traps.
Pro Tip: Use RV-safe antifreeze only — never use automotive antifreeze. It’s toxic and unsafe for potable water systems.
6. Protect Valves, Batteries, and Tires
- Spray valves and seals with RV-friendly lubricant.
- Fully charge the battery. If storing long-term, disconnect or bring it indoors.
- Inflate tires to the recommended PSI and cover them if your RV will sit outside.
7. Final Walkthrough
- Check every faucet and drain for antifreeze flow.
- Confirm tanks are fully empty.
- Inspect the roof, windows, and doors for gaps or cracks where snow and ice could cause leaks.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Windish RV is not responsible for any damage to your RV resulting from do-it-yourself winterization. The instructions above are intended to provide a general overview of the process. Always consult your RV’s manufacturer manual for model-specific instructions and follow all safety guidelines.
The Fast and Easy Way: Our Winterization Event
Skip the steps above and let us handle it for you.
📍 When & Where:
Saturday, October 4th at 8:00 AM
- Windish RV Lakewood – Get Directions
- Windish RV Fountain – Get Directions
💲 Cost: $179 plus tax (includes a free roof inspection)
Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:
- Drive-Through RV Winterization Service – pull in, our trained technician will winterize your RV on the spot.
- Free Roof Inspection – included with every winterization service, so you’ll know your roof is ready for snow and ice.
- Parts Department Open – shop RV covers, cold-weather gear, and other seasonal essentials at our RV parts departments in Lakewood and Fountain.
- Optional Service Requests – if you’d like us to look at something else, we can help you schedule a follow-up appointment with our RV service team.
Reserve Your Spot (or Call Ahead)
Protect your RV and make winter prep easy with Windish RV service in Lakewood and Fountain.
✅ Reserve My Spot for the Winterization Event
Reservations will be given first priority. Walk-ins are welcome too, but please check with our service team before bringing your RV up:
- Lakewood Service: 303-274-9009
- Fountain Service: 719-434-3938
FAQ
How much does winterization cost?
Our Winterization Event service is $179 plus tax, and it includes a free roof inspection.
Do tankless RV water heaters need to be winterized differently?
Yes. Unlike traditional water heaters that can be bypassed, tankless models need antifreeze run through the coils to prevent freeze damage. Our Windish RV technicians are trained to properly winterize both types during the event.
Do I still need to winterize if I use my RV during winter?
Yes. Even if you take trips, unused systems should be protected.
Is the roof inspection really free?
Yes. Every winterization service at the event includes a free roof inspection.
Can I attend without a reservation?
Yes, but reservations are served first. If you plan to stop by without reserving, please call our service team first:
- Lakewood: 303-274-9009
- Fountain: 719-434-3938
Will I be able to buy supplies that day?
Yes. Our RV parts departments in Lakewood and Fountain will be open during the event so you can grab items like RV covers, cold-weather gear, and other essentials for safe storage.
Conclusion
Winterizing your RV doesn’t have to be complicated. Join us at our Winterization Event in Lakewood and Fountain for just $179 plus tax. You’ll get drive-through service, a free roof inspection, and everything you need from our parts department in one stop.
⚙️ Get your RV winter-ready in minutes and be first in line for next season’s adventures.
✅ Reserve My Spot for the Winterization Event
