Don't Rush It! Safely De-winterizing Your RV in Minnesota

If you've lived in Minnesota for more than a couple of years, you've probably noticed a pattern—we don’t just have four seasons. Around March, we hit “fool’s spring,” followed by “second winter.” Temperatures swing unpredictably, and we often see more snowfall than earlier in the season. Because of this, we recommend holding off on de-winterizing your RV until the outdoor temperatures are consistently safe.

What Is a "Safe" Temperature?

So, what’s a “safe” temperature for de-winterizing? In general, consistent temperatures above freezing (32°F) should be fine, but there’s no one-size-fits-all magic number. Every RV is different—plumbing materials, fittings, and construction all play a role. Age is another key factor, as plastics become more brittle over time and more prone to damage.

That’s why we like to play it safe and wait. The weather in Minnesota has a mind of its own, and daily highs and lows matter. If temperatures briefly dip into the high 20s overnight but warm up to around 40°F during the day, a damaging freeze is unlikely.

Our recommendation? Keep an eye on the forecast, look for an increasing temperature trend, and if you’re unsure, just wait a little longer!

Example of a Minnesota weather forecast

Why Is This Important?

We know how tempting it is to pull your RV out of storage on that first 50-degree day of the year! But de-winterizing too early can lead to water intrusion and costly repairs.

When we de-winterize an RV, we introduce water back into the system to flush out the antifreeze. After that, we take the water heater out of the bypass and fill it to check for leaks. At this point, your fresh water tank, supply lines, and water heater are all holding water—meaning they’re at risk if temperatures drop below freezing.

Encountering freezing temperatures when de-winterized could present many different problems.

The Risks of Freezing Temperatures:

Plumbing Fittings & Water Connections

One of the biggest concerns is the fittings at each water connection. Some RV owners get lucky and only need to replace a toilet water valve or a fitting under the sink—typically a $400 repair. But on the other end of the spectrum, we could be hunting down a mystery leak in the underbelly. Beyond diagnostics, this could lead to replacing soaked insulation, which can quickly add up to $3,500 in repairs.

Water Heater Damage

Whether you have a tanked or on-demand water heater, there is always water contained within the unit. If that water freezes, it expands, potentially cracking the tank or copper lines. In most cases, replacing the entire unit is the best option—an expense that can run around $2,000.

Fresh Water Tank & Fittings

Just like the plumbing and water heater, the freshwater tank and its fittings are vulnerable to freezing. The tank itself has multiple connection points, including the water inlet, outlet to the pump, overflow tube, and dump outlet. While the tank’s larger volume of water takes longer to freeze than the ½-inch plumbing lines under your sink, it’s still at risk. If a crack develops, replacing the freshwater tank requires dropping the underbelly—a labor-intensive job that can easily turn into a $3,500 repair.

Bottom Line

De-winterizing too soon can lead to costly repairs that are easily avoidable by waiting for consistently safe temperatures. A little patience now can save you thousands down the road!

Travel trailer placed near river in winter forest in daylight by: Erik Mclean

What Should I Do if Temperatures Drop?

Today’s high might be in the mid-50s with clear skies, but if the 10-day forecast shows a steady temperature drop, you might start wondering—will my RV be safe? What should I do?

If you’ve already de-winterized, the best way to avoid damage is to drain the water from your system.

Here’s what to do:

• Drain the fresh water tank.

• Open the low point drains and a faucet to clear the supply lines.

• Don’t forget about the water heater! First, turn it off—skipping this step could lead to costly repairs. Then, release the pressure using the pressure & temperature relief valve (usually a gold-colored spout). Finally, remove the anode rod or drain plug to empty the tank.

  
  

If Minnesota surprises us with a freeze warning (as it often does), it’s always better to be safe than sorry—just re-winterize. While it may be a bit tedious, the effort is nothing compared to the cost of major repairs from frozen plumbing.

When Should I Book My De-winterization Appointment?

Once temperatures start trending upward, our schedule fills up quickly! The best time to book your de-winterization appointment is when you see consistent daytime highs above 40°F and overnight lows staying above freezing. If you're unsure, go ahead and get on our schedule—we can always adjust if needed.

Need help de-winterizing your RV? Give us a call, send us an email, or schedule an appointment through our customer portal—we’re happy to help!

This blog was written by Katlyn and edited by Chanda