Winter in the state and across the United States can be tough on camper vans. Freezing cold can crack pipes, damage tanks, weaken batteries (Weather.gov), and create moisture problems. Proper winter prep protects your van and saves thousands in repairs.
This simple guide shows clearly how to prep your van for winter so it stays safe, dry, and ready for your next trip.
Step-by-Step Winterization
Winter prep means keeping any system that holds water or power safe. Follow these steps in order for the best results.
Drain the Entire Water System
Water expands when frozen. Even small amounts left in pipes can cause cracks.
Start by removing all water from your system:
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Empty freshwater tanks
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Drain gray and black tanks
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Open all faucets and showers
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Flush toilets and sprayers
Let gravity fully drain the system before moving on.
Disconnect & Drain
Disconnect any external water sources and filters.
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Remove inline filters
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Detach hoses
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Drain low-point lines
This prevents hidden water from freezing inside connectors.
Bypass & Drain the Water Heater
Water heaters hold several gallons of water and must be cleared.
Bypass Water Heater
Use the bypass valve so RV fluid does not enter the heater tank. This saves RV fluid and protects the unit.
Drain Water Heater
Open the drain plug or anode rod and release the pressure valve. Allow the tank to empty all the way.
Add RV Antifreeze to Protect Lines
Use only RV or marine antifreeze. It is non-toxic and designed for plumbing systems.
Blow Out Lines (Optional but Recommended)
An air pump clears extra water before RV fluid goes in. This step cuts down mixing and freeze risk.
Introduce Antifreeze
Pump antifreeze through:
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Kitchen sink
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Bathroom sink
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Shower
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Outdoor shower
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Toilet sprayer
Run each faucet until pink antifreeze appears.
RV / Marine Antifreeze Matters
Never use automotive antifreeze. It is toxic and unsafe for water systems.
RV antifreeze:
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Protects to sub-zero temperatures
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Is safe for plumbing
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Prevents corrosion
Protect Tanks & Valves
Pour antifreeze into:
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Gray tanks
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Black tanks
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Dump valves
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Low-point drains
This protects seals and valves from freezing damage.
Protect P-Traps
P-traps hold water by design.
Add a cup of antifreeze into every drain so it settles in the trap and prevents freezing.
Winterize Appliances
Appliances that use water need attention:
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Ice makers
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Outdoor showers
Beyond the plumbing and power systems, pay close focus to how you’ll really live in the van day to day once the temps drop. One of the most missed winter van living tips is to plan for how you’ll manage heat loss every time you open a door. In cold areas, a simple fabric or lined curtain behind your sliding or rear doors can make a big change.
It creates a buffer zone so you’re not dumping all your warm air outside each time you step out. Pair that with a good doormat and a boot tray to keep snow and slush held near the entrance. Wet gear is one of the fastest ways to raise moisture inside a small space. Having a set drying area with good air flow, like a small fan pointed at a hanging rack, helps keep moisture and mold at bay.
Air flow is just as key in winter as it is in summer, even though it feels odd to crack a window when it’s below freezing. Warm air holds more moisture, and when it hits cold metal or glass, that moisture turns to water. To manage this, open a roof vent slightly and crack a window on the other side of the van to create a gentle cross-breeze, mainly when cooking or sleeping.
Use lined window covers at night and pull them back during the day to let the sun warm the inside. If you cook with propane, make sure your system is well vented and think about using a small, low-draw 12V fan near the cooking area. These simple winter van living tips help keep the air dry and fresh, which is just as key for comfort as staying warm.
Heating plan is a key piece of a safe and cozy winter setup. Many van lifers rely on diesel or gas heaters that tap into the vehicle’s fuel tank. These are strong and steady in cold weather, but they still need steady care. Keep the fuel tank above half to avoid condensation in the tank, clean the intake and exhaust ports, and test the heater before the first real cold snap.
If you use a small propane heater, always follow maker safety rules, use a carbon monoxide alarm, and never run it while sleeping. As a backup, carry extra warm bedding, wool blankets, and a good sleeping bag rated for temps lower than you expect to see. Used with good insulation, draft sealing, and smart air flow, these heating-focused winter van living tips will help you ride out cold nights without stressing your systems—or yourself.
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Portable washers
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Water filters
Check manufacturer instructions for proper winterization.
Battery Care
Cold temperatures reduce battery performance.
Batteries
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Disconnect the house and starter batteries
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Store in a dry place if possible
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Use a battery maintainer
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Keep the charge above 50%
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Healthy batteries last longer and perform better in spring.
Insulate & Seal the Van
Insulation helps prevent freezing and improves comfort.
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Use thermal window covers
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Seal drafts around vents
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Add floor insulation if needed
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Good insulation protects plumbing and reduces heating needs.
Prevent Moisture & Mold
Condensation builds up in winter storage.
If you’re planning serious cold-weather travel and want a van that’s built to handle winter right from the start, explore our services or contact us to talk through a winter-ready build.
Prevent mold by:
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Using moisture absorbers
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Cracking a vent slightly on dry days
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Wiping down damp areas
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Dry air keeps interiors fresh.
Tires & Exterior Protection
Cold affects rubber and seals.
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Inflate tires properly
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Use tire covers outdoors
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Wax exterior surfaces
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Check door and window seals
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Exterior care prevents long-term weather damage.
Final Checklist Before Storage
✔ Water system fully drained ✔ RV fluid added ✔ Heater skipped ✔ Batteries cared for ✔ Insulation put in ✔ Moisture control in place ✔ Tires guarded
Key Tips for Winterizing a Van
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Start before the first freeze
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Monitor weather forecasts
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Use RV-safe products only
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Inspect for leaks or wear
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Keep a winterization checklist
Why Proper Winterization Matters
A well-winterized van avoids:
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Burst pipes
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Cracked tanks
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Mold issues
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Battery failure
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Expensive spring repairs
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Taking a few hours now saves major costs later.
Trusted Support on Your Van Life Journey
At The Vansmith, winter prep is part of good van care. Based in Colorado, our team knows real mountain winters and the demands they place on camper vans across the United States—and in our Snowy Days, Endless Ways to Play guide, we share practical cold-weather tips and inspiration for making winter vanlife both comfortable and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important winter van living tips for protecting my plumbing system?
Fully drain your freshwater, gray, and black tanks, then open all faucets, showers, and sprayers to let gravity clear the lines. After that, bypass and drain the water heater, blow out the lines if possible, and run RV/marine antifreeze through every faucet, drain, and tank to prevent freezing and cracks.
How do I properly drain my camper van’s water system for winter?
Start by emptying the freshwater, gray, and black tanks, then open all faucets and showers and flush toilets and sprayers so the system can drain completely. Disconnect external water sources, remove inline filters, and drain low-point lines to make sure no hidden water is left behind.
Why do I need to bypass and drain the water heater when winterizing my van?
Water heaters hold several gallons of water that can freeze and damage the tank if not removed. Using the bypass valve keeps RV antifreeze out of the heater (saving fluid), and opening the drain plug or anode rod plus the pressure valve lets the tank empty fully.
What kind of antifreeze should I use for winterizing my camper van?
Use only RV or marine antifreeze, which is non-toxic and designed for plumbing systems. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it’s toxic and unsafe for anything connected to your water system.
How can I protect my van’s tanks, valves, and P-traps in freezing temperatures?
After draining the system, pour RV/marine antifreeze into gray and black tanks, dump valves, and low-point drains to protect seals and valves from freezing. Add about a cup of antifreeze into every drain so it settles in the P-traps, which are designed to hold water and would otherwise freeze.
