Most van adventurers agree that having running water in their van is a game-changer for comfort and convenience. Whether it’s a simple sink for washing dishes and brushing teeth or a full shower setup with hot and cold water, this essential feature can make all the difference—transforming your van into a true home on wheels.
However, for many of us, keeping our vans warm all winter may not be practical. If you are not using your van for the winter, or plan to store it until the cold weather passes, you’ll want to winterize your water system properly. This will avoid costly repairs from burst water lines, or cracked or broken water pumps or faucets. The best way to prevent disaster is to purge your system of water and replace it with a non-toxic antifreeze. The good news is that the entire process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes and is simple enough for every van owner to do themselves.
You will need 4 simple supplies to get started:
- An adaptor - this Shurlfo adapter from Amazon works well
- A ½ inch hose clamp
- Non-toxic antifreeze - we recommend Prime Guard RV & Marine Antifreeze
- Flexible hosing - you’ll need about 6 feet with ½ inch inside diameter
Essentially you will use these items to drain the water out of your van’s water tank, water heater, water line and shower (as applicable). You will then pump antifreeze through the van’s water system from the water tank.
For step by step instructions, please reach out and we will send you our easy to follow winterization guide. Or if you prefer, we can take care of this for you.
Also, remember that if you are not using your van during the winter, it is still a good idea to run your heater on high for at least 30 minutes once a month to burn soot out of the combustion chamber. This helps keep it clean and in good condition so it will be ready for your early Spring adventures.
And finally, make certain your inverter is turned off and turn off all electrical systems in your van. It is recommended that your batteries be 60 to 80% charged when you store your van. Flip your main power breaker to the off position to prevent parasitic draw. We recommend driving your van at least once a month, if able, to keep your systems and your van healthy and happy. Keep your van parked in the sun if possible, this will warm the cabin in the daytime keeping the batteries at a chargeable temperature and enable your solar panels to keep your batteries topped off!