RV winterization in Salt Lake City protects water systems from freeze damage during Utah winters when temperatures drop below freezing from November through March. We drain and blow out fresh water tanks and lines, add RV antifreeze to traps and drain valves, inspect the water heater bypass, and check furnace operation before storage.
Salt Lake City averages 17 days below 20 degrees Fahrenheit from December through February, and nighttime temperatures below freezing occur regularly from late October through late March. The first hard freeze of the season, typically in mid-to-late October at valley elevation, is the deadline for winterization. Canyon campsites at 5,000 to 7,000 feet can freeze in September, so rigs used for fall camping there should be winterized before the last canyon trip, not after. The consequences of missing the deadline are cracked water heater tanks, split supply lines, and damaged water pumps, repairs that cost four to ten times more than the winterization service.
We drain the fresh water tank and all low-point drains, then connect a compressor to the city water port and blow air through every line until no water exits any open valve. The water heater is bypassed so antifreeze does not fill the tank. After the air blowout we add pink RV antifreeze to the plumbing traps under every drain, the toilet, and the toilet water valve to prevent residual water from freezing. We test the water pump dry to confirm it is not holding water internally. The process takes 60 to 90 minutes on most rigs and we document what was done so you have a record for the spring de-winterization.
A complete winterization service at Salt Lake RV Experts also covers a furnace start and cycle test, a visual roof inspection for sealant cracks to address before freeze-thaw cycles open them wider, battery disconnect and charge level check, propane valve shutoff verification, and slide out retraction check so the rig is ready for storage. Rigs parked at open lots along Redwood Road or Bangerter Highway are exposed to both UV and freeze throughout the winter, so sealing and covering the roof before storage is worth doing at the same visit.
A full water system winterization with air blowout and antifreeze runs about $100 to $200 at a shop, or $185 to $285 with the mobile call-out fee included if we come to your storage lot. The exact price depends on rig complexity and how many slide outs and water connections need to be drained. We quote before starting.
Yes, if you have an air compressor and are familiar with your rig's water layout. The risk in DIY winterization is missing a low-point drain or skipping the toilet trap, which leaves water in the system. A single cracked fitting from an incomplete winterization costs more than the professional service. If in doubt, have us do it or walk through your process with you.
After the last freeze, typically mid-April in the valley, though April snowstorms do occur. A safe approach is to wait until overnight lows consistently stay above 32 degrees for two weeks. At de-winterization we flush the antifreeze, re-install the water heater bypass, and pressure- test all connections to make sure nothing cracked over winter.
Our full winterization service includes a furnace test and visual propane line inspection. We do not purge the propane system for winter storage unless you request it, because an empty tank increases the risk of moisture entering the regulator. Keeping the tank at least one-quarter full through winter is standard practice.
We run an RV repair operation serving Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front. We work on motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and pop-ups. Utah altitude and high-desert conditions are hard on AC units, water systems, and roof membranes. We give you a written price before any work begins and test everything before we leave the job.
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