◆ Quebec winter storage
Winterizing your RV: the 2026 checklist
Twelve steps between October and freeze-up. Skip number 4 and you’re rebuilding the water system in April.
Why Quebec winterization is different
Most US YouTube tutorials assume one week below zero. Quebec assumes four months. Skip a step and you’re not just dealing with a frozen pipe — you’re dealing with a pipe that’s been frozen and thawed nine times.
The twelve steps, in order
- Drain the fresh water tank. Open the low-point drains and the city water valve.
- Drain the hot water tank. Pull the anode rod. Run the pump dry for 10 seconds.
- Open every faucet, including outside shower and toilet.
- Blow lines with compressed air at 30 PSI max — or skip and go to step 6.
- Pour 4 L of pink RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank. Run the pump until pink shows at every faucet, including the outside shower. Don’t forget the dishwasher hookup if installed.
- Add 1 L pink to each drain trap.
- Empty and flush black + grey tanks. Add 250 mL pink to each after closing.
- Remove batteries. Store at 50–70% charge, in a frost-free basement, top up monthly.
- Remove the propane regulator and cap the lines. Tanks stay outside but disconnected.
- Cover roof vents and the AC.
- Mouse-proof: seal every opening, place fresh dryer sheets in cabinets, leave cabinet doors open.
- Lift the wipers, leave parking brake off, tire pressure to max-cold rating.
Storage choices in Quebec
- Driveway: free. Lose 5–10% off insurance premium. Need to clear snow off the roof after every storm.
- Outdoor lot: $250–500 for the season. Reduces driveway plowing hassle.
- Heated indoor: $1 200–2 200. Worth it for high-value rigs and full-timers’ off-season.
