Winterizing Your RV for West Texas & Southern New Mexico Winters
People hear "El Paso" and think it never gets cold. Then a January night drops below freezing, and a water line splits inside a travel trailer parked in a Northeast El Paso driveway. Our winters are mild during the day, but overnight freezes do happen across West Texas and southern New Mexico, especially out on the open desert and up in the higher country north of Las Cruces.
A little prep now beats a plumbing repair in spring. If you'd rather have it done for you, Fun Country RV & Marine, 8800 South Desert Blvd., Anthony, TX 79821, can help. Call 915-886-3500.
Why Desert RVs Still Need Winterizing
Freezing doesn't have to last long to cause damage. Water sitting in low-point lines, a water heater tank, a pump, or faucet valves can expand overnight and crack fittings. Plenty of RVs also leave town for the winter, heading north to see family or up to the mountains, where hard freezes are guaranteed. If your RV will sit unused or travel somewhere cold, plan to winterize.
Basic RV Winterizing Steps
Every RV is a little different, so always follow your owner's manual. The general process looks like this:
- Drain the fresh, gray, and black tanks. Dump and flush the holding tanks at a proper dump station.
- Drain the water heater. Turn it off and let it cool first, then remove the drain plug or anode and open the pressure relief valve.
- Bypass the water heater so you don't fill the tank with antifreeze. If your RV has no bypass kit, it's an easy part to add.
- Open the low-point drains and let the lines empty completely.
- Add RV antifreeze (non-toxic, made for potable systems) using the pump or a hand pump kit until it runs pink at every faucet, shower, and toilet.
- Pour antifreeze into the P-traps and drains so they don't freeze.
- Don't forget extras like ice makers, washing machines, and outside showers.
Beyond the Plumbing
Winter storage in the desert brings its own problems. Sun and dust don't take the season off.
- Batteries: disconnect or keep them on a maintainer so they don't sit dead all winter.
- Roof and seals: inspect sealant now. UV damage from summer leads to leaks during winter rains.
- Tires: cover them to block the sun and check pressure before you roll again.
- Rodents: desert critters look for warm spots. Seal gaps and remove food.
- Generator: follow the manufacturer's storage instructions for fuel and oil.
Parts You May Need
Winterizing usually calls for a few basic parts, such as a water heater bypass, drain plugs or anode rods, valves, and fittings. Fun Country stocks OEM RV parts from brands like Suburban, Atwood, Dometic, Valterra, and Camco. Browse our parts catalog, shop our eBay store, or call the parts desk to have something pulled for pickup in Anthony.
Let Our Service Department Handle It
Not comfortable crawling under the rig to find low-point drains? Our RV service department handles water heaters, plumbing, and preventive maintenance every day. If a line already froze and cracked, we can track down the leak and fix it. Learn more and request a quote on our RV service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it really get cold enough in El Paso to freeze RV pipes?
Yes. Overnight lows below freezing happen most winters in El Paso, Anthony, and Las Cruces. Even one cold night can damage exposed lines or a full water heater.
Can I keep using my RV in winter instead of winterizing?
Many local owners camp all winter. On cold nights, keep the furnace on, use heated or insulated hoses, and keep an eye on the forecast. If the RV will sit unused, winterizing is the safer choice.
How do I de-winterize in spring?
Flush the antifreeze out with fresh water, put the water heater back in service, sanitize the fresh water system, and check for leaks before your first trip.
Can you winterize my RV for me?
Call our service department at 915-886-3500 to ask about winterizing and to book a time.
Get Ready Before the First Freeze
Don't wait for the first hard freeze. Call Fun Country RV & Marine at 915-886-3500, or visit funcountryrvs.com to shop parts and request service. We're at 8800 South Desert Blvd. in Anthony, TX, on I-10 between El Paso and Las Cruces.