Winterize Your Airstream Travel Trailer
For many Airstream owners, colder temperatures mark the end of the camping season. Before placing your trailer in storage, it’s important to take a few key steps to prevent damage — especially to the water system. Without proper winterization, leftover water in your lines can freeze, expand, and cause costly repairs.
This process can be done at home or by scheduling an appointment with our Service Department. Below, we’ll walk you through how to safely winterize your Airstream and store it properly.
Water System Winterization
There are two common ways to winterize your Airstream’s water system:
Using an air compressor
Using non-toxic RV antifreeze
Both methods begin by draining your gray, black, and fresh water tanks, and opening all low-point drain plugs.
Option 1: Air Compressor Method
You’ll need a blow-out plug that connects your air compressor to the city water inlet.
Connect the air compressor to your blow-out plug at the city water connection.
Apply compressed air, then go inside the trailer.
Open each faucet one by one — including cold and hot sides — until water is cleared.
Flush the toilet, test toilet sprayers, and activate both indoor and exterior showers.
Turn on the water pump to clear any trapped water.
Blow compressed air through the black tank flush port.
When finished, add 1 cup of RV antifreeze to every drain and the toilet to protect traps and seals.
Option 2: RV Antifreeze Method
You’ll need about 2 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze and a pump converter kit.
Turn off the water pump and close all faucets.
Bypass the water heater (if your Airstream has a bypass valve).
Connect the pump converter kit to the inlet side of the water pump.
Turn on the water pump and begin pumping antifreeze through the system.
Open each faucet (hot and cold) until you see pink fluid.
Flush the toilet, run showers (interior and exterior), and verify antifreeze is present in all lines.
Add 1 cup of antifreeze to all sink drains and the toilet.
Battery Storage
To protect your batteries during winter:
Remove them from your trailer and store in a garage or workshop.
Keep them fully charged — this prevents sulfation and battery failure.
If left inside the trailer, ensure you charge them monthly by plugging in (do not leave your trailer plugged in full-time).
Trailer Storage Tips
Once winterized, store your Airstream in a safe, dry location. Follow these tips:
Best: Indoor storage (garage, barn, or carport).
Avoid: Fabric covers, which can rub and damage the aluminum exterior.
Never park under tree limbs — falling branches can cause major damage.
Park on gravel or concrete to protect your tires from moisture and dry rot.
Stay away from tall grass to avoid rodent intrusion.
Miscellaneous Checklist
✅ Shut off propane at the tanks.
✅ Inflate, clean, and cover tires to protect from UV rays.
✅ Apply dielectric grease to the 7-pin connector.
✅ Leave fridge/freezer doors open to prevent mold.
✅ Remove food from cabinets to deter pests.
✅ Wash the trailer and inspect for leaks or cracked sealants.
✅ Lubricate joints, stabilizers, steps, and jacks.
Questions?
If you have questions or want us to winterize your Airstream for you, call us at 1-800-265-9019 or contact our service department.
