Winterizing your AEONrv or Not?
Whether you’re preparing for freezing temperatures or planning to store your AEONrv for an extended period, winterization can be an important step to protect your investment.
While we don’t recommend winterizing your AEONrv like a traditional RV, i.e. with RV anti-freeze (the pink stuff). Done correctly, our winterizing processes prevent plumbing damage, safeguard your batteries, and ensure your vehicle is ready to go when the next adventure calls.
Let’s walk through why it matters, what you’ll need, and exactly how to do it.
Why Winterizing Matters
Even though your AEONrv is designed for all-season use and all fresh water lines, tanks, and fittings are inside the thermal envelope of your AEONrv, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage unprotected plumbing lines and fixtures.
When temperatures dip below freezing, any water left in the system could expand and rupture components—leading to costly repairs. The good news is all our fresh water lines use Pex-A, which is much more resistant to freeze bursting compared to more traditional, and less expensive, Pex-B or braided plastic lines used in most RVs. Winterizing also protects your batteries during long-term storage, keeping them healthy and ready for your next trip.
Tip:
While you can winterize after temperatures have already dropped, it’s best to do it before the first hard freeze where you let the inside of your AEONrv drop below 40F.
When Should You Winterize?
Plan to winterize your AEONrv if:
- You expect temperatures to fall below freezing .
- You’re storing your RV for an extended time, regardless of season.
- You want peace of mind if cold weather arrives unexpectedly.
For detailed long-term storage recommendations, see your Owner’s Guide.
What You’ll Need
Winterizing isn’t difficult, and with a few tools and materials, you can do it yourself.
Recommended Supplies:
- Wrench: For opening the water filtration canisters.
- Garden hose: To drain the fresh water tank.
- Dump hose: For emptying the gray water tank.
- RV gray tank sanitizing solution: Helps remove buildup and odors.
- Bucket & pan: To catch water from the water heater and pump.
- Towels: For cleanup and drying hands.
- Flashlight: To see in tight or dark spaces.
- Owner’s Manual: Your best reference for model-specific details.
Step-by-Step Winterization Guide
Below is an overview of the process. Work slowly and deliberately, checking off each step as you go.
1. Level the Vehicle
Ensure your AEONrv is parked level. Low points in plumbing lines can trap water, making it harder to drain fully.
2. Empty the Fresh Water
Before shutting your AEONrv down, open all faucets to drain as much water as possible into the gray tank. The pump can be run for a few extra minutes after the water is mostly empty, as it is designed to run dry.
3. Open Faucets
After switching off the pump, fully open all faucets in the kitchen, shower, and bathroom. Leave them open throughout the process to protect against pressure buildup or trapped water. The shower hose can trap some of the water, so make sure it has been emptied by removing the shower head, and empty the hose by lowering it to the ground.
4. Empty Fresh Water Tanks
Using the water pump, as mentioned above, is the best way to fully empty the tanks and it will also help flush out your gray water tank at the same time.
You can also empty your fresh water tank by hooking up a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to where you want the water to go. Open the valve to start draining. Keep in mind that this will leave a little bit of water behind. To get the rest of the water out, turn on the water pump.
5. Drain the Water Heater
Remove the front heater panel and open the drain valve. Use a bucket to catch the water and avoid spills. At this time, most of the water should have been emptied by the water pump. Close the valve after all water is drained.
6. Empty the Water Pump
Remove the bottom two kitchen drawers to access the pump. Detach the plumbing connections at the inlet/outlet ports, using a pan to catch remaining water.
Note: On our latest design, we moved the water pump to the garage.
Remove the straining filter that is attached to the pump, and clean out any debris. Reattach the filter after it has been cleaned.
Turn the pump ON briefly to clear any residual water, then switch it OFF. Leave the plumbing disconnected.
7. Drain the Filtration System
Use the provided wrench to remove the filtration canisters. Empty any water inside. This is a great time to replace filter elements before reattaching the canisters.
8. Empty the Gray Water Tank
Make sure the tank is fully drained. We recommend flushing with about 5 gallons of fresh water and adding an RV gray tank sanitizing solution to prevent odors and microbial growth.
9. Prepare the Toilet
If your AEONrv has a cassette toilet, run the flush pump until no water remains in the bowl. Confirm the cassette is empty.
10. Prepare the Batteries
- Charge your Battle Born batteries fully before storage.
- Disconnect them from loads by switching off the main disconnect.
- Turn off the solar switch and battery heating switch.
- Expect about 2–3% monthly capacity loss (more in extreme conditions).
For more guidance, see Battle Born’s article: How to Winterize and Store LiFePO4 Batteries.
11. Reminder Note
Post a note near your water filler: “Plumbing is disconnected.” This reminder helps prevent surprises when you restart the system.
12. When You Start Back Up
- Reconnect the water pump plumbing.
- Close all faucets.
- Refill the filtration canisters with water
- Fill the fresh water tank with a sanitizing solution and flush the plumbing before using.
Additional Tips for Storage
- Clean your RV thoroughly, inside and out.
- Remove all food items.
- Use a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing products to prevent condensation.
- Place insect and rodent deterrents inside.
- Turn off all electrical switches and appliances.
- Close and secure all windows, doors, and vents.
- Remove the bamboo cutting board from the sink to avoid trapped moisture.
- Check your RV periodically for leaks or condensation.
- Keep tires inflated and covered to prevent deterioration.
- Store indoors or under a breathable cover whenever possible.
And always remember to sanitize your fresh water system before your next trip.
Ready for Your Next Adventure
Proper winterization protects your AEONrv so it’s ready when you are. With a little preparation, you’ll have peace of mind all season long.
For more details, refer to your Owner’s Manual or reach out—we’re here to help.
Happy travels, and stay warm.
Lars Severin, AEONrv CTO
