10/06/2026
Step-by-Step Winterization
The co-op water is shut off **mid-October** and back on **mid-April**. You want your rig fully winterized **before mid-October** — ideally before the first hard freeze, which in the Cokato/Wright County area is usually around **October 21**, but can come earlier. Do not wait for the first 28°F night.
Since your RV is permanently parked, you don’t need travel prep. Focus on **plumbing protection, moisture control, rodents, and exterior care**.
1. Gather supplies
- **Non-toxic pink RV antifreeze** — usually 2–3 gallons for a standard RV; more for larger units with washer, dishwasher, ice maker, or extra fixtures. In Minnesota, many members prefer **-50°F pink** or **-100°F blue** for extra margin.
- Air compressor with regulator set to **30–40 PSI**
- RV blowout plug
- Basic hand tools, bucket, rag
# # # 2. Drain everything
- Turn off the water heater and let it cool.
- Drain the **freshwater tank**.
- Empty **gray and black tanks**
- Open all hot and cold faucets.
- Remove the **water heater drain plug or anode rod**.
- Drain any water filter housings, outside shower, outside kitchen, washer, dishwasher, or ice maker lines.
# # # 3. Bypass the water heater
Set the water heater bypass valve so antifreeze does not enter the water heater tank. This saves antifreeze and protects the tank. If you’re unsure where it is, check your owner’s manual.
# # # 4. Blow out the lines
Connect the blowout plug to the city water inlet. Set the compressor to **30–40 PSI** — no higher. Open one faucet at a time until only air comes out:
- Kitchen sink — hot and cold
- Bathroom sink — hot and cold
- Shower
- Outside shower
- Toilet
- Outside kitchen
- Washer/dishwasher/ice maker, if equipped
This removes water from low spots that gravity draining misses.
# # # 5. Pump antifreeze through the system
The co-op keeps electricity on year-round, so plug in before this step. Most RVs will run the pump from the converter when plugged in.
- Use **only non-toxic pink RV antifreeze**.
- Pull antifreeze from the jug using your RV’s winterizing kit or disconnect the pump intake line and place it in the antifreeze bottle.
- Turn on each faucet — hot and cold — until you see pink antifreeze flowing.
- Do the shower, toilet, outside shower, and outside kitchen.
- Pour about a cup of antifreeze into each drain to protect the P-traps.
- Leave a small amount in the toilet bowl to protect the seal.
- Do **not** put antifreeze in the freshwater tank unless your manual specifically says to.
# # Quick Checklist for Cokato Lake Members
| Task | Done |
|------|------|
| Drain fresh water tank | ☐ |
| Empty gray and black tanks at dump station | ☐ |
| Drain water heater and remove plug/anode | ☐ |
| Bypass water heater | ☐ |
| Blow out lines at 30–40 PSI | ☐ |
| Plug into shore power to run 12V pump | ☐ |
| Pump pink RV antifreeze through all fixtures | ☐ |
| Add antifreeze to drains and toilet bowl | ☐ |
| inspect exterior | ☐ |
| Seal openings against rodents | ☐ |
| Add moisture absorber / dehumidifier | ☐ |
# # Cold-Climate Tips for Permanently Parked RVs
- **Rodents are the biggest off-season risk** in Minnesota. Seal gaps, use traps or deterrents, and check compartments.
- **Moisture control matters** even if you don’t use the RV. Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorber to prevent mold and mildew.
Following these steps before mid-October will protect your RV through the Minnesota winter and have it ready when the co-op water is turned back on in mid-April.
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