How to Winterize an RV Ice Maker?
An RV ice maker is a compact refrigeration unit designed to produce ice inside an RV. As temperatures drop during winter, proper winterization is essential to avoid damage from freezing temperatures inside the ice maker system.
Neglecting this important end-of-season maintenance can lead to cracked water lines, ruined seals, mold, and an inoperable ice maker next camping season.
Fortunately, winterizing your RV ice maker is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. This article provides a step-by-step guide to fully winterize your RV ice maker, ensuring it survives the winter in proper working order when spring arrives.
What is an RV Ice Maker?
An RV ice maker is typically a small freezer unit combined with an ice maker head that connects to the RV’s pressurized water lines. It continuously cycles water over an ice mold to produce ice cubes that are dispensed into a storage bin, accessible through the freezer door.
Read More : How to Winterize a Camper with Air?
RV ice makers are more compact yet operate similarly to residential ice makers. The main differences are RV ice makers rely on 12V or 120V power from the RV, have smaller production capacities, and must be winterized for storage in freezing climates.
Why Winterize an RV Ice Maker?
Winterizing protects the sensitive water lines and seals inside an RV ice maker from rupture or deterioration during freezing weather. This prevents leaks, frost damage, mold, and even cracked water lines over the winter.
Attempting to use an RV ice maker without properly winterizing it first after storage in freezing temperatures is a recipe for disaster. Any water left inside can rapidly expand as it freezes, breaking tubing, joints, fittings, and components.
Skipping winterization also allows moisture to linger inside the ice maker, providing optimal conditions for mold growth. This mold releases harmful spores and causes persistent bad odors.
Properly winterizing flushes out all the lingering water and moisture, while adding RV antifreeze creates a protective barrier against freeze damage over the winter months.
Overview of Winterization Process
Winterizing an RV ice maker involves draining water, flushing out lines, removing modular components, drying the interior, adding antifreeze, and proper storage.
The main steps include:
- Preparing supplies and draining water
- Disconnecting, inspecting, and flushing lines
- Removing modular components like water filters
- Running antifreeze through the system
- Allowing the ice maker to thoroughly dry out
- Storing parts and ice maker properly over winter
- Maintaining the unit come spring
Following the best practices below creates optimal conditions for your RV ice maker to survive winter storage unscathed.
Preparing for Winterization
Begin prepping your RV ice maker for colder weather by gathering supplies, turning off water sources, and draining existing water from the ice maker:
Gather Necessary Supplies
You will need:
- RV antifreeze (propylene glycol based)
- Water system blowout plug
- Air compressor and air blowout tool
- Adjustable wrench
- Small bucket
- Clean rags
- Masking tape
Turn Off Water Supply and Empty Ice Maker
Locate the water supply valves providing water to your RV ice maker and turn them OFF. Then open the ice maker door and allow any existing ice cubes to melt completely.
Remove the ice bin and dump out all water collected inside from the melted ice. Use towels to dry out the interior of the ice storage bin, tray, and mold.
Disconnect and Inspect Water Lines
Under the RV kitchen sink, locate the water line connecting to the ice maker. Place a bucket underneath and disconnect the ice maker water line. This allows any residual water to drain out completely.
Inspect the plastic water tubing and fittings for leaks, cracks, holes or any damage. Replace any worn or faulty parts.
Flushing the Ice Maker
With water lines disconnected and drained, the next step is flushing the ice maker with compressed air to eject all remaining water:
Attach Blowout Plug
Locate the RV ice maker’s water inlet, typically inside the freezer compartment. Screw on the provided blowout plug at the water inlet port. This seals off the opening so air flows through the lines.
Connect Air Compressor
Attach an air compressor hose with blowout nozzle to the outer end of the ice maker’s water line. This is where it was disconnected under the sink. Secure it tightly with tape.
Position the drain line to eject water into a bucket. Turn compressor PSI down to 30-50 range.
Flush Out Water Lines with Compressed Air
Briefly turn on air compressor to short bursts to begin forcing air through the lines. This will eject any lingering water droplets within the tubes out through the drain line into the bucket.
Repeat flushing process several times until no more water comes out. Inspect lines and fittings while blowing out the system. Stop immediately if any leaks are spotted and address them before proceeding.
Adding Antifreeze
With all water removed from the ice maker unit itself plus water lines, the next critical stage is adding RV antifreeze:
Disconnect Air Compressor
After fully air flushing the system, turn off and disconnect compressor. Remove the blowout plug from water inlet as well.
Connect Antifreeze Line
Attach one end of a short suction hose to the bucket of RV antifreeze. Place the other end into the ice maker’s water inlet port to create a closed loop system.
Run Antifreeze Through System
Pour RV antifreeze into the bucket. Turn ON the ice maker unit to activate the water pump and cycle antifreeze through the entire system.
Operate the ice maker and dispense frozen mixture for roughly 10 complete cycles to achieve full coverage inside the water lines, valves, filters, and other components.
Turn OFF ice maker once antifreeze has visibly filled the freezer mold and tray.
Disassembling and Storing Parts
With antifreeze protection added, properly removing and storing the ice maker parts helps prevent issues:
Remove Water Filter
If your RV ice maker contains a water filter, remove it at this stage by unscrewing it from the housing. Allow it to fully air dry.
Take Out Ice Maker Assembly
The ice maker head is typically attached inside the freezer with a mounting bracket or screws. Fully remove the ice making assembly apparatus and set it aside.
Dry Out Ice Maker Mold and Tray
Any remaining moisture inside the ice mold or tray promotes mold growth over winter. Thoroughly dry both with a rag after removal.
Store Removed Parts Properly
Place removed items in sealable plastic bags, if available. Otherwise, wrap them in paper towels or cardboard. This absorbs condensation during storage to keep parts dry.
Finishing Touches
With all components removed, run through these final winterization steps:
Wipe Down Interior
Use clean towels to remove any remaining moisture droplets or drips inside the empty freezer and areas around water lines.
Leave Doors Open for Ventilation
Propping open the fridge and freezer doors allows airflow to prevent mold growth over winter storage.
Consider Covering Exterior Vents
Block exterior fridge vents and openings with plastic sheeting to prevent pests or debris getting inside while not in use.
Spring Maintenance
Properly maintaining your RV ice maker after winter storage ensures smooth functioning for the camping season:
Inspect Seals, Tubes, Wires
Examine all seals around the ice maker housing and doors for any gaps or cracks needing replacement before reinstalling parts. Inspect tubes and wiring for damage before turning everything back ON.
Reinstall Parts
Reattach the ice maker head assembly using hardware or brackets. Replace water filter cartridge if past expiration. Verify all connections are secure.
Flush Out Antifreeze
Once reopened for the season, reconnect plumbing lines to water inlet. Turn ON RV water supply and cycle ice maker to pump out remaining antifreeze back into the bucket, which can be reused.
Sanitize System
After flushing, sanitize the ice maker by adding bleach cleaner to water lines and cycling through the system initially. Dump out solution and flush with fresh water completely before making ice again.
Conclusion
Winterizing an RV ice maker properly is vital for protecting it through freezing temperatures and long-term storage. While seeming complex, simply draining water, air flushing lines, adding antifreeze, storing parts dry, and routine spring maintenance keeps the ice maker operational for next camping season.
Being diligent to winterize before storage avoids expensive repairs from burst pipes, broken fittings, molded seals, and ice maker malfunctions. By following this guide, your RV ice maker will freeze-proof your ice supply all winter long.
FAQs
What type of antifreeze should be used?
Use only RV/marine propylene glycol antifreeze. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and should never be used.
How much antifreeze does an RV ice maker need?
About 1-2 gallons of diluted antifreeze solution is needed to circulate through plumbing lines and ice maker components.
Can I skip winterizing the ice maker?
No, you should never skip winterizing an RV ice maker to avoid catastrophic freeze damage. Unsafe attempts to operate it could result in $500+ in repairs.
What problems can occur from improper winterization?
Trying to use an RV ice maker that wasn’t properly winterized can lead to ruptured water lines, damaged valves and seals, leaks, mold, bad odors, and complete breakdown.
Should the freezer door be left open or closed?
Leaving freezer and refrigerator doors open allows air circulation during storage to prevent moisture and mold buildup inside.
