Winterizing your vehicle

Winterizing your vehicle is important if it will not be occupied, or if it will be occupied but sometimes dip below freezing. Keep in mind that some portions of your vehicle interior can easily dip below freezing even if your main living space is a higher temperature. For example, closed cabinets, a closed garage, or spaces near the floor in a vehicle with minimal insulation. This is an important part of vehicle maintenance.

Winterizing your toilet

Depending on the type of toilet you have, the method of winterizing varies.

• If you will not be using your toilet during freezing temps, empty it. Tape the lid shut so you do not accidentally use it while winterized. If you have a plumbed toilet with a black tank, visit a dump station.

If you will be using your toilet during freezing temps:

• • If you have a cassette toilet, adding a bit of antifreeze or (used) mouthwash may be enough to keep the contents from freezing.
  • If you have a urine-diverting toilet, it may be okay the solids tank freeze, depending on its design and use.
  • Composting toilets with a mixer bar in the solids tank cannot be allowed to freeze.

Controlling humidity in a winterized vehicle

Humidity can be a problem in your winterized vehicle depending on your climate, vehicle storage conditions, and other factors.

• Remove all sources of humidity from the vehicle, like an open water container.
• Seatbelts may mildew if they get moist. Buckle them so they are not rolled up.
• If you have periodic access to your winterized vehicle, consider a and . This unpowered product removes moisture from the air passively, but you'll need to check on it to refill as needed.
• If your vehicle is parked with access to shore power, consider placing a small low-temperature space heater in your vehicle to dry out the air. Be sure to take necessary precautions to mitigate fire risk.