How to Fully Winterize Your camper Van (Hot Water Heater Removal Tips)
If you’re storing your van for the winter , or heading into freezing temps, properly winterizing your water system is critical.
One of the most overlooked steps?
Making sure all the water is fully removed from your hot water heater.
Even a small amount of trapped water can freeze, expand, and cause expensive damage. So if you want to fully winterize your van, here’s how we approach removing the hot water heater to ensure it’s completely drained. Please note: this guidance is based upon how we build out our custom camper vans to ensure the hot water heater is easily accessible. This may not apply to all camper vans and all manufacturers.
Step 1: Remove the Top Access Panel
Start by locating the top panel covering the hot water heater.
You’ll:
Remove the eight screws securing the top panel
Carefully lift and remove the panel to expose the unit
This gives you access to the plumbing connections.
Step 2: Disconnect the Water Lines
Next, you’ll disconnect the fittings.
There are:
Two main fittings — hot and cold
And typically a third connection depending on your setup
These are simply the opposite ends of the water lines connected to the heater.
Once those fittings are disconnected, the heater is no longer tied into the system.
Step 3: Lift the Hot Water Heater Out
After disconnecting the fittings, the hot water heater can be lifted straight up and out.
Removing it entirely ensures:
No hidden water pockets remain inside
No risk of freeze damage
A fully winterized system
This step gives you peace of mind, especially if your van will sit in below-freezing conditions for an extended period. This is also how you would replace the hot water heater should it ever fail.
Why This Matters
We see freeze damage every winter, cracked fittings, split tanks, damaged heating elements — and most of it is preventable.
Proper winterization protects:
Your plumbing system
Your investment
Your spring travel plans
If you’re unsure about tackling this yourself, we’re always happy to help walk you through it or handle the winterization for you.
A little prep now saves a lot of frustration later.
Need support? Contact us today!