There is no better time than the present to winterize your RV. If you are new to RVing and this is your first winter not using your RV, you’ll want to develop your good winterizing habits now. So, if you aren’t using your RV, and aren’t storing your unit in temperature regulated storage, you’re going want to read the rest of this article.
For those of you who have never done this before, don’t worry, it might be intimidating, but it’s not a terribly difficult process. As for the rest of you, the seasoned vets, you need to pick your half-day day to get it done. I know, you’re pretty busy, but you know when it gets colder, you aren’t going to want to do it. Don’t put yourself at the mercy of nature; that can lead to costly repairs.
So, where do you start?
Preparation:
- If you have any inline water filters (don’t forget the icemaker) remove them and by-pass or drain the lines before starting.
- Drain the fresh water holding tank.
- Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. Clean the black tank with a wand.
- Drain the water heater. CAUTION: Never drain when hot or under pressure. (Make sure electric element (if equipped) is turned off.)
- Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
- Locate and open low point drain lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
- Close all drains and close all faucets.
- By-pass the water heater.
If you have an air compressor available, do the following:
- Install a Blow-out Plug to the city water inlet.
- Apply compressed air, keeping the pressure less than 30 lbs/sq inch.
- Open each faucet, one valve at a time, allowing the compressed air to force the water out of the line. Don’t forget the shower, outdoor shower and toilet.
- Remove the drain plug from the hot water tank and allow the compressed air to blow out the remaining water.
- Reinstall drain plug.
Source: PPLMOTORHOMES.COM
…and here’s how you do it!
Procedure:
- Starting with the closest faucet slowly open each hot and cold valve until antifreeze appears.
- Repeat on all faucets from the closest to farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower.
- Replace antifreeze jug as required.
- Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
- Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure.
- Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain.
- Pour a few cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
- Make sure all faucets are closed.
- Consult your owner manuals for winterizing ice makers and washing machines.
Source: PPLMOTORHOMES.COM
Click on the picture at the top of the article for even more information on the winterization process.
Now, you can still go RVing after you have winterized, you just can’t use any of the facilities. So, if you do want to take the RV out for a spontaneous Winter trip, make sure you stay at camping locations that have water resources. However, if you have any questions, give PPL Motorhomes a call. We can talk you though the process, or set up an appointment to do it for you.
QUICK HIT: Pick up your RV anti-freeze before the first freeze hits!