| Fall is the time of year you need to decide if your | | | | off as soon as the system is drained. |
| camping season is over. Parking your RV for the | | | | * Recap all drains and close all faucets. |
| winter requires some preventive measures so it | | | | * By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a |
| will be ready to use next spring. You'll also be glad | | | | by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up |
| you did it when you don't have costly repair bills | | | | with antifreeze before it goes through the water |
| due to the damaging results of winter. Now the | | | | lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze. |
| question is how do you prepare it for winter, and | | | | * Install a water pump converter kit, or |
| who will be doing it? If you're like me and you | | | | disconnect the inlet side of the pump (the line |
| enjoy performing the routine maintenance on | | | | coming from the fresh water holding tank) and |
| your RV, not to mention saving a few dollars, the | | | | connect tubing from the pump into a gallon of RV |
| "who" part is answered. As for the "how" part, | | | | antifreeze. |
| this checklist is the same one I used to make our | | | | * Turn the water pump on and pressurize the |
| Winterizing & Storing video. I feel it is the easiest | | | | system. Starting with the closest faucet slowly |
| and most effective way to winterize your RV. | | | | open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze |
| Before you get started there are a few items | | | | appears. Replace antifreeze jug as required. |
| you will need to have. These items can be found | | | | * Repeat on all faucets from the closest to |
| in most RV parts stores: | | | | farthest away. Don't forget the outside shower. |
| * Non-toxic RV antifreeze (the amount depends | | | | * Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears. |
| on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. 2 | | | | * Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to |
| to 3 gallons will normally do). | | | | release the pressure. Go to the city water inlet. |
| * A water heater by-pass kit, if not already | | | | * Remove the small screen over the inlet and |
| installed. | | | | push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until |
| * A water pump converter kit, or tubing to | | | | you see antifreeze. Replace the screen. |
| connect to the inlet side of the water pump. | | | | * Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. |
| * Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs. | | | | Pour a few cups in the toilet and flush into the |
| Now we can winterize the RV water system to | | | | holding tank. |
| protect it from freezing. Be sure to read your | | | | * If your water heater has an electric heating |
| owners manuals for unit specific winterizing | | | | element turn it off. This will protect the element if |
| guidelines. Follow the steps below that apply to | | | | the unit is plugged in while being stored. |
| your RV. | | | | * Make sure all faucets are closed. |
| * If you have any inline water filters remove and | | | | * Consult your owner manuals for winterizing ice |
| bypass them before starting. | | | | makers and washing machines. |
| * Drain the fresh water holding tank. | | | | Your RV is winterized |
| * Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. | | | | This checklist is a basic guide that was intended to |
| Clean the black tank with a wand. Lubricate the | | | | assist you in winterizing your RV. As with many |
| termination valves. | | | | other checklists it would be impossible to cover |
| * Drain the water heater. CAUTION: Never drain | | | | every RV. It is extremely important that you |
| when hot or under pressure. | | | | read your owner's manuals for unit specific |
| * Open all hot and cold faucets; don't forget the | | | | winterizing guidelines. |
| toilet valve and outside shower. | | | | Happy Camping! |
| * Locate and open low point drain lines. Using the | | | | Mark |
| water pump will help force water out, but turn it | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |