Q&A for How to Winterize an RV

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Question

How do I tell if my RV is winterized?

Community Answer

All your shut-off valves should be placed in the "off' position. A special winterizing chemical much like an anti-freeze color is placed in the lines for the winter, and all petcocks to the water heater etc. should be in the open position - unless, again, a chemical was used in which then they would be closed.

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Question

If the water heater is drained last but not blown out, what keeps it from freezing any left-over water in it?

Community Answer

Our Atwood water heater manual says that there will be about 2 quarts of water left in it after draining, and it is okay if that amount freezes.

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Question

Is there any reason not to use leveling jacks to relieve weight on tires for storage?

Community Answer

The big hydraulic jacks on motorhomes may be ok for this purpose, but not the corner jacks on most travel trailers. They are only designed to take some weight off the suspension to stop movement when you are moving around inside. They will warp the frame if you leave a trailer's weight on them for any time, especially if you run them up high enough to get most of the weight off the tires.

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Question

If I drain and blow out the systems, why do I still need antifreeze?

Community Answer

You still need it because there is moisture remaining inside the lines, which will collect in a low area in the piping. When it freezes, this water expands, causing your pipe to crack or burst. Also, the antifreeze flushes out all the debris that may have collected in the pipes through the season.

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Question

Can I use the pump that is already built into the water tank to run the anti-freeze into the lines?

Community Answer

Only if you have purchased enough to fill it up to the level that it can pick it up. It's much cheaper to just pump it in through your inlet line with the proper tool, otherwise you're looking at a pretty lengthy De-winterizing.

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Question

Do I leave the fridge open?

Community Answer

I do for a few days until all the moisture is gone, then I put an open box of Arm & Hammer inside and close the door, this will absorb any moisture that may still exist.

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Question

Can I blow out the water lines through my city water inlet?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Just put a valve on the air line so you can easily regulate or shut the air pressure off.

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Question

Can I use hydraulic levelers to store my RV off its tires?

Community Answer

I would suggest purchasing the proper size jack stands and placing two under each axle instead. You're going to ruin the seals in your levelers if stored that way for a long time, as well as rust your rams if you do not keep them coated with something.

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Question

What is a good pump to buy for winterizing a trailer?

Community Answer

Use the pump that is in the trailer. Drain the water tank first, then remove the fitting at the inlet side of the pump. There might be a inline strainer there, so remove it as well and drain it. Now, find a coupler the size of the end of the pump and a length of clear hose, which goes into the RV antifreeze jug. Turn on the pump and open one faucet at a time until the antifreeze comes out.

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Question

Is any water left in water pump If I blow out the water lines through my city water inlet?

Community Answer

Yes, it may accumulate in low spots of the water lines, freeze and ruin the pipes.

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Question

Should all taps be closed after antifreeze is added to the pump?

Community Answer

No, in case water was left in the line. It will help prevent a line from bursting.

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Question

How do I drain the fresh water tank?

Community Answer

Underneath the freshwater tank there should be valve that you turn to let the tank completely drain. In my Class A, for example, that valve is in the basement storage area directly below the tank. When it is completely empty, close the valve.

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