RV Winterizing

Speaking of winter it's that time of the year again. Time to start thinking about winterizing and storing your RV. I am going to provide you with some basic steps to help walk you through the winterizing process..... If you would like to visually see how it's done you can purchase our "Winterizing & Storing your RV" DVD at http://www.rveducation101.com/detailpages/WinterizingDetail.htm?siteID=0

Before you get started there are a few items you will need. Most of these items can be found in an RV parts store.

* Non-toxic RV antifreeze (the amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. 2 to 3 gallons will normally do).

* A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.

* A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.

* Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.



Now we can winterize the RV water system to protect it from freezing. Be sure to read your owners manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines. Follow the steps below that apply to your RV.



* If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass them before starting.

* Drain the fresh water holding tank.

* Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. Clean the black tank with a wand. Lubricate the termination valves.

* Drain the water heater. CAUTION: Never drain when hot or under pressure.

* 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.

* Recap all drains and close all faucets.

* By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze.

* Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank) and connect tubing from the pump into a gallon of RV antifreeze.

* Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace antifreeze jug as required.

* Repeat on all faucets from the closest to farthest away. Don't forget the outside shower.

* Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.

* Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.

* Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a few cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.

* If your water heater has an electric heating element turn it off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.

* Make sure all faucets are closed.

* Consult your owner manuals for winterizing ice makers and washing machines.

* The unit is winterized.


Happy Camping,

Mark

Purchase our "Winterizing & Storing your RV" DVD at http://www.rveducation101.com/detailpages/WinterizingDetail.htm?siteID=0

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RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based Company that produces educational videos on how to use and maintain your RV.
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Mark Polk, the owner, started in the RV industry as an apprentice technician in the early 1970's. After retiring as a CW3 from the military (where Polk was an automotive maintenance technician, and was in charge of some very large maintenance operations throughout his career) in 1996, he got back into the industry he had a passion for. Polk has an extensive background in RV sales, service and management. He felt so strongly about educating the consumer that he left his position as an RV Sales Manager in 2000 to devote himself full time to his company. Mark’s program includes instructional videos and other materials to make your RVing lifestyle even easier. Mark also provides the RV Savvy segments for the RVTV program and can be seen on the Outdoor Channel. You can order Mark's complete line of RV Education 101 material from www.rveducation101.com

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