Properly winterizing your travel trailer, especially when equipped with a water pump, is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. Neglecting this process can lead to burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and a damaged water pump, resulting in extensive and expensive repairs come spring.
Why Winterizing Matters
Winterizing your travel trailer is not just about protecting your investment; it’s about ensuring you have a hassle-free camping season next year. As a seasoned RV technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of neglecting this vital task. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can exert tremendous pressure on your trailer’s plumbing system. The plastic and metal components in your water lines, faucets, toilet, and especially your water pump are vulnerable to cracking and breaking. A small investment of time and materials in the fall can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent a major headache when you’re ready to hit the road again.
The Winterization Process: Step-by-Step
The process for winterizing a travel trailer with a water pump involves removing all water from the system and replacing it with RV antifreeze. This nontoxic antifreeze is designed to prevent freezing and protect your plumbing. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
-
Drain All Water Tanks: Begin by completely draining both your fresh water tank and your gray and black water holding tanks. This is best done at a designated dump station. Make sure all drain valves are fully open.
-
Drain the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater (both gas and electric) and allow it to cool completely. Then, locate and remove the drain plug or anode rod (if equipped). Be prepared for a rush of water, and be aware that the water may be hot even after a cooling period. Rinse out any sediment. Important: Replace the drain plug or anode rod after draining.
-
Bypass the Water Heater: Many RVs have a water heater bypass kit installed. If yours does, use it to isolate the water heater from the rest of the plumbing system. This prevents filling the entire water heater with antifreeze, saving you money and reducing the risk of residual antifreeze affecting your water quality next season. If you don’t have a bypass kit, you’ll need to fill the water heater with antifreeze as well.
-
Drain the Water Lines: Open all faucets, both hot and cold, including the shower and any outside shower. Also, flush the toilet. This will allow the water to drain from the lines. Don’t forget the low point drains, which are typically located underneath the trailer. Open these to drain any remaining water in the system.
-
Winterize the Water Pump: This is a critical step. Locate your water pump. Most modern RVs have a water pump winterizing kit or a connection for a siphon hose. If you have the winterizing kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This often involves switching a valve to draw antifreeze directly from a jug. If you don’t have a kit, you’ll need to disconnect the inlet side of the pump and attach a length of clear tubing long enough to reach into a gallon of RV antifreeze.
-
Run Antifreeze Through the System: Pour RV antifreeze into the jug, turn on the water pump, and run each faucet (hot and cold) until you see a steady stream of pink antifreeze. Repeat this process for the shower and toilet. Don’t forget the outside shower, if you have one.
-
Pour Antifreeze Down Drains: Pour a cup or two of antifreeze down each drain (including the toilet) to protect the P-traps. This will prevent the traps from freezing and cracking.
-
Final Steps: Turn off the water pump. Remove the antifreeze siphon hose (if applicable). You can leave the faucets open or closed – the choice is yours, although I prefer leaving them slightly open to relieve any potential pressure. Finally, add antifreeze to your toilet bowl.
Important Considerations
- Use RV antifreeze only! Do not use automotive antifreeze, as it is toxic and can contaminate your entire water system.
- Check for leaks. While running antifreeze through the system, inspect all connections and fittings for any signs of leaks. Address any leaks immediately.
- Consult your owner’s manual. Your RV’s owner’s manual may have specific instructions or recommendations for winterizing your particular model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 1. What kind of antifreeze should I use?
Only use RV antifreeze, which is typically pink in color. This is a nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze designed specifically for potable water systems. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it is highly toxic and can contaminate your water system.
H3 2. How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of antifreeze needed depends on the size and complexity of your RV’s plumbing system. Typically, 2-3 gallons of RV antifreeze are sufficient for most travel trailers.
H3 3. Can I skip the water heater bypass?
While you can skip the bypass, it’s highly recommended to use it. Bypassing the water heater saves you a significant amount of antifreeze (usually 6-10 gallons, depending on the water heater size), and it prevents any residual antifreeze from affecting the taste of your water next season.
H3 4. What are low point drains and where are they located?
Low point drains are drain valves located at the lowest points in your RV’s plumbing system. They allow you to drain any remaining water from the pipes after you’ve drained the fresh water tank. They’re typically located underneath the trailer, near the water lines.
H3 5. Do I need to winterize the black tank flush?
Yes! If your RV has a black tank flush, you need to winterize it to prevent freezing. Typically, you’ll need to use compressed air to blow any remaining water out of the line before adding a small amount of antifreeze.
H3 6. Can I use an air compressor instead of antifreeze?
Using an air compressor to blow out the water lines can be done, but it’s not as effective as using antifreeze, and it carries the risk of damaging your plumbing system if you apply too much pressure. Antifreeze provides superior protection by preventing any residual water from freezing. If you choose to use compressed air, be very careful not to exceed 40 PSI.
H3 7. How do I know if the water pump is winterized properly?
The best way to ensure your water pump is properly winterized is to follow the steps outlined above and to watch for a steady stream of pink antifreeze coming from the pump’s outlet when you run it.
H3 8. What happens if I don’t winterize my travel trailer?
If you don’t winterize your travel trailer, you risk significant damage from freezing temperatures. This can include burst pipes, cracked fixtures, a damaged water pump, and even damage to the holding tanks. These repairs can be very expensive.
H3 9. How long does it take to winterize a travel trailer?
The winterization process typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your RV’s plumbing system.
H3 10. Can I reuse the antifreeze next year?
No, it’s not recommended to reuse RV antifreeze. It can become diluted and contaminated, reducing its effectiveness. It’s best to use fresh antifreeze each year.
H3 11. My water pump sounds like it’s running but no antifreeze is coming out. What should I do?
Check the antifreeze siphon hose to make sure it’s properly connected and submerged in the antifreeze. Also, check for any kinks or obstructions in the hose. You may also need to prime the pump by opening a faucet briefly to allow air to escape.
H3 12. Is it okay to leave the battery connected during the winter?
It is generally recommended to disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place during the winter. This will prevent it from discharging and potentially freezing. If you leave the battery connected, make sure to check the water levels (if applicable) and charge it periodically.
Conclusion
Winterizing your travel trailer with a water pump is a vital step in protecting your investment and ensuring a hassle-free camping season next year. By following these steps and addressing any specific needs outlined in your owner’s manual, you can rest assured that your RV will be ready for adventure when spring arrives. Don’t underestimate the importance of this process; a little preparation now can save you a lot of headaches and expenses later.