Winterizing your travel trailer is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. The most effective method involves circulating RV antifreeze throughout your plumbing system, protecting pipes and fixtures from bursting. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to safely and effectively putting antifreeze in your travel trailer.
Why Winterize with Antifreeze?
Failing to winterize your travel trailer can result in devastating consequences. Water expands when it freezes, and even small amounts of water trapped in pipes, pumps, and fixtures can lead to cracks, leaks, and expensive repairs. RV antifreeze, also known as potable antifreeze, is non-toxic and specifically designed for use in RV plumbing systems. It displaces the water, preventing freezing and protecting your investment.
Step-by-Step: Putting Antifreeze in Your Travel Trailer
This process typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your RV’s plumbing system. Gather your supplies and follow these steps meticulously:
1. Preparation is Key
Before you even think about antifreeze, several preparatory steps are essential:
- Drain all water tanks: Start by draining both your fresh water tank and your water heater. Consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific drain valve locations. Open all faucets (hot and cold) during the draining process to allow air to enter the system and facilitate complete drainage.
- Bypass the water heater: Bypassing your water heater is crucial to avoid filling it with antifreeze, which is unnecessary and wasteful. Most RVs have a water heater bypass valve kit installed. Engage the bypass valve(s) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your RV lacks a bypass valve, you’ll need to install one before proceeding.
- Drain the water heater: Even with a bypass valve, it’s essential to drain the water heater completely. Remove the drain plug (usually located at the bottom of the tank) and allow the water to drain. Be extremely cautious, as the water may be scalding hot.
- Drain low point drains: Locate and open the low point drain valves. These are typically located under the RV and are the lowest points in your plumbing system. This ensures that any remaining water in the pipes is drained.
- Open all faucets and showers: Open all faucets (hot and cold), including the shower and outside shower, to allow air to enter the system and facilitate drainage. Leave them open throughout the entire winterization process.
- Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet until the bowl is empty.
2. Setting Up the Antifreeze System
Now that your RV is prepared, it’s time to set up your antifreeze system:
- Locate the water pump: The water pump is usually located near the fresh water tank.
- Locate or install the antifreeze inlet: Many RVs have a built-in antifreeze inlet, typically a short hose with a valve near the water pump. If your RV doesn’t have one, you can purchase and install a water pump converter kit. This kit includes a short hose that attaches to the inlet side of the water pump and allows you to draw antifreeze directly from a bottle.
- Disconnect the fresh water line: Disconnect the fresh water line from the inlet side of the water pump.
- Connect the antifreeze inlet hose: Connect the antifreeze inlet hose to the inlet side of the water pump.
- Place the other end of the hose in a bottle of RV antifreeze: Place the open end of the hose into a gallon jug of RV antifreeze. Ensure the hose reaches the bottom of the jug to prevent air from being drawn into the system.
3. Pumping Antifreeze Through the System
With everything connected, you’re ready to pump antifreeze through your plumbing:
- Turn on the water pump: Turn on the water pump. It will initially sputter and gurgle as it draws antifreeze into the system.
- Systematically open each faucet: Starting with the faucet closest to the water pump, open both the hot and cold sides until you see a steady stream of pink antifreeze. Close the faucet.
- Repeat for all faucets and showers: Repeat this process for all faucets and showers, working your way further away from the water pump. Don’t forget the outside shower, if applicable.
- Flush the toilet with antifreeze: Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze in the bowl.
- Pour antifreeze into the P-traps: Pour about a cup of antifreeze into each sink and shower drain to protect the P-traps from freezing.
- Turn off the water pump: Once you’ve circulated antifreeze through all the fixtures, turn off the water pump.
4. Final Steps and Considerations
You’re almost there! A few final steps will ensure complete winterization:
- Pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl: Pour a generous amount of antifreeze into the toilet bowl.
- Pour antifreeze into the gray and black water tanks: Pour a couple of gallons of antifreeze into both the gray and black water tanks. This will protect the drain valves from freezing.
- Disconnect the antifreeze inlet hose: Disconnect the antifreeze inlet hose from the water pump and reconnect the fresh water line.
- Remove and store the water filter: Remove the water filter and discard it (or store it properly). Do not run antifreeze through the water filter, as it can damage it.
- Seal all openings: Seal any openings in the RV, such as vents and windows, to prevent pests from entering and to help maintain a stable temperature.
- Cover the tires: Cover the tires to protect them from UV damage.
- Consider a dehumidifier: Depending on your climate, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions RV owners have about winterizing with antifreeze:
1. What kind of antifreeze should I use?
Only use RV antifreeze (also known as potable antifreeze). This type of antifreeze is non-toxic and safe for use in drinking water systems. Do not use automotive antifreeze, as it is highly toxic and can contaminate your water system.
2. How much antifreeze do I need?
The amount of antifreeze required depends on the size and complexity of your RV’s plumbing system. A general rule of thumb is to use 2-3 gallons for a small travel trailer and 3-4 gallons for a larger RV.
3. Can I skip the antifreeze and just drain the water?
While draining the water is essential, it’s not enough to completely protect your plumbing system. Water can still become trapped in low spots and crevices, leading to freezing and damage. Antifreeze provides an added layer of protection.
4. Do I need to winterize my RV if I live in a warm climate?
Even in warmer climates, occasional freezing temperatures can occur. It’s best to winterize your RV if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for an extended period.
5. How do I de-winterize my RV in the spring?
To de-winterize, drain the antifreeze from your system and flush it thoroughly with fresh water. Sanitize your fresh water tank and lines before using them for drinking water. Consult your RV owner’s manual for specific de-winterization instructions.
6. Can I reuse the antifreeze?
No, it is not recommended to reuse antifreeze. Antifreeze can become contaminated over time, reducing its effectiveness. It’s best to use fresh antifreeze each year.
7. What if I don’t have a water heater bypass kit?
If your RV doesn’t have a water heater bypass kit, you’ll need to install one. This is a relatively simple DIY project that can save you a significant amount of antifreeze. Bypass kits are readily available at most RV supply stores.
8. What if I accidentally get automotive antifreeze in my water system?
If you accidentally get automotive antifreeze in your water system, do not use the RV until the system has been thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. Contact a qualified RV technician for assistance. This is a serious health hazard.
9. Can I use air pressure to blow out the water lines instead of antifreeze?
While blowing out the water lines with compressed air can help remove some water, it’s not a foolproof method. Water can still become trapped in low spots and crevices. Antifreeze provides a more reliable level of protection.
10. How do I winterize my washing machine (if applicable)?
Consult your washing machine’s owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. Typically, you’ll need to drain the washing machine and add antifreeze to the drum.
11. How do I winterize my ice maker (if applicable)?
Consult your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. Typically, you’ll need to disconnect the water line to the ice maker and add antifreeze to the ice maker mechanism.
12. Where can I buy RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze is readily available at most RV supply stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. Make sure to purchase the correct amount for your RV’s plumbing system.
By following these steps and addressing these common questions, you can effectively winterize your travel trailer and protect it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Taking the time to properly winterize your RV will save you money and ensure that it’s ready to go when spring arrives.