Winterizing your Forest River travel trailer is essential to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures and potential water damage. This process involves draining the water system, adding antifreeze, and protecting vulnerable components to ensure your trailer is ready for storage throughout the winter months.
Understanding the Importance of Winterizing
The primary reason to winterize your Forest River travel trailer is to protect the plumbing system from freezing. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can crack pipes, fittings, pumps, and even appliances like your water heater and toilet. Repairing or replacing these items can be expensive and time-consuming. Properly winterizing ensures that your trailer remains in good condition and ready for use when warmer weather returns. Beyond plumbing, winterization also safeguards other vulnerable areas, such as sealants and exterior components, from the damaging effects of harsh weather.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Forest River Travel Trailer
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need:
- RV antifreeze (non-toxic): The amount you’ll need depends on the size of your trailer and the length of your plumbing runs. Consult your owner’s manual for guidance.
- Water heater bypass kit (if not already installed): This allows you to isolate the water heater and avoid filling it with antifreeze.
- Water pump converter kit (or siphon hose): This allows you to draw antifreeze directly from the jug into the plumbing lines.
- Wrench for drain plugs
- Screwdriver for access panels
- Air compressor with blow-out adapter (optional but recommended)
- Plumbing tape (Teflon tape)
- Basin or bucket to catch draining water
1. Drain the Water System
- Fresh Water Tank: Drain your fresh water tank completely. Locate the drain valve, usually near the tank itself, and open it until the tank is empty.
- Water Heater: Bypass your water heater using the bypass kit. Open the drain plug at the bottom of the water heater and let it drain completely. Important: Ensure the water is cool before draining to avoid burns. After draining, replace the drain plug, using Teflon tape if necessary to ensure a tight seal.
- Water Lines: Open all faucets (hot and cold) in the trailer, including the shower and outside shower (if applicable). Flush the toilet.
- Low Point Drains: Locate and open the low point drain valves. These are usually located under the trailer near the water lines. Allow all the water to drain out.
2. By-Pass the Water Heater
If your Forest River trailer doesn’t already have a water heater bypass kit, now is the time to install one. This will prevent you from having to fill the entire water heater tank (typically 6 or 10 gallons) with antifreeze. The bypass kit reroutes the water flow around the water heater, saving you a significant amount of antifreeze.
3. Antifreeze Your Water Lines
- Water Pump: Disconnect the inlet line from the water pump and connect the water pump converter kit or siphon hose. Place the other end of the hose into a jug of RV antifreeze.
- Turn on the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump and let it run until antifreeze starts flowing out of each faucet (hot and cold), showerhead, and toilet.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet until you see antifreeze in the bowl.
- Pour Antifreeze Down Drains: Pour about a cup of RV antifreeze down each drain (shower, sinks) to protect the P-traps from freezing.
4. Air Compressor Blow-Out Method (Optional)
Using an air compressor with a blow-out adapter can help remove remaining water from the lines before adding antifreeze.
- Connect the adapter to the city water inlet.
- Set the compressor to a low pressure (around 30 PSI).
- Open each faucet and flush the toilet until only air comes out.
- This method should be used before adding antifreeze.
5. Protect Other Components
- Black and Gray Water Tanks: Drain and thoroughly flush both the black and gray water tanks. Add a small amount of RV antifreeze to the tanks to prevent any remaining water from freezing.
- P-Traps: As mentioned previously, pour RV antifreeze into all sink and shower drains to protect the P-traps.
- Exterior Shower: Don’t forget to winterize the exterior shower, if your trailer has one.
6. Final Checks and Considerations
- Seal Openings: Check all windows and vents for proper sealing. If necessary, cover them with RV vent covers or plastic sheeting to prevent drafts and moisture from entering the trailer.
- Remove Perishables: Remove all food items, liquids, and anything else that could freeze or spoil.
- Battery Maintenance: Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep it charged during the winter.
- Tires: Cover the tires to protect them from UV rays and prevent dry rot. Consider placing the trailer on blocks to take the weight off the tires.
- Roof Inspection: Inspect the roof for any cracks or damage and repair them before winter.
FAQs: Winterizing Your Forest River Travel Trailer
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the winterization process:
FAQ 1: What type of antifreeze should I use?
RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) is the only type of antifreeze that should be used in your travel trailer’s plumbing system. Do not use automotive antifreeze, as it is toxic and can contaminate your water system. Always look for antifreeze that is specifically labeled for RV use.
FAQ 2: How much antifreeze do I need?
The amount of antifreeze needed depends on the size of your trailer and the length of your plumbing runs. As a general rule, a small travel trailer (under 25 feet) will typically require 2-3 gallons of RV antifreeze. A larger trailer may require 4-6 gallons. Consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
FAQ 3: Do I need to drain the water heater even if I bypass it?
Yes, you should always drain the water heater, even if you bypass it. Any remaining water in the tank can freeze and cause damage.
FAQ 4: Can I skip the antifreeze step and just use air to blow out the lines?
While using compressed air can remove a significant amount of water, it’s not a foolproof method. There’s always a risk that some water will remain in low spots and freeze. Antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection and is highly recommended, especially in areas with harsh winters.
FAQ 5: What if I have a washing machine or dishwasher in my RV?
These appliances require special attention. Consult your owner’s manuals for specific winterization instructions. You may need to add antifreeze directly to the appliance or use a specialized winterization kit.
FAQ 6: How do I winterize the outdoor kitchen?
Don’t forget to winterize the outdoor kitchen, if your Forest River travel trailer has one. This includes draining the sink, blowing out the lines (if possible), and adding antifreeze to the P-trap.
FAQ 7: What if I forget to winterize my trailer before it freezes?
If you suspect that your trailer has frozen, do not turn on the water pump or try to thaw the pipes yourself. Contact a qualified RV technician to inspect the system for damage.
FAQ 8: How long will RV antifreeze last in the lines?
RV antifreeze will typically last for several years if stored properly. However, it’s a good idea to flush the system with fresh water in the spring before using it again.
FAQ 9: Should I cover my RV during the winter?
Using an RV cover can help protect your trailer from the elements, such as snow, rain, and UV rays. Make sure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup underneath.
FAQ 10: Can I use my RV during the winter?
Yes, you can use your RV during the winter, but you’ll need to take extra precautions to prevent freezing. This may include using a space heater, insulating the water lines, and skirting the bottom of the trailer. Consider a winter camping skirt for added protection.
FAQ 11: Where can I find more specific instructions for my Forest River model?
The best resource for specific instructions is your owner’s manual. It will provide detailed information about your trailer’s systems and components.
FAQ 12: Is it better to pay a professional to winterize my RV?
If you’re not comfortable performing the winterization process yourself, or if you’re unsure about any of the steps, it’s best to hire a professional RV technician. They have the experience and expertise to properly winterize your trailer and ensure that it’s protected from freezing temperatures. This can be a wise investment to prevent costly repairs in the future.