De-winterizing a Jayco travel trailer is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping season, involving a thorough inspection and reactivation of its systems after storage. Failure to properly de-winterize can lead to costly repairs and potentially unsanitary conditions.
Preparing for the Camping Season: Your De-Winterizing Checklist
De-winterizing your Jayco travel trailer is more than just turning on the water pump. It’s a crucial process of carefully reversing the winterization steps, thoroughly inspecting for damage, and ensuring all systems are functioning correctly before your first trip. This detailed guide, drawing upon years of experience in RV maintenance and repair, will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and worry-free start to your camping adventures.
Essential Supplies and Tools
Before you begin, gather the following:
- Freshwater hose (drinking water safe)
- Hose crimpers (if necessary for repairs)
- RV antifreeze removal pump (optional but highly recommended)
- Water heater bypass valve wrench (if applicable)
- Bypass valves wrench (if necessary)
- Sanitizing solution (bleach and water mixture)
- Wrench set
- Screwdriver set
- Cleaning supplies (buckets, brushes, sponges)
- Gloves
- Towels/rags
- Water heater drain plug wrench
- New water filter
- Propane tank(s) – filled
Step-by-Step De-Winterizing Procedure
1. Initial Inspection and Exterior Cleaning
- Inspect the exterior: Check for any damage accumulated over the winter, such as cracks, leaks, or loose panels. Pay close attention to the roof, seals around windows and doors, and the undercarriage.
- Clean the exterior: Wash the exterior of the trailer to remove dirt, debris, and mildew. Use a mild soap specifically designed for RVs to avoid damaging the finish. This also gives you a chance to identify any problems that might be hidden under the dirt.
2. Battery Reconnection and Electrical System Check
- Reconnect the battery: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and corrosion-free before reconnecting.
- Check electrical systems: Test all lights (interior and exterior), outlets, and appliances to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Inspect the shore power cord: Look for any signs of damage or wear.
3. Water System De-Winterization
- By-pass your water heater: If you have one.
- Drain the antifreeze: Locate the low-point drain valves (usually two: one for hot water and one for cold water) and open them to drain any remaining RV antifreeze. Collect the antifreeze in buckets for proper disposal. Never drain antifreeze directly onto the ground. You can speed up this process by using a pump to extract the antifreeze.
- Flush the water lines: Close the low-point drain valves. Connect a fresh water hose to the city water inlet and turn on the water supply. Open all faucets (hot and cold) and flush until the water runs clear, indicating that all antifreeze has been removed. Flush the toilet as well.
- Sanitize the water system: Prepare a sanitizing solution by mixing 1/4 cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water tank capacity. Pour the solution into the fresh water tank. Fill the tank completely with fresh water. Turn on the water pump and run water through all faucets (hot and cold) and the toilet until you smell the bleach. Turn off the water pump and let the solution sit in the system for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Flush the sanitizing solution: After the sanitizing period, drain the fresh water tank and refill it with fresh water. Turn on the water pump and flush the entire system again until the bleach smell is gone.
4. Water Heater Preparation
- Inspect the water heater: Check for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Install the drain plug: If you removed the water heater drain plug for winterization, reinstall it. Ensure the threads are clean and use Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
- Re-bypass your water heater: If by-passed, return to the open position.
- Fill the water heater: Allow the water heater to fill completely. Ensure there are no leaks around the drain plug or any other connections.
5. Appliance Checks
- Test the propane appliances: Turn on the propane tank(s) and test the stove, oven, and furnace to ensure they are functioning correctly. Listen for the characteristic “whoosh” of the propane igniting. If you smell propane, immediately turn off the gas and have the system inspected by a qualified technician.
- Inspect the refrigerator: Clean the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Test the refrigerator on both propane and electric power to ensure it cools properly.
- Inspect the air conditioner: Clean the air conditioner filter and test the unit to ensure it cools effectively.
6. Final Checks and Maintenance
- Check the tires: Inspect the tires for wear and tear and inflate them to the recommended pressure.
- Lubricate moving parts: Lubricate hinges, locks, and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Inspect the awning: Extend and retract the awning to ensure it is functioning correctly. Clean the awning fabric to remove any dirt or mildew.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to ensure they are working.
- Inspect seals: Re-seal as needed.
- Change the filter in your water pump: (If possible)
- Inspect all lights: Ensure they are working before heading out.
- Check all tanks for leaks: After all connections have been made, run the water pump for an extended period of time checking for leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What happens if I don’t de-winterize my Jayco travel trailer?
Failure to de-winterize can lead to a multitude of problems, including burst water lines due to residual water freezing, damaged water pump, contaminated water supply, and malfunctioning appliances. The RV antifreeze used for winterization is not safe for consumption and can damage some RV components if left in the system for an extended period.
Q2: Can I use regular antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?
Never use regular automotive antifreeze in your RV’s water system. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate the entire system, making it unsafe for drinking or washing. Always use RV antifreeze, which is specifically formulated to be non-toxic and safe for potable water systems.
Q3: How do I properly dispose of RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze is usually propylene glycol based and considered biodegradable. However, it’s best to check local regulations for proper disposal methods. Many RV parks and campgrounds have designated disposal areas. Never pour RV antifreeze down storm drains, as it can still harm aquatic life.
Q4: How often should I sanitize my RV’s water system?
It’s recommended to sanitize your RV’s water system at least twice a year: once in the spring after de-winterizing and again in the fall before winterizing. You should also sanitize the system if it has been unused for an extended period or if you suspect contamination.
Q5: What if I still smell antifreeze after flushing the water lines?
Continue flushing the water lines with fresh water until the antifreeze smell is completely gone. You may need to flush the system several times to remove all traces of the antifreeze. Consider using a water filter designed to remove tastes and odors.
Q6: How do I know if my water heater is bypassed correctly?
When the water heater is bypassed, water flows directly through the cold water line to the hot water line, bypassing the water heater tank altogether. Look for bypass valves near the water heater. Typically, two valves need to be positioned correctly for bypass to occur, and one valve needs to be adjusted to the open (non-bypass) position for normal water heater operation. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Q7: What if my water pump won’t prime?
A water pump that won’t prime usually indicates an air leak in the system. Check all connections and fittings to ensure they are tight. Inspect the pump strainer for debris. You can also try manually priming the pump by pouring water into the pump housing.
Q8: How do I check for leaks in my water system after de-winterizing?
After filling the water system, carefully inspect all connections, faucets, and the water pump for leaks. Run the water pump for an extended period and continue to monitor for any signs of leaks. Check under sinks, around the water heater, and near the low-point drain valves.
Q9: My propane appliances aren’t working. What could be the problem?
Possible causes include empty propane tanks, a closed propane shut-off valve, a faulty regulator, or air in the propane lines. Ensure the tanks are full and the valve is open. Try lighting the stove burners to purge any air from the lines. If the problem persists, consult a qualified RV technician.
Q10: How important is it to check the tires before each trip?
Checking your tires is extremely important for safety and fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires can lead to blowouts and reduced gas mileage. Inspect the tires for wear and tear, including sidewall cracks and uneven tread wear. Inflate the tires to the pressure recommended in your owner’s manual or on the tire sidewall.
Q11: Where can I find the winterization and de-winterization instructions for my specific Jayco model?
The most reliable source for model-specific instructions is your Jayco owner’s manual. If you don’t have the manual, you can often find a digital copy on the Jayco website. You can also contact a Jayco dealer for assistance.
Q12: Can I hire someone to de-winterize my Jayco travel trailer?
Yes, many RV dealerships and service centers offer de-winterization services. This is a good option if you are uncomfortable performing the task yourself or if you want to ensure the process is done correctly. Get quotes from several providers before making a decision.