Winterizing a Coleman travel trailer involves draining all water systems, adding antifreeze, and protecting vulnerable components to prevent freezing and damage during cold weather. Failure to properly winterize can lead to burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and costly repairs.
Understanding the Importance of Winterization
Leaving water in your Coleman travel trailer throughout the winter months is a recipe for disaster. As temperatures plummet below freezing, water expands, putting immense pressure on pipes, tanks, and other plumbing components. This can result in expensive damage, requiring extensive repairs come spring. Taking the time to properly winterize your RV is a preventative measure that will save you money and headaches in the long run, ensuring your Coleman is ready for adventure when warmer weather returns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Coleman Travel Trailer
This guide outlines the necessary steps to effectively winterize your Coleman travel trailer, covering all critical systems and providing actionable advice for a trouble-free winter.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- RV antifreeze (non-toxic): Calculate the amount needed based on the size of your water system. Generally, 2-3 gallons are sufficient for a smaller trailer.
- Water heater bypass kit (if not already installed): This is crucial for isolating the water heater.
- Water pump converter kit (or tubing to connect to the pump): Allows you to pump antifreeze through the system.
- Wrench or pliers: For disconnecting water lines.
- Screwdriver: For various tasks.
- Air compressor with blow-out adapter: To remove water from the lines.
- Plumbing tape: To seal any loose connections.
- Basin and sponges: For cleaning up spills.
2. Drain the Water System
This is the most critical step. Complete drainage is essential to prevent freezing.
- Drain the fresh water tank: Locate the drain valve (usually underneath the tank) and open it. Allow the tank to drain completely.
- Drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater (both gas and electric). Allow it to cool completely before draining. Remove the drain plug (typically a small, threaded plug near the bottom of the tank). Be prepared for a rush of water. Inspect the anode rod and replace it if corroded.
- Drain the low point drains: These are typically located beneath the trailer, near the water lines. Open both the hot and cold low point drains.
- Drain the black and grey water tanks: Empty and thoroughly flush both tanks. Rinse with plenty of water until the water runs clear.
3. Bypass the Water Heater
Bypassing the water heater prevents antifreeze from filling the large tank, saving you a significant amount of antifreeze. If your Coleman travel trailer doesn’t have a bypass kit installed, now is the time to install one. This usually involves rerouting the water lines to isolate the water heater.
4. Blow Out the Water Lines
Using an air compressor is an effective way to remove any remaining water from the lines.
- Connect the blow-out adapter to the city water inlet.
- Set the air compressor to around 30-40 PSI.
- Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time, including the shower and toilet, until air comes out.
- Flush the toilet multiple times.
- Repeat the process several times to ensure all lines are clear.
5. Introduce RV Antifreeze
Now it’s time to introduce the RV antifreeze into the system.
- Install the water pump converter kit (or connect tubing to the pump): This allows you to draw antifreeze from the antifreeze container.
- Pour RV antifreeze into the container.
- Turn on the water pump.
- Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time, including the shower and toilet, until pink antifreeze flows freely.
- Flush the toilet until pink antifreeze appears.
- Pour antifreeze into each drain (sink, shower, and toilet) to protect the P-traps. Add a cup or two to each.
6. Additional Winterization Steps
These steps provide extra protection and peace of mind.
- Pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl.
- Lubricate door and window seals with silicone spray. This prevents them from sticking or cracking in cold weather.
- Remove batteries from smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. This prevents unnecessary battery drain.
- Cover tires to protect them from UV damage.
- Inspect the roof for any leaks or damage. Repair any issues before winter sets in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding winterizing a Coleman travel trailer:
H3: 1. What happens if I don’t winterize my Coleman travel trailer?
Freezing temperatures can cause water to expand, leading to burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and damage to tanks and other components. This can result in costly repairs and make your RV unusable in the spring.
H3: 2. Can I use regular automotive antifreeze in my RV?
No! Regular automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and should never be used in the potable water system of an RV. Only use RV antifreeze, which is non-toxic and safe for drinking water systems.
H3: 3. How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size of your RV’s water system. A good rule of thumb is to have 2-3 gallons on hand for a smaller travel trailer.
H3: 4. Is it necessary to bypass the water heater?
Yes, bypassing the water heater is highly recommended. It prevents antifreeze from filling the large water heater tank, saving you a significant amount of antifreeze.
H3: 5. Can I use an air compressor alone to winterize my RV?
While using an air compressor is a good way to remove water, it’s not sufficient for complete winterization. Some water can remain trapped in the lines, which can still freeze and cause damage. Using RV antifreeze in addition to compressed air provides added protection.
H3: 6. What should I do with the water heater anode rod?
Inspect the anode rod while the water heater is drained. If it’s corroded, replace it. A corroded anode rod indicates that it’s doing its job of protecting the water heater tank from corrosion.
H3: 7. Should I leave the faucets open or closed during the winter?
Leave the faucets open slightly after introducing antifreeze. This helps relieve pressure in the lines.
H3: 8. How do I winterize the toilet?
Flush the toilet with RV antifreeze until the bowl is full. You can also pour some antifreeze into the toilet bowl to protect the seals.
H3: 9. Where can I purchase RV antifreeze and other winterization supplies?
RV antifreeze and winterization supplies can be purchased at most RV dealerships, camping supply stores, and online retailers.
H3: 10. What if I’m not comfortable winterizing my RV myself?
If you’re not comfortable winterizing your RV yourself, consider hiring a professional RV technician. They have the experience and expertise to properly winterize your RV and ensure it’s protected from freezing damage.
H3: 11. How do I de-winterize my Coleman travel trailer in the spring?
To de-winterize, flush the entire water system with fresh water to remove the antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank by adding a solution of bleach and water, letting it sit for several hours, and then flushing it again.
H3: 12. Do I need to worry about winterizing the exterior of my Coleman travel trailer?
While the interior water system is the main concern, protecting the exterior is also important. Cover tires to prevent UV damage, inspect the roof for leaks, and lubricate door and window seals.
Conclusion
Winterizing your Coleman travel trailer is an essential task for protecting your investment and ensuring it’s ready for years of future adventures. By following these steps and addressing common concerns, you can confidently prepare your RV for the cold winter months and enjoy peace of mind knowing it’s protected from freezing damage. Don’t delay; take the time to winterize your Coleman travel trailer today!