Effectively winterizing your Wildwood travel trailer is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. By thoroughly draining the water system and adding antifreeze, you safeguard your plumbing and appliances against cracks, leaks, and potential failures during the off-season.
Understanding the Importance of Winterization
The bitter cold can wreak havoc on a travel trailer’s plumbing system. When water freezes, it expands, placing immense pressure on pipes, fittings, and fixtures. This pressure can lead to cracked pipes, burst water heaters, and damaged pumps, resulting in expensive repairs. Properly winterizing your Wildwood travel trailer is an investment that protects your recreational vehicle and ensures it’s ready for adventure when warmer weather returns.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
Here’s a detailed guide to winterizing your Wildwood travel trailer:
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, assemble all the necessary materials:
- RV antifreeze: Purchase enough non-toxic RV antifreeze to fill your water lines. The amount needed will vary depending on the size of your travel trailer, but generally, 2-3 gallons is sufficient. Never use automotive antifreeze; it is toxic.
- Water heater bypass kit (if applicable): This kit allows you to bypass the water heater during winterization, saving you a significant amount of antifreeze.
- Water pump converter kit (or siphon hose): This kit allows you to draw antifreeze directly into the water lines.
- Wrench: For disconnecting water lines and drain plugs.
- Screwdriver: For removing access panels.
- Air compressor (optional): An air compressor can help blow out water lines, reducing the amount of antifreeze needed.
- Plumbing tape: To seal any leaky connections.
- Basin or bucket: To catch drained water.
2. Drain the Water System
The first step is to remove all water from your travel trailer’s system:
- Drain the fresh water tank: Locate the fresh water tank drain valve and open it completely. Allow all water to drain out.
- Drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool completely. Remove the drain plug, usually located at the bottom of the water heater. Be careful, as hot water can cause serious burns. Use a wrench if necessary. Once drained, replace the drain plug loosely.
- Drain the low-point drains: These drains are typically located under the trailer, near the plumbing lines. Open both the hot and cold low-point drains to release any remaining water in the pipes.
- Bypass the water heater (if applicable): Close the valves that allow water to flow into the water heater and open the bypass valve. This prevents antifreeze from filling the water heater. If you don’t have a bypass kit, you’ll need to fill the water heater with antifreeze, which can be wasteful.
3. Prepare the Water Pump
The water pump is a critical component that needs protection:
- Install the water pump converter kit (or siphon hose): This kit allows you to draw antifreeze directly from the container into the water lines. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. If using a siphon hose, disconnect the inlet water line from the water pump and attach the siphon hose.
- Turn on the water pump: Slowly pour RV antifreeze into the siphon hose (or converter kit’s container) and turn on the water pump. Allow the pump to prime and begin drawing antifreeze through the lines.
4. Antifreeze the Plumbing Fixtures
Systematically introduce antifreeze into each fixture:
- Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time: Start with the faucet furthest from the water pump and work your way closer. Let the antifreeze flow until it runs pink (or whatever color your antifreeze is) from the faucet. Then close the faucet.
- Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet until you see antifreeze in the bowl.
- Shower: Run the shower (hot and cold) until antifreeze appears.
- Outside shower (if equipped): Don’t forget the outside shower; run both hot and cold water until antifreeze appears.
5. Additional Considerations
- Clean and lubricate: Clean and lubricate all seals and gaskets in the plumbing system, including faucets and toilets, with RV-specific lubricant.
- Empty holding tanks: Drain and flush both the black water and gray water tanks thoroughly. Rinse them multiple times to remove any remaining waste. Add a small amount of RV antifreeze to each tank to protect the valves.
- Inspect for leaks: While running the antifreeze, check all plumbing connections for leaks. Tighten any loose fittings.
- Remove batteries: Remove the batteries from the trailer and store them in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep them charged during the off-season.
- Seal openings: Seal any openings in the trailer’s exterior, such as vents and gaps around windows, to prevent drafts and pest infestations.
- Cover the trailer (optional): A properly fitted RV cover can protect your travel trailer from the elements, including snow, ice, and UV rays.
- Remove perishables: Remove all food items and other perishable materials from the trailer to prevent spoilage and attract pests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about winterizing your Wildwood travel trailer:
FAQ 1: Can I use regular automotive antifreeze in my RV?
No, absolutely not. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your water system, making it unsafe for drinking even after thorough flushing. Always use non-toxic RV antifreeze.
FAQ 2: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount depends on the size and plumbing configuration of your Wildwood travel trailer. A good estimate is 2-3 gallons, but it’s always best to have a little extra on hand.
FAQ 3: Do I need to drain my hot water heater?
Yes, draining the hot water heater is essential. Leaving water in the tank can lead to freezing, cracking, and costly repairs.
FAQ 4: What if I don’t have a water heater bypass kit?
If you don’t have a bypass kit, you’ll need to fill the entire water heater with RV antifreeze. This is less efficient and more expensive, so consider installing a bypass kit for future winterizations.
FAQ 5: How do I blow out the water lines with an air compressor?
Connect an air compressor to the city water inlet and set the pressure to no more than 30-40 PSI. Open each faucet and fixture, one at a time, and let the air blow out any remaining water. Be sure to drain the water heater before blowing out the lines.
FAQ 6: Can I skip the antifreeze step if I blow out the water lines?
While blowing out the water lines helps remove a significant amount of water, it’s not a complete replacement for antifreeze. Residual water can still freeze and cause damage. Antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection.
FAQ 7: How do I winterize the toilet?
After flushing the toilet with antifreeze, add some antifreeze directly to the bowl to protect the seals and prevent freezing.
FAQ 8: What should I do with my RV batteries during the winter?
Remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. You can also use a battery maintainer to keep them charged during the off-season.
FAQ 9: How do I prevent rodents from entering my RV during the winter?
Seal any potential entry points, such as gaps around pipes, vents, and windows. Use steel wool or caulk to close these openings. You can also set traps or use rodent repellent.
FAQ 10: Do I need to cover my RV for the winter?
Covering your RV is optional, but recommended if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. A properly fitted RV cover can protect your trailer from snow, ice, UV rays, and other elements.
FAQ 11: How do I winterize the outside shower on my Wildwood travel trailer?
Just like the inside shower, you must run the water through the outside shower until it runs pink. Make sure to drain both hot and cold valves.
FAQ 12: What happens if I forget to winterize my RV?
Forgetting to winterize can result in burst pipes, cracked fittings, a damaged water heater, and a non-functional water pump. Repairs can be costly, so it’s always best to take the time to winterize properly.
Conclusion
Winterizing your Wildwood travel trailer is a crucial preventative measure that safeguards your investment and ensures it remains in good condition for years to come. By following these steps and addressing common concerns, you can confidently protect your RV from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures and enjoy worry-free adventures in the future.