De-winterizing your travel trailer is more than just a formality; it’s the key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable RV season, protecting your investment, and preventing costly repairs down the road. Properly executing this process involves carefully reversing the winterization procedures, meticulously inspecting all systems, and sanitizing your water system, setting the stage for countless adventures.
Preparing for the Thaw: The Importance of De-Winterization
The primary goal of de-winterizing your travel trailer is to restore its functionality after a season of dormancy, ensuring all its systems are working safely and efficiently. This means removing antifreeze, flushing out the water lines, inspecting for leaks or damage, and sanitizing your water system to eliminate bacteria and ensure potable water. Neglecting this crucial step can lead to a host of problems, from frozen or burst pipes to contaminated drinking water, potentially ruining your first trip of the season.
Step-by-Step Guide to De-Winterization
1. Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and supplies. This includes:
- Non-toxic RV antifreeze (if you used it) – although you’ll be removing it, knowing what was used is important.
- Fresh water hose (dedicated solely for filling your water tank)
- Screwdrivers (Phillips head and flathead)
- Wrench set
- RV water tank sanitizer (bleach is a common option, but use with caution and follow instructions meticulously)
- Bypass valves (if applicable) – locate these near your water heater.
- Water heater drain plug wrench
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Paper towels or rags
2. Inspecting the Exterior
A thorough exterior inspection is critical. Look for any signs of damage that may have occurred during the winter months.
- Check the roof: Examine the seals around vents, skylights, and air conditioning units for cracks or deterioration. Use RV sealant to repair any compromised areas.
- Inspect the tires: Check tire pressure and look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Examine the seals around doors and windows: Ensure they are still intact and providing a proper seal. Replace any damaged or worn weather stripping.
- Inspect the exterior lights: Test all running lights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are functioning correctly.
3. Bypassing the Water Heater
This is a crucial step to prevent antifreeze from entering your water heater tank.
- Locate the water heater bypass valves. Most RVs have three valves: an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a bypass valve.
- Close the inlet and outlet valves. This isolates the water heater from the rest of the water system.
- Open the bypass valve. This allows water to flow around the water heater, preventing antifreeze contamination. If your RV doesn’t have a bypass system, you’ll need to drain the water heater and rinse it thoroughly later.
4. Flushing the Water Lines
The next step is to remove the antifreeze from the plumbing system.
- Connect your fresh water hose to the city water inlet.
- Open all faucets, both hot and cold, one at a time. This includes kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and shower faucets.
- Flush each faucet until the water runs clear. This may take several minutes per faucet.
- Flush the toilet.
- Continue flushing until all traces of antifreeze are gone. Monitor the water running clear for several minutes to ensure this.
5. Draining and Flushing the Water Heater (If Necessary)
If your RV doesn’t have a water heater bypass system, you need to drain and flush the water heater.
- Turn off the water heater. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Locate the water heater drain plug. It’s usually located at the bottom of the tank.
- Remove the drain plug and allow the water to drain completely. Use a bucket to catch the water.
- Flush the tank with fresh water. You can use a water heater tank cleaning wand to help remove sediment buildup.
6. Sanitizing the Water System
Sanitizing your water system is essential for removing bacteria and ensuring safe drinking water.
- Close all faucets and drain plugs.
- Determine the size of your fresh water tank. This is important for calculating the correct amount of sanitizer.
- Mix the sanitizer solution. A common method is to use 1/4 cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water. However, follow the instructions on your chosen RV water tank sanitizer for the correct concentration.
- Pour the sanitizer solution into your fresh water tank.
- Fill the fresh water tank completely with fresh water.
- Open all faucets, both hot and cold, one at a time, until you smell bleach. Then close them.
- Let the solution sit in the water system for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Drain the entire water system. Open all faucets and drain plugs.
- Refill the fresh water tank with fresh water.
- Flush the entire water system again. Open all faucets and drain plugs until the bleach smell is gone. This may take several fillings and drainings.
7. Reconnecting the Water Heater
After sanitizing, reconnect the water heater (if it was bypassed or drained).
- Close the bypass valve (if applicable).
- Open the inlet and outlet valves (if applicable).
- Replace the water heater drain plug. Ensure it’s tightened securely.
- Turn on the water heater and allow it to fill completely.
8. Checking for Leaks
A thorough leak check is crucial to prevent water damage.
- Turn on the water pump.
- Inspect all plumbing connections for leaks. This includes faucets, toilets, showers, and water lines.
- Check the water heater connections for leaks.
- Tighten any loose connections. If leaks persist, replace the fitting or seal.
9. Testing Appliances
Ensure all appliances are functioning correctly.
- Test the refrigerator and freezer. Allow them to cool down completely.
- Test the stove and oven. Make sure all burners are lighting and the oven is heating properly.
- Test the air conditioner and furnace. Ensure they are blowing cold and hot air, respectively.
- Test the water heater. Make sure it’s heating water efficiently.
10. Inspecting and Charging the Batteries
Batteries often require attention after winter storage.
- Clean the battery terminals. Use a wire brush to remove any corrosion.
- Check the battery water level (if applicable). Add distilled water as needed.
- Charge the batteries completely. Use a battery charger designed for RV batteries.
11. Visual Inspection of all Systems
Perform a final visual inspection of all systems.
- Check propane lines and connections for leaks. Use a soapy water solution to test for leaks. Apply the solution to the connections and look for bubbles.
- Inspect all wiring for damage or fraying.
- Check the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Replace the batteries if necessary.
12. Replenishing Supplies
Finally, restock your RV with essential supplies.
- Refill propane tanks.
- Stock up on groceries and toiletries.
- Replace any expired medications or first aid supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about De-Winterizing
FAQ 1: Can I skip de-winterizing if I only used air to winterize my RV?
While air-based winterization minimizes antifreeze use, de-winterizing is still vital. You need to inspect for leaks that may have developed over winter, sanitize your water system to eliminate bacteria, and ensure all systems are functioning properly after a period of inactivity. Skipping this step could lead to contaminated water and undiagnosed issues.
FAQ 2: How long does it take to de-winterize a travel trailer?
The time required varies depending on the size and complexity of the RV, and your experience level. Generally, allow 2-4 hours for a thorough de-winterization. Plan for extra time if you need to clean the water heater tank, repair leaks, or encounter unforeseen problems.
FAQ 3: What happens if I don’t de-winterize my RV properly?
Failing to de-winterize properly can lead to a range of problems, including:
- Contaminated drinking water: Antifreeze or bacteria can remain in the water system, posing health risks.
- Frozen or burst pipes: If any water remains in the lines and freezes, it can cause pipes to crack or burst.
- Damaged appliances: Antifreeze can damage water heater elements and other appliances.
- Unpleasant odors: Stagnant water can create foul odors in the water system.
FAQ 4: Can I use regular antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?
Absolutely not. RV antifreeze is non-toxic and designed for potable water systems. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and should never be used in an RV water system. Using the wrong antifreeze can contaminate your water supply and pose serious health risks.
FAQ 5: How do I know if I have a leak after de-winterizing?
Check for leaks by carefully inspecting all plumbing connections, faucets, toilets, and water lines. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains or dampness. You can also use a pressure test to check for leaks in the water system.
FAQ 6: What if my water heater won’t fill after de-winterizing?
This is often caused by an airlock in the water lines. Try opening a hot water faucet in the RV to allow air to escape and help the water heater fill. Check that the bypass valves are in the correct position for normal operation.
FAQ 7: How often should I sanitize my RV water system?
It’s recommended to sanitize your RV water system at least twice a year: once when de-winterizing in the spring and again before winterizing in the fall. You may also want to sanitize after storing the RV for an extended period or if you suspect contamination.
FAQ 8: Can I use a pressure washer to clean the roof of my travel trailer?
Avoid using a pressure washer on your RV roof. The high pressure can damage the sealant and potentially cause leaks. Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean the roof gently.
FAQ 9: What should I do if I find mold or mildew in my RV after winter storage?
Clean the affected areas with a mold and mildew cleaner specifically designed for RVs. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent future growth. If the problem is severe, you may need to consult a professional.
FAQ 10: How do I dispose of the RV antifreeze I flushed out of my system?
RV antifreeze is typically non-toxic and can be disposed of down the drain, following local regulations. However, check the specific product label for disposal instructions. Never dispose of automotive antifreeze down the drain.
FAQ 11: Should I inspect the wheel bearings before my first trip?
Yes, absolutely! Inspecting and repacking your wheel bearings is crucial for safety, especially after the RV has been sitting for an extended period. Worn or improperly lubricated bearings can overheat and cause wheel failure, potentially leading to a serious accident.
FAQ 12: What if I’m not comfortable de-winterizing my travel trailer myself?
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the de-winterization process, it’s best to consult a qualified RV technician. They can perform the service for you, ensuring that all systems are working correctly and safely. This is especially important if you have a complex RV with advanced features.