Dewinterizing your trailer is the process of preparing it for use after it has been stored during the cold winter months, ensuring all systems are functioning correctly and safely. This crucial step involves removing antifreeze, sanitizing the water system, inspecting for damage, and performing essential maintenance to prevent costly repairs and ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping season.
Understanding the Importance of Dewinterization
Winterizing your trailer protects it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures, preventing burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and other costly issues. However, simply ignoring it until the first camping trip isn’t an option. Proper dewinterization is equally important. Neglecting this process can lead to lingering antifreeze contamination, bacterial growth in your water system, and undetected damage that can quickly escalate. A thorough dewinterization process ensures a safe and enjoyable experience on the road.
Step-by-Step Dewinterization Process
This detailed guide breaks down the dewinterization process into manageable steps, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial details.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies:
- Water heater bypass valves (if applicable): Make sure these are accessible and functioning.
- Non-toxic RV antifreeze remover/flush: Specifically designed to remove RV antifreeze residue.
- Bleach: For sanitizing the water system.
- Fresh water hose: Dedicated for filling your potable water tank.
- Tools: Wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers.
- Cleaning supplies: Buckets, sponges, and cleaning solutions.
- Water heater drain plug wrench: For removing the water heater drain plug.
2. Inspect Your Trailer’s Exterior
Before tackling the internal systems, thoroughly inspect the exterior for any signs of damage caused by winter weather.
- Check the roof: Look for cracks, tears, or leaks around vents, skylights, and seams. Use a sealant specifically designed for RV roofs to repair any damage.
- Inspect the sidewalls: Check for dents, scratches, or delamination (separation of the exterior layers).
- Examine the tires: Check the tire pressure, inspect for cracks or bulges, and ensure the lug nuts are properly tightened.
- Inspect the seals: Check the seals around windows, doors, and storage compartments for damage. Re-caulk as needed to prevent water intrusion.
3. Flushing the Antifreeze
This is a crucial step in removing the antifreeze that protected your plumbing during the winter.
- Locate and open all faucets and low-point drains: Open both hot and cold water faucets, as well as any outdoor shower fixtures. Open the low-point drains to allow the antifreeze to drain out.
- Flush the system: Connect a fresh water hose to the city water inlet and flush the system until the water runs clear from all faucets and drains. This may take several minutes.
- Close the faucets and low-point drains: Once the water runs clear, close all faucets and low-point drains.
4. Bypassing the Water Heater
If you bypassed your water heater during winterization, remember to reactivate it.
- Locate the water heater bypass valves: These valves are usually located near the water heater.
- Return the valves to the normal operating position: This allows water to flow into the water heater tank. Consult your owner’s manual if you are unsure of the correct valve positions. Failure to do so will result in a damaged heating element.
- Remove the water heater drain plug: Carefully remove the drain plug and allow any remaining antifreeze to drain out.
- Inspect the drain plug: Check the drain plug for corrosion or damage and replace if necessary.
- Reinstall the drain plug: Use Teflon tape on the threads to ensure a watertight seal.
5. Sanitizing the Water System
Sanitizing the water system is essential to eliminate any bacteria or algae that may have grown during storage.
- Calculate the amount of bleach needed: A general rule of thumb is to use ¼ cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water tank capacity.
- Mix the bleach with water: Mix the calculated amount of bleach with a gallon of water.
- Pour the bleach solution into the fresh water tank: Use a funnel to pour the solution into the fresh water tank.
- Fill the fresh water tank: Fill the fresh water tank with fresh water.
- Turn on the water pump: Turn on the water pump to circulate the bleach solution throughout the entire water system.
- Open all faucets and showers: Open all faucets and showers, both hot and cold, one at a time, until you smell bleach. Then close them.
- Let the solution sit: Allow the bleach solution to sit in the water system for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
- Drain and flush the system: Drain the entire water system by opening all faucets and low-point drains.
- Refill and flush again: Refill the fresh water tank with fresh water and flush the system again until the bleach smell is gone. This may require multiple refills and flushes.
6. Inspecting Appliances and Systems
Take the time to inspect all appliances and systems to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Test the water pump: Ensure the water pump is working correctly and producing adequate water pressure.
- Check the water heater: After filling the water heater, test it to ensure it is heating water properly.
- Inspect the propane system: Check the propane tank for leaks and ensure the regulator is functioning correctly. Consult a professional if you have any concerns about the propane system.
- Test the refrigerator: Ensure the refrigerator is cooling properly on both propane and electric power.
- Check the air conditioner: Test the air conditioner to ensure it is cooling effectively.
- Inspect the batteries: Clean the battery terminals and check the battery voltage. Replace the batteries if they are weak or damaged.
- Test all lights and electrical outlets: Ensure all lights and electrical outlets are working properly.
- Check the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector: Replace the batteries in the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and test them to ensure they are functioning correctly.
7. Cleaning and Stocking Your Trailer
Finally, clean and stock your trailer to prepare it for your first camping trip.
- Clean the interior: Vacuum the floors, wipe down the surfaces, and clean the windows.
- Restock your supplies: Replenish any essential supplies that were used up during the winter.
- Check your safety equipment: Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and emergency road kit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about dewinterizing your trailer:
FAQ 1: How do I know if my trailer has been winterized properly?
If antifreeze flowed from all faucets and drains during winterization and the water heater was properly bypassed (or drained if not bypassed), then the winterization was likely done correctly. Check your winterization checklist for reassurance.
FAQ 2: Can I use regular antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?
No. Regular automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and should never be used in your RV’s potable water system. Always use non-toxic RV antifreeze.
FAQ 3: How long does it take to dewinterize a trailer?
The dewinterization process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your trailer, and your level of experience.
FAQ 4: What if I still smell antifreeze after flushing the system?
Continue flushing the system with fresh water until the antifreeze smell is completely gone. You may need to use an RV antifreeze remover for stubborn residues.
FAQ 5: How often should I sanitize my water system?
Sanitize your water system at least twice a year – once in the spring after dewinterizing and again in the fall before winterizing. You should also sanitize it anytime you suspect contamination.
FAQ 6: What if my water pump won’t prime?
Check the strainer on the water pump for debris. Also, make sure all faucets and valves are closed tightly and that there are no leaks in the water lines. Sometimes a slight vacuum leak will cause this problem.
FAQ 7: How do I check the expiration date on my propane tank?
The expiration date is stamped on the collar of the propane tank. If the tank is expired, it needs to be recertified or replaced.
FAQ 8: Can I use a pressure washer to clean the exterior of my trailer?
It is generally not recommended to use a pressure washer. The high pressure can damage the seals, decals, and exterior surfaces of your trailer.
FAQ 9: What is the best way to prevent leaks around windows and doors?
Regularly inspect the seals around windows and doors and re-caulk as needed with a sealant specifically designed for RVs.
FAQ 10: How do I check the bearings on my trailer wheels?
Check the bearings by jacking up each wheel and spinning it. Listen for any unusual noises and feel for any excessive play. If you are not comfortable checking or servicing the bearings yourself, take your trailer to a qualified mechanic.
FAQ 11: What should I do if I find signs of rodents in my trailer?
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected areas. Seal any potential entry points and set traps to catch any remaining rodents. Consider using rodent repellent products.
FAQ 12: Is it necessary to have my trailer professionally dewinterized?
While you can dewinterize your trailer yourself, having it professionally done ensures that all systems are thoroughly inspected and that any potential problems are identified and addressed. This is especially beneficial for new RV owners.
By following this comprehensive guide and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can confidently dewinterize your trailer and ensure a safe and enjoyable camping season.