Protecting your investment is paramount, especially when preparing your 2019 Forest River travel trailer for the harsh winter months. Properly winterizing your trailer is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures, ensuring it’s ready for adventure when spring arrives.
Understanding Winterization: Why It’s Essential
Winterizing a travel trailer involves draining all water systems to prevent freezing and bursting pipes, tanks, and fixtures. The process also includes protecting the trailer’s components from rust, corrosion, and pests during the off-season. Neglecting this vital maintenance can lead to significant repair bills, far exceeding the cost and effort of winterization. This guide offers a step-by-step approach, tailored for a 2019 Forest River travel trailer, to ensure its longevity and performance.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
This section outlines the comprehensive procedure for winterizing your 2019 Forest River travel trailer. Adhering to these steps will safeguard your RV from potential winter damage.
1. Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all necessary supplies. This proactive step will streamline the process and minimize interruptions. Essential items include:
- RV Antifreeze: Non-toxic and specifically formulated for RV plumbing systems. Never use automotive antifreeze.
- Water Heater Bypass Kit (if not already installed): This allows you to bypass the water heater, saving antifreeze.
- Water Pump Converter Kit (or tubing): Allows you to draw antifreeze directly from the jug.
- Wrench: For disconnecting water lines and drain plugs.
- Screwdriver: For accessing various components.
- Air Compressor with Blow-Out Adapter: To clear water lines using compressed air.
- Plumbing Tape (Teflon tape): For sealing connections.
- Basin: To catch drained water.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- RV Sealant: For sealing any gaps or openings.
- Tank Cleaner: For cleaning holding tanks before winterizing.
2. Draining the Water System
Thoroughly draining the water system is the foundation of successful winterization. This removes the water that could freeze and cause damage.
- Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate the fresh water tank drain valve (typically underneath the trailer) and open it. Allow the tank to drain completely.
- Drain the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater (both electric and gas) at least 12 hours before draining. Open the drain plug at the bottom of the water heater. If there’s a sacrificial anode rod, inspect and replace it if necessary. Remember to use plumbing tape when reinstalling the plug or anode rod. Crucially, ensure the water heater is cool before proceeding to avoid burns.
- Drain the Holding Tanks: Empty and flush both the black and gray water holding tanks. Use a tank cleaner to remove any residue and prevent odors during storage. After flushing, close the drain valves.
- Drain the Water Lines: Open all faucets (both hot and cold), including the shower and outside shower, if equipped. Also, flush the toilet.
3. Bypassing the Water Heater
Bypassing the water heater minimizes the amount of antifreeze required for winterization.
- Activate the Bypass Valves: Locate the water heater bypass valves (typically behind the water heater). Close the valves that connect the water heater to the cold and hot water lines and open the valve that connects the two lines. If your 2019 Forest River travel trailer doesn’t have a bypass kit installed, now is the time to install one. This will make future winterizations much easier.
4. Using Compressed Air to Blow Out the Lines
This step forces remaining water out of the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
- Connect the Air Compressor: Connect your air compressor to the city water inlet using a blow-out adapter.
- Set the Air Pressure: Set the air compressor to a safe pressure, typically between 30 and 40 PSI. Do not exceed 40 PSI, as higher pressure can damage the plumbing.
- Blow Out the Lines: Open each faucet (both hot and cold) individually, allowing air to push out any remaining water. Flush the toilet as well. Repeat this process several times for each fixture.
5. Introducing RV Antifreeze
Introducing RV antifreeze ensures that any residual water left in the system won’t freeze.
- Bypass Water Filter (if applicable): Remove the water filter cartridge and install a bypass. This prevents antifreeze from contaminating the filter.
- Connect the Water Pump Converter Kit: Install the water pump converter kit or tubing to the inlet side of the water pump. Place the other end of the tubing into a jug of RV antifreeze.
- Turn On the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump.
- Run Antifreeze Through Each Fixture: Open each faucet (both hot and cold) individually until you see pink antifreeze flowing steadily. Don’t forget the shower and outside shower. Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
- Pour Antifreeze Down Drains: Pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain (including the shower and toilet) to protect the P-traps.
6. Finalizing the Winterization
These final steps ensure comprehensive protection for your travel trailer.
- Pour Antifreeze into Holding Tanks: Pour a few gallons of RV antifreeze into both the black and gray water holding tanks. This will protect the valves and prevent freezing.
- Lubricate Door Seals: Apply RV sealant or lubricant to all door and window seals to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- Remove Batteries: Remove the batteries from the trailer and store them in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery tender to keep them charged over the winter.
- Cover the Trailer: If possible, cover your travel trailer with an RV cover to protect it from the elements.
- Pest Control: Place mothballs or other pest repellents inside the trailer to deter rodents and insects. Close all vents and windows tightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common concerns and provides further insights into the winterization process.
FAQ 1: Can I use regular automotive antifreeze in my RV’s plumbing system?
No, absolutely not. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your water system, making it unsafe for drinking or bathing. Only use RV antifreeze, which is non-toxic and specifically designed for this purpose.
FAQ 2: How much RV antifreeze do I need to winterize my 2019 Forest River travel trailer?
The amount of antifreeze required depends on the size of your trailer and the length of the plumbing runs. Generally, 2-3 gallons is sufficient for most travel trailers. However, it’s always better to have a little extra on hand.
FAQ 3: How do I know if my water heater has a bypass kit installed?
Look for three valves located near the water heater. If you see these valves and can isolate the water heater from the rest of the plumbing system, you have a bypass kit. If there are only two valves, you likely don’t have a bypass system.
FAQ 4: What if I skip the step of blowing out the water lines with compressed air?
While you can winterize without blowing out the lines, it’s highly recommended to do so. Blowing out the lines removes a significant amount of water, reducing the amount of antifreeze needed and minimizing the risk of freezing.
FAQ 5: Is it safe to leave the RV antifreeze in the plumbing system all winter?
Yes, RV antifreeze is designed to be left in the system all winter. However, when de-winterizing in the spring, you will need to thoroughly flush the system with fresh water before using it.
FAQ 6: How do I de-winterize my travel trailer in the spring?
First, drain the antifreeze from the system. Then, flush the plumbing with fresh water until all traces of antifreeze are gone. Sanitize the fresh water tank and plumbing system with a bleach solution. Finally, inspect all connections for leaks.
FAQ 7: What should I do if I suspect a leak after winterizing?
Immediately address any leaks you find. Leaks can lead to water damage and mold growth. Tighten connections or replace damaged components as needed.
FAQ 8: Can I use my RV toilet during the winter if it’s been winterized?
No, you cannot use the toilet after it has been winterized with antifreeze. Using the toilet could introduce water into the system, which could freeze and cause damage.
FAQ 9: Should I leave the cabinet doors open during the winter?
Yes, leaving cabinet doors open allows for better air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and reducing the risk of mold growth.
FAQ 10: What if I don’t have access to an air compressor?
If you don’t have access to an air compressor, you can rely solely on using RV antifreeze. However, you’ll need to use significantly more antifreeze to ensure all water is displaced.
FAQ 11: How do I prevent my RV tires from deteriorating during the winter?
To prevent tire deterioration, cover the tires to protect them from sunlight. You can also inflate the tires to the maximum recommended pressure and rotate them periodically.
FAQ 12: What are the consequences of not winterizing my 2019 Forest River travel trailer?
The consequences of not winterizing can be severe, including burst pipes, cracked tanks, damaged fixtures, and costly repairs. Proper winterization is a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.