Leaving your destination trailer unattended through the harsh winter months requires proactive measures to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. Winterizing a destination trailer involves thoroughly draining the water system, adding antifreeze to plumbing fixtures, and taking protective measures for appliances and the trailer’s exterior to prevent freezing, bursting pipes, and other cold-weather related issues. This meticulous process, executed correctly, ensures your home away from home remains in prime condition, ready for your return when warmer days arrive.
The Imperative of Winterization
A destination trailer, unlike a standard travel trailer, is often situated in a semi-permanent location, making it particularly vulnerable to neglect during the off-season. Failing to properly winterize can lead to devastating consequences. Water expands when it freezes, potentially cracking pipes, damaging water heaters, and even causing structural damage to walls and floors. The cost of repairs can be astronomical, far exceeding the time and expense involved in winterization. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to ensure your destination trailer is protected from the ravages of winter.
The Winterization Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
This section outlines the essential steps for winterizing your destination trailer, ensuring comprehensive protection against freezing temperatures.
1. Draining the Water System
This is arguably the most critical step. The goal is to remove all water from the pipes and tanks.
- Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate the drain valve for your fresh water tank (usually underneath the trailer) and open it to allow all the water to escape.
- Drain the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater power supply (both electric and propane) at least 12 hours before draining. Then, open the drain plug (usually at the bottom of the tank). Be aware of the potential for hot water to still be present. Open a pressure relief valve to allow air in and expedite drainage.
- Bypass the Water Heater: Most destination trailers have a water heater bypass kit. Activate this to prevent antifreeze from filling the water heater tank, saving you antifreeze and preventing potential contamination. If your trailer lacks a bypass kit, consider installing one.
- Drain Low Point Drains: Locate and open the hot and cold low-point drain valves (typically found underneath the trailer). These drains are designed to remove any remaining water in the plumbing lines.
- Open All Faucets: Open all faucets (hot and cold) and the showerhead. This allows air to enter the system and aids in draining the remaining water. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet completely to remove water from the bowl and the line.
- Drain the Black and Grey Water Tanks: These tanks must be completely emptied and thoroughly flushed. Use a tank flushing system, if available, or a back-flushing hose attachment to ensure all solid waste is removed.
2. Adding Antifreeze to the Plumbing
Once the water system is drained, introduce RV antifreeze to protect against freezing. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it is toxic and can contaminate your potable water system.
- Bypass the Water Pump: Locate the water pump and disconnect the inlet hose. Connect a siphon hose to the inlet and place the other end into a container of RV antifreeze.
- Turn on the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump to draw antifreeze into the plumbing system.
- Open Each Faucet: Starting with the faucet furthest from the pump, open the cold water side until antifreeze flows through. Then, repeat for the hot water side. Repeat this process for all faucets, including the shower and outside shower.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet until antifreeze flows through the bowl.
- Pour Antifreeze into Drains: Pour a cup of antifreeze into each drain (sink, shower, and toilet). This protects the P-traps from freezing.
3. Protecting Appliances and Fixtures
Appliances and fixtures require specific attention to prevent damage during winter.
- Refrigerator: Clean out the refrigerator and freezer. Disconnect the power supply and prop the door open to prevent mold growth.
- Ice Maker: If your refrigerator has an ice maker, disconnect the water line and allow the ice maker to cycle a few times to drain any remaining water.
- Washing Machine/Dryer (if equipped): Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing your washing machine and dryer. This typically involves draining the water lines and adding antifreeze.
- Toilets: In addition to flushing and adding antifreeze, consider using a toilet bowl sealing product to prevent evaporation and odors.
4. Exterior Preparations
Protecting the exterior of your destination trailer is crucial for long-term preservation.
- Seal Openings: Inspect the trailer for any gaps or openings around windows, doors, and vents. Seal these with caulk or sealant to prevent drafts and rodent entry.
- Cover Tires: Cover the tires to protect them from UV damage and cracking.
- Clean the Exterior: Wash the exterior of the trailer to remove dirt and debris. Apply a protective wax or sealant to protect the finish.
- Consider a Cover: While not always necessary, a properly fitted RV cover can provide added protection from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding winterizing a destination trailer:
1. How much antifreeze do I need to winterize my destination trailer?
The amount of antifreeze required depends on the size of your trailer and the length of its plumbing lines. Typically, 2-3 gallons of RV antifreeze is sufficient for most destination trailers.
2. Can I use air pressure instead of antifreeze to winterize my trailer?
While blowing out the lines with compressed air can remove a significant amount of water, it’s not a foolproof method. Residual water can remain in low spots and freeze, causing damage. Using RV antifreeze provides a higher level of protection. It’s recommended to use both, blowing out the lines first and then following with antifreeze.
3. How do I winterize the water pump?
Winterizing the water pump involves bypassing it, connecting a siphon hose, and drawing RV antifreeze through it. This ensures the pump’s internal components are protected from freezing.
4. What should I do about the batteries?
Ideally, remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. If you leave them in the trailer, disconnect the terminals and check the water levels (if applicable). Consider using a battery tender to maintain a charge throughout the winter.
5. Should I leave the propane tanks on or off?
Turn off the propane tanks and cover the regulators to protect them from the elements.
6. What if my destination trailer has a residential refrigerator?
Residential refrigerators require careful winterization. Disconnect the water line to the ice maker and water dispenser. If your refrigerator has a water filter, remove it and bypass the filter housing.
7. How do I protect my RV awning?
Clean the awning thoroughly and roll it up securely. Consider using awning supports to prevent snow and ice buildup.
8. Can I hire someone to winterize my destination trailer?
Yes, many RV dealerships and mobile RV service companies offer winterization services. This can be a convenient option if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
9. What happens if I forget to winterize my trailer?
If temperatures drop below freezing, the water in your plumbing system can freeze and expand, potentially causing pipes to burst, water heater damage, and other costly repairs.
10. How do I know if I’ve used enough antifreeze?
The easiest way to tell if you’ve used enough antifreeze is to check that it is flowing freely, and in its true color, from each faucet and fixture. If the liquid that first emerges is watery or clear, keep running the water until pure antifreeze is seen.
11. Are there any specific areas of a destination trailer that are more prone to freezing?
Yes, areas with less insulation, such as the underbelly, exterior water connections, and plumbing lines near exterior walls, are more prone to freezing.
12. What should I do in the spring when de-winterizing my trailer?
Thoroughly flush the entire water system with fresh water to remove all traces of antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and lines with a bleach solution (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Inspect all plumbing connections for leaks.
Conclusion
Winterizing your destination trailer is a crucial investment in protecting your valuable asset. By following these steps and heeding the FAQs, you can ensure your trailer remains safe and sound throughout the winter, ready for your next adventure. Taking the time to properly winterize your trailer is significantly cheaper and less stressful than dealing with the aftermath of frozen pipes and damaged appliances. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing you’ve taken the necessary precautions to protect your home away from home.