Winterizing your Flagstaff travel trailer is absolutely essential to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures and ensure a hassle-free start to your next RV adventure. By meticulously draining water systems, adding antifreeze, and taking other preventative measures, you can protect your investment and avoid spring repair bills.
Why Winterizing Matters: Protecting Your Investment
Leaving water in your Flagstaff travel trailer’s plumbing during freezing temperatures is a recipe for disaster. Water expands as it freezes, placing immense pressure on pipes, fittings, water heaters, and holding tanks. This can lead to cracks, bursts, and significant water damage that requires expensive repairs. Winterizing safeguards your plumbing system and ensures its longevity. Ignoring this critical step can result in:
- Burst pipes: A common and costly consequence of neglecting winterization.
- Damaged water heater: Freezing can crack the tank or damage its internal components.
- Cracked holding tanks: Especially vulnerable in colder climates.
- Compromised faucets and fixtures: Freezing can damage seals and valves.
By following these winterizing steps, you’re proactively protecting your investment and guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable return to the road when the weather warms up.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
The winterization process involves several key steps, each crucial for complete protection. We’ll walk through the process systematically:
1. Drain the Water System
This is the cornerstone of winterization. You need to remove all water from your freshwater tank, water heater, and plumbing lines.
- Drain the freshwater tank: Locate the drain valve, usually underneath the trailer, and open it until the tank is empty.
- Drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater, both electric and gas, and let it cool completely. Then, open the drain plug (usually located at the bottom) and remove the pressure relief valve to allow air in and facilitate complete drainage. Important: Flush the water heater tank to remove sediment.
- Drain all water lines: Open all faucets (both hot and cold) and the shower. Activate the water pump momentarily to help force out any remaining water. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.
- Bypass the water heater: Most Flagstaff travel trailers have a water heater bypass kit. Use it to isolate the water heater before adding antifreeze, preventing it from filling the entire tank (6 or 10 gallons) with antifreeze.
2. Add RV Antifreeze
After draining, introducing RV antifreeze is vital to protect any remaining water pockets in the system. Use only RV antifreeze; automotive antifreeze is toxic and not suitable for potable water systems.
- Bypass the water heater (if not already done).
- Locate the water pump: It’s typically near the freshwater tank.
- Connect the siphon hose (if using): Many water pumps have a built-in siphon hose for drawing antifreeze directly from a jug. If not, you may need to purchase and connect an aftermarket siphon kit.
- Pour RV antifreeze into the jug: Have enough antifreeze on hand (typically 2-3 gallons, depending on the size of your trailer).
- Turn on the water pump: Allow the pump to draw antifreeze and circulate it through the system.
- Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time: Let the antifreeze run until it flows pink. This indicates that the water has been displaced. Don’t forget the shower and outside shower.
- Flush the toilet: Pour some antifreeze into the toilet bowl and flush until antifreeze appears.
- Pour antifreeze into each sink and shower drain: This protects the P-traps from freezing.
3. Other Important Winterization Tasks
Beyond the core water system, consider these additional steps:
- Empty and flush holding tanks: Thoroughly drain and flush both the black and gray water holding tanks. Use a tank flush system if available.
- Lubricate seals: Apply RV-specific lubricant to toilet seals and gate valves to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- Remove or protect batteries: Disconnect the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. Ideally, connect them to a trickle charger to maintain their charge. If you leave them in the trailer, ensure they are fully charged.
- Cover vents and openings: Use vent covers or tape to prevent pests from entering the trailer.
- Check and seal any potential entry points: Look for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and undercarriage where pests or cold air could enter.
- Consider a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers: These can help prevent mold and mildew growth during storage.
- Check tires: Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and cover them to protect them from UV damage.
- Remove perishable items: Remove all food items, cleaning supplies that could freeze, and other perishable items.
- Prop open refrigerator and freezer doors: This helps prevent mold and mildew growth inside the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions that arise during the winterization process:
FAQ 1: Can I use air pressure instead of RV antifreeze to winterize?
While using air pressure to blow out the water lines is a common practice and can remove a significant amount of water, it’s strongly recommended to use RV antifreeze as well. Air pressure alone might not remove all the water, especially in low spots or traps, leading to freezing and damage. Antifreeze provides a crucial layer of protection.
FAQ 2: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size of your Flagstaff travel trailer. Generally, 2-3 gallons is sufficient for most models. Larger trailers with longer plumbing runs may require more.
FAQ 3: Where can I buy RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze is readily available at RV dealerships, camping supply stores, and many automotive parts stores.
FAQ 4: What if I accidentally get automotive antifreeze in my water system?
Immediately flush the entire system thoroughly and repeatedly. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and should never be used in a potable water system. Professional decontamination may be necessary.
FAQ 5: Do I need to remove the water filter during winterization?
Yes, remove the water filter and either bypass the filter housing or install a new filter cartridge in the spring. Water trapped inside the filter can freeze and crack the filter housing.
FAQ 6: Is it okay to leave the propane tanks connected during storage?
Yes, it’s generally safe to leave propane tanks connected. However, ensure the valves are tightly closed. Consider covering the tanks to protect them from the elements.
FAQ 7: Do I need to winterize if I live in a mild climate?
Even in milder climates, it’s advisable to winterize if temperatures could potentially drop below freezing, even for a short period. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
FAQ 8: How do I winterize the toilet?
After draining the water lines, pour RV antifreeze into the toilet bowl and flush until antifreeze appears. This protects the toilet valve and prevents freezing.
FAQ 9: Can I winterize my travel trailer myself, or should I hire a professional?
Winterizing a Flagstaff travel trailer is generally a DIY project for those comfortable with basic plumbing and RV maintenance. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, hiring a professional RV technician is a wise investment.
FAQ 10: What are the signs that my travel trailer wasn’t properly winterized?
Signs of improper winterization include leaks, burst pipes, damaged fixtures, and a non-functional water pump when you de-winterize in the spring.
FAQ 11: How do I de-winterize my travel trailer in the spring?
To de-winterize, flush the entire water system with fresh water until all traces of antifreeze are gone. Sanitize the freshwater tank and lines before use.
FAQ 12: Where can I find the specific winterization instructions for my Flagstaff model?
Refer to your Flagstaff travel trailer’s owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions tailored to your model. The manual provides valuable information and diagrams.
By diligently following these steps and addressing these common questions, you can confidently winterize your Flagstaff travel trailer and ensure it’s ready for many more adventures to come. Protecting your investment now will save you headaches and money in the future.