Properly winterizing your Grand Design travel trailer is critical to protecting your investment from the ravages of freezing temperatures. It involves draining all water systems, adding antifreeze where necessary, and preparing the interior and exterior for storage. Failure to do so can result in burst pipes, damaged appliances, and costly repairs.
Why Winterizing Matters: Protecting Your Investment
The primary reason to winterize your Grand Design is to prevent water from freezing and expanding inside the plumbing system. When water freezes, it can exert tremendous pressure, exceeding the strength of pipes, fittings, and even water heaters. This can lead to cracks, breaks, and leaks that won’t be discovered until spring, potentially causing extensive water damage and mold growth. Beyond the plumbing, appliances like your water heater and ice maker can also suffer irreparable damage from freezing. A little preventative work now can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to winterizing your Grand Design travel trailer. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations related to your particular model.
Step 1: Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies:
- RV Antifreeze: Choose a non-toxic RV antifreeze specifically designed for potable water systems. The amount you’ll need depends on the size of your trailer, but two to three gallons is usually sufficient.
- Water Heater Bypass Kit (if not already installed): This is essential for preventing antifreeze from entering the water heater tank.
- Water Pump Converter Kit (or a fitting to attach a hose to the inlet side of the water pump): This allows you to draw antifreeze directly into the plumbing system.
- Hand Tools: Screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers for disconnecting and connecting various components.
- Blow-Out Plug: For blowing out water lines with compressed air.
- Air Compressor: A small air compressor is needed to blow out the water lines.
- Drainage Basin: For catching water and antifreeze during the draining process.
- Gloves and Eye Protection: To protect yourself from spills and splashes.
Step 2: Draining the Water System
- Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate the fresh water tank drain valve (usually underneath the trailer) and open it completely. Let the tank drain until it’s empty.
- Drain the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater and let the water cool completely before draining. Remove the drain plug (usually located at the bottom of the water heater) and allow the tank to empty. Important: Relieve the pressure first by opening the pressure relief valve on top of the water heater.
- Bypass the Water Heater: If your Grand Design has a water heater bypass system, make sure it’s in the bypass position. This prevents antifreeze from filling the water heater tank.
- Drain the Low Point Drains: Locate the low point drain valves (usually marked with red and blue levers/caps) and open them. Allow all the water to drain from the water lines.
- Drain Black and Gray Water Tanks: Empty and flush your black and gray water tanks thoroughly at an approved dumping station. Close the valves after flushing.
- Open All Faucets and Showers: Open all faucets (hot and cold), including the shower, both inside and outside the trailer. This will help relieve any remaining pressure in the lines.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet several times to remove any remaining water in the bowl and line.
Step 3: Blowing Out the Water Lines with Compressed Air
- Connect the Blow-Out Plug: Connect the blow-out plug to the city water inlet connection on the side of your trailer.
- Set the Air Compressor: Set your air compressor to a low pressure (around 30-40 PSI). Do not exceed 40 PSI, as higher pressure can damage the plumbing system.
- Blow Out the Lines: Connect the air compressor to the blow-out plug and slowly introduce air into the system.
- Open and Close Faucets: Starting with the faucet closest to the city water inlet, open each faucet (hot and cold) individually until only air comes out. Repeat this process for each faucet and showerhead in the trailer. Don’t forget the outside shower.
- Flush the Toilet: Press the toilet flush pedal until only air comes out.
- Remove the Blow-Out Plug: Disconnect the air compressor and remove the blow-out plug.
Step 4: Introducing RV Antifreeze
- Bypass the Water Heater (if not already done): Double-check that the water heater is bypassed.
- Connect the Water Pump Converter Kit: Install the water pump converter kit (or attach a hose) to the inlet side of the water pump.
- Insert Hose into Antifreeze: Place the other end of the hose into a jug of RV antifreeze.
- Turn on the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump. This will draw antifreeze from the jug into the plumbing system.
- Run Antifreeze Through Faucets: Starting with the faucet closest to the water pump, open each faucet (hot and cold) until you see pink antifreeze flowing steadily. Repeat this process for each faucet and showerhead in the trailer, including the outside shower.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze in the bowl.
- Pour Antifreeze into Drains: Pour a cup or two of antifreeze down each drain (shower and sinks) to protect the P-traps from freezing.
- Turn Off the Water Pump: Once antifreeze has circulated through all the lines and drains, turn off the water pump.
Step 5: Preparing the Interior and Exterior
- Remove Batteries: Disconnect and remove the batteries. Store them in a cool, dry place and check their charge periodically throughout the winter.
- Remove Food: Remove all perishable food items from the refrigerator and pantry.
- Clean Refrigerator: Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
- Propane Tanks: Turn off the propane tanks and cover them.
- Tires: Cover the tires to protect them from UV damage.
- Seal Any Openings: Seal any potential entry points for rodents, such as gaps around pipes or vents.
- Roof Inspection: Inspect the roof for any cracks or damage and repair as needed.
- Cover the Trailer (Optional): Consider covering your trailer with a breathable RV cover to protect it from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Can I use regular automotive antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?
Absolutely not. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your potable water system. Always use RV antifreeze, which is specifically formulated for use in drinking water systems and is non-toxic.
FAQ 2: Do I really need to blow out the water lines with compressed air?
While you could technically skip this step and rely solely on antifreeze, blowing out the lines first is highly recommended. It removes a significant amount of water, minimizing the amount of antifreeze required and ensuring better protection against freezing.
FAQ 3: What if my Grand Design has a washing machine or dishwasher?
For appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, consult your owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. Generally, you’ll need to add antifreeze directly to the appliance’s water lines. Some models may have specific winterization cycles.
FAQ 4: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size of your trailer and the length of your water lines. As a general rule, two to three gallons is usually sufficient for most Grand Design travel trailers.
FAQ 5: Should I drain the fresh water tank completely? What if there’s still some water left?
Yes, drain the fresh water tank completely. Any remaining water can freeze and damage the tank. If you can’t drain it completely, add RV antifreeze to the remaining water to lower its freezing point.
FAQ 6: Is it okay to leave the propane tanks connected during winter storage?
It’s generally recommended to turn off the propane tanks and cover them for safety reasons. This prevents any accidental leaks or damage to the regulator.
FAQ 7: How do I winterize the ice maker in my refrigerator?
Disconnect the water line to the ice maker. Use the water pump to run antifreeze through the ice maker water line until pink antifreeze appears.
FAQ 8: What should I do if I notice a leak after winterizing?
If you notice a leak after winterizing, immediately shut off the water pump and locate the source of the leak. Repair the leak as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
FAQ 9: Do I need to lubricate the seals on the black and gray water tank valves?
Yes, lubricating the seals on the black and gray water tank valves with a silicone-based lubricant can help prevent them from drying out and cracking during the winter.
FAQ 10: How often should I check on my trailer during the winter?
Ideally, you should check on your trailer every few weeks during the winter. This allows you to address any potential problems, such as leaks or rodent infestations, before they become major issues.
FAQ 11: Is it necessary to cover my Grand Design travel trailer during the winter?
Covering your trailer with a breathable RV cover is optional, but highly recommended. It protects the exterior from UV damage, rain, snow, and debris, helping to extend the life of your trailer.
FAQ 12: What do I do to de-winterize my Grand Design in the spring?
In the spring, flush the entire water system with fresh water to remove all traces of antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and lines before using the water for drinking or cooking. Consult your owner’s manual for specific de-winterization instructions.
By following these steps and FAQs, you can effectively winterize your Grand Design travel trailer and protect it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures, ensuring that it’s ready for your next adventure. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.