Winterizing your Jayco travel trailer is essential to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures, ensuring it’s ready for worry-free adventures come spring. The process involves draining the water system, adding antifreeze, and taking other preventive measures to protect pipes, appliances, and other components from cracking due to expanding ice.
Why Winterizing Matters: A Word from an RV Expert
As a seasoned RV technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of neglecting to winterize a travel trailer. Burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and damaged water heaters are all too common occurrences. The cost of winterizing your Jayco is significantly less than repairing the damage caused by freezing. It’s an investment in the longevity of your investment. Don’t underestimate the power of preventative maintenance; it’s the key to enjoying your RV for years to come.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process: A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of properly winterizing your Jayco travel trailer, ensuring its survival throughout the cold winter months.
1. Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. This will streamline the process and prevent unnecessary interruptions. You’ll need:
- RV antifreeze (non-toxic, potable water antifreeze): The amount depends on the size of your water system, but typically 2-3 gallons are sufficient for most Jayco travel trailers.
- Water heater bypass kit (if not already installed): This allows you to bypass the water heater, saving you a significant amount of antifreeze.
- Water pump converter kit (or tubing and fittings): This allows you to directly pump antifreeze into the water system.
- Wrench and screwdriver: For removing drain plugs and accessing components.
- Air compressor with blow-out adapter: For blowing out water lines.
- Basin or bucket: To catch water and antifreeze.
- Gloves and safety glasses: For personal protection.
- Plumbing tape: For sealing connections.
2. Draining the Water System
This is the crucial first step. You need to remove as much water as possible before introducing antifreeze.
- Drain the fresh water tank: Locate the drain valve (usually underneath the trailer near the tank) and open it. Allow the tank to drain completely.
- Drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater and let the water cool completely. Remove the drain plug (usually a nylon plug located at the bottom of the tank). Be careful, as the water may still be hot. Consider installing a water heater bypass kit if your unit doesn’t have one. This will significantly reduce the amount of antifreeze needed.
- Drain the low point drains: These drains are usually located underneath the trailer, near the water lines. Open both the hot and cold low point drains.
- Open all faucets and shower head: Open all faucets, including the outside shower, to allow air to enter the system and assist with draining. Remember to also flush the toilet.
3. Bypassing the Water Heater
As mentioned before, bypassing the water heater is essential for saving antifreeze.
- Locate the bypass valves: They are usually near the water heater.
- Close the valves that connect the water heater to the cold and hot water lines.
- Open the bypass valve that connects the cold and hot water lines together. This creates a loop that prevents antifreeze from entering the water heater tank.
4. Blowing Out the Water Lines
Using compressed air is a highly effective way to remove remaining water.
- Connect the air compressor to the city water inlet: Use a blow-out adapter designed for RVs.
- Set the air compressor to 30-40 PSI: Higher pressure can damage your plumbing.
- Open each faucet one at a time: Start with the faucet closest to the city water inlet and work your way outwards.
- Flush the toilet: Briefly flush the toilet to blow out any remaining water.
- Repeat the process several times: This ensures all water is removed from the lines.
5. Introducing RV Antifreeze
Now it’s time to protect your water system with RV antifreeze.
- Install the water pump converter kit (or tubing and fittings): This allows you to draw antifreeze directly from the antifreeze jug.
- Place the antifreeze jug near the water pump.
- Turn on the water pump.
- Open each faucet one at a time, starting with the one closest to the water pump. Allow antifreeze to flow until you see a steady stream of pink antifreeze. Close the faucet.
- Repeat the process for all faucets and the shower head.
- Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze.
- Pour antifreeze into all sink and shower drains: This will protect the P-traps from freezing.
- Pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl.
6. Protecting Exterior Components
Don’t forget about the outside of your trailer.
- Drain and winterize the outside shower: Follow the same procedure as the inside faucets.
- Protect the black and gray water tanks: Pour RV antifreeze down the toilet and into the sink drains.
- Lubricate door and window seals: Use a silicone-based lubricant to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
7. Additional Winterizing Tips
These final tips will help ensure your Jayco is fully protected.
- Remove batteries from smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Remove food items from the refrigerator and pantry. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and leave the door ajar.
- Cover the tires to protect them from UV damage.
- Consider using RV skirting to insulate the underbelly of the trailer. This is particularly helpful in areas with severe winters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Winterizing a Jayco Travel Trailer
Here are some commonly asked questions to further clarify the winterization process.
FAQ 1: Can I use regular automotive antifreeze in my RV?
No! Never use automotive antifreeze in your RV’s potable water system. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your water lines, making them unsafe for drinking. Always use RV antifreeze specifically designed for potable water systems.
FAQ 2: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size and complexity of your RV’s plumbing system. A general rule of thumb is 2-3 gallons for most Jayco travel trailers. However, it’s always a good idea to have an extra gallon on hand just in case. Bypassing the water heater will drastically reduce the amount needed.
FAQ 3: What happens if I don’t winterize my RV?
Failing to winterize your RV can lead to costly and extensive damage. Freezing water can expand and crack pipes, damage the water heater, break fixtures, and even damage the RV’s structure. Repairs can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
FAQ 4: Can I just drain the water system and skip the antifreeze?
While draining the water system helps, it doesn’t completely remove all the water. Residual water can still freeze and cause damage. Using RV antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection by displacing any remaining water and preventing it from freezing.
FAQ 5: Where can I buy RV antifreeze and other winterizing supplies?
RV antifreeze and other winterizing supplies are available at most RV dealerships, camping supply stores, and major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
FAQ 6: How do I winterize the toilet?
To winterize the toilet, pour RV antifreeze into the bowl and flush it several times to coat the bowl and the plumbing lines. This will protect the toilet valve and prevent any residual water from freezing.
FAQ 7: How do I know if I’ve properly winterized my RV?
The best way to ensure your RV is properly winterized is to follow the steps outlined in this guide carefully. You should also inspect all plumbing connections for any signs of leaks or damage. If you’re unsure, consult a qualified RV technician.
FAQ 8: What is a water heater bypass kit, and why do I need one?
A water heater bypass kit allows you to isolate the water heater from the rest of the plumbing system. This prevents antifreeze from filling the water heater tank, which can hold 6-10 gallons of water. Bypassing the water heater significantly reduces the amount of antifreeze needed for winterization.
FAQ 9: How often should I winterize my RV?
You should winterize your RV every time you plan to store it in freezing temperatures. Even if you only anticipate a few nights of freezing weather, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
FAQ 10: Can I winterize my RV myself, or should I hire a professional?
Winterizing an RV is a relatively straightforward process that most RV owners can do themselves with the proper tools and knowledge. However, if you’re uncomfortable or unsure, it’s always best to hire a qualified RV technician.
FAQ 11: What if I have an ice maker or washing machine in my RV?
Ice makers and washing machines require additional winterizing steps. Consult your appliance manuals for specific instructions. Generally, you’ll need to disconnect the water lines, drain the appliances completely, and add RV antifreeze to protect the internal components.
FAQ 12: How do I de-winterize my RV in the spring?
To de-winterize your RV in the spring, flush the water system thoroughly with fresh water to remove the RV antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank by adding a bleach solution, letting it sit for several hours, and then flushing again. Inspect all plumbing connections for leaks and ensure all appliances are functioning properly.
By following these steps and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can confidently winterize your Jayco travel trailer and protect it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Remember, a little preventative maintenance now can save you a lot of headaches and expenses later. Happy travels!