Effectively winterizing your Keystone Cougar travel trailer protects it from potentially devastating freeze damage. This process involves thoroughly draining the water system, adding antifreeze, and taking preventative measures to safeguard other susceptible areas.
Why Winterizing is Crucial for Your Keystone Cougar
As a seasoned RV technician with over 20 years of experience specializing in Keystone Cougar travel trailers, I’ve witnessed firsthand the costly damage that winter weather can inflict on unprepared RVs. Freezing temperatures can lead to burst pipes, cracked plumbing fixtures, and damaged appliances, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. Properly winterizing your Cougar ensures its longevity and prevents these costly issues, allowing you to enjoy worry-free camping in the spring. The investment in winterization is minimal compared to the potential repair bills.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Cougar
This comprehensive guide outlines the steps necessary to properly winterize your Keystone Cougar travel trailer, ensuring it’s ready to withstand the harsh winter months. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your Cougar model.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies. This includes:
- RV Antifreeze (non-toxic, potable water safe): Determine the correct amount based on the size of your water system. A good rule of thumb is 2-3 gallons for smaller trailers and 3-5 gallons for larger ones.
- Water Heater Bypass Kit (if not already installed): This isolates the water heater to prevent filling it with antifreeze.
- Water Pump Converter Kit or Siphon Hose: This allows you to draw antifreeze from the jug into the water lines.
- Wrench or Socket Set: For removing drain plugs.
- Screwdriver: For various tasks, such as removing water heater drain plug.
- Air Compressor with Blow-Out Adapter: For blowing out water lines.
- Plumbing Tape or Pipe Dope: For sealing drain plugs.
- Basin or Buckets: To catch drained water.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
2. Drain the Water System
Complete drainage is critical to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Drain the Fresh Water 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 propane). Allow it to cool completely before opening the drain plug (usually located at the bottom of the heater). Caution: Hot water can cause severe burns!
- Bypass the Water Heater: If you have a bypass kit, engage it to isolate the water heater. This will save you several gallons of antifreeze. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to fill the water heater with antifreeze.
- Drain the Water Lines: Open all faucets (hot and cold), including the shower and outside shower.
- Drain Low Point Drains: Locate the low point drain valves (typically blue and red handles near the water lines underneath the trailer) and open them to drain the remaining water from the lines.
- Flush Toilet: Flush the toilet until the bowl is empty.
3. Blow Out the Water Lines
Using compressed air to purge the lines is an effective method of removing residual water.
- Attach Blow-Out Adapter: Connect the blow-out adapter to the city water inlet.
- Set Air Compressor Pressure: Set the air compressor to a low pressure (around 30-40 PSI). Do not exceed 40 PSI as this can damage the plumbing.
- Blow Out the Lines: Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time, allowing the air to push any remaining water out. Repeat this process several times. Don’t forget the shower and outside shower.
- Blow Out the Toilet Line: Depress the toilet flush pedal to blow out the toilet line.
4. Add RV Antifreeze
This is the most important step in preventing freeze damage.
- Install Water Pump Converter Kit or Siphon Hose: If you have a converter kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it. If you’re using a siphon hose, insert it into the jug of RV antifreeze and connect it to the inlet side of the water pump.
- Turn on the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump and let it run until antifreeze flows steadily from all faucets (hot and cold), including the shower and outside shower.
- Flush Toilet with Antifreeze: Flush the toilet until antifreeze is visible in the bowl.
- Pour Antifreeze into Drain Traps: Pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and tub).
- Pour Antifreeze into Toilet Bowl: Add enough antifreeze to the toilet bowl to prevent the seals from drying out.
5. Protect Other Components
Beyond the plumbing, other systems need winter protection.
- Empty and Clean Holding Tanks: Thoroughly empty and clean the black and gray water holding tanks. Add a small amount of RV antifreeze to each tank to protect the valves.
- Disconnect and Store the Battery: Disconnect the battery and store it in a warm, dry place. Periodically check the battery’s charge and charge it as needed.
- Inspect and Seal: Inspect all windows, doors, and vents for cracks or gaps. Seal any openings with caulk or weather stripping to prevent drafts and moisture intrusion.
- Cover the RV: Consider covering your Cougar with an RV cover to protect it from the elements. Make sure the cover is breathable to prevent condensation buildup.
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. Only use RV antifreeze, which is non-toxic and safe for use in drinking water systems after thorough flushing in the spring.
FAQ 2: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount depends on the size of your water system. As a general guideline, 2-3 gallons is sufficient for smaller trailers, while 3-5 gallons is recommended for larger ones. It’s always best to have slightly more than needed.
FAQ 3: Do I need to drain the water heater even if I have a bypass kit?
Yes, you should always drain the water heater. Even with a bypass kit, some water may remain in the tank, which can freeze and cause damage.
FAQ 4: What if I don’t have an air compressor?
While using compressed air is the most effective method for removing water from the lines, you can skip this step and rely solely on RV antifreeze. However, using compressed air first minimizes the amount of antifreeze needed.
FAQ 5: What should I do if I find a leak while adding antifreeze?
Immediately turn off the water pump and locate the leak. Tighten the fitting or repair the damaged section of pipe. You may need to replace a section of pipe if it’s severely damaged.
FAQ 6: How do I winterize the ice maker and washing machine (if equipped)?
Consult your appliance owner’s manuals for specific instructions. Generally, you’ll need to disconnect the water lines, drain any remaining water, and add RV antifreeze to the water lines.
FAQ 7: Can I leave the propane tanks connected?
Yes, you can leave the propane tanks connected, but ensure they are turned off. Inspect the propane regulator for any signs of damage or corrosion.
FAQ 8: What should I do about the tires?
Cover the tires to protect them from UV damage. Consider placing the RV on blocks to reduce stress on the tires and prevent flat spots.
FAQ 9: How do I prevent mold and mildew during storage?
Ensure the RV is well-ventilated. Open vents (but screen them to prevent insects from entering) and consider using moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers inside the RV.
FAQ 10: Should I leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open?
Yes, prop open the refrigerator and freezer doors to prevent mold and mildew growth. Clean the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly before storing.
FAQ 11: What should I do in the spring when de-winterizing?
Thoroughly flush the water system with fresh water until all traces of antifreeze are gone. Sanitize the water system with a bleach solution (1/4 cup of bleach per 15 gallons of water). After sanitizing, flush the system again with fresh water.
FAQ 12: Is it necessary to winterize if I live in a mild climate?
Even in mild climates, unexpected freezes can occur. It’s always best to winterize your RV, especially the plumbing system, as a preventative measure. The peace of mind is worth the effort.
By following these steps and answering these frequently asked questions, you can confidently winterize your Keystone Cougar travel trailer and protect it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. This will ensure that your Cougar is ready for another season of adventure!