Proper winterization is crucial for protecting your Prowler travel trailer from costly damage caused by freezing temperatures. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to ensure your RV is ready to withstand the harsh winter months, preventing burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and other cold-weather woes.
The Importance of Winterizing
Leaving water in your Prowler’s plumbing system during freezing temperatures is a recipe for disaster. As water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on pipes, faucets, and water heaters. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and potentially catastrophic damage, requiring expensive repairs. Winterizing protects your investment and ensures your Prowler is ready for worry-free adventures when spring arrives. Neglecting this crucial maintenance task can void warranties and dramatically shorten the lifespan of your RV.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
Follow these steps meticulously to properly winterize your Prowler travel trailer:
1. Drain the Water System
This is the most critical step. Begin by draining all water from your Prowler.
- Empty the Fresh Water Tank: Open the drain valve(s) located on the fresh water tank and allow all water to drain completely.
- Drain the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater (both electric and gas) and allow the water to cool completely. Remove the drain plug (typically located at the bottom of the tank) and allow the water to drain. Consider using a water heater tank flushing wand to remove sediment buildup. Important: Replace the drain plug with a Teflon-taped plug or a specialized winterizing plug (available at RV supply stores).
- Drain the Water Lines: Open all faucets (both hot and cold) in the kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor shower (if equipped). Also, flush the toilet.
- Bypass the Water Heater: Activate the water heater bypass valves. This diverts antifreeze away from the water heater, saving you antifreeze and preventing potential damage to the water heater tank. This is typically achieved by turning the bypass valves to their closed position. Consult your Prowler’s owner’s manual for the specific location and operation of these valves.
- Drain Low Point Drains: Locate and open the low-point drains (usually red and blue valves indicating hot and cold water lines) to drain any remaining water in the lines.
- Drain the Black and Gray Water Tanks: Dump and thoroughly flush both the black and gray water tanks. Use a tank flush system if your Prowler is equipped with one.
2. Pressurize the System with Air
Using compressed air helps to force out any remaining water that may be trapped in the lines.
- Connect an Air Compressor: Connect an air compressor to the city water inlet using a blow-out plug.
- Set Air Pressure: Set the air compressor to a pressure between 30 and 40 PSI. Do not exceed 40 PSI as this can damage your plumbing.
- Blow Out the Lines: Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time, starting with the one furthest from the city water inlet, and allow air to flow until no more water comes out. Repeat this process for all faucets, including the toilet and outdoor shower.
3. Introduce RV Antifreeze
Using RV antifreeze is the final layer of protection against freezing. Use only RV antifreeze; automotive antifreeze is toxic and not safe for potable water systems.
- Disconnect the Water Pump Inlet: Disconnect the water pump inlet hose from the fresh water tank.
- Install a Winterizing Kit: Install a winterizing kit, which typically includes a siphon hose and valve. This allows you to draw antifreeze directly from a jug. If your Prowler already has a winterizing kit, simply activate the siphon valve.
- Siphon RV Antifreeze: Place the siphon hose into a jug of RV antifreeze.
- Pressurize the System with Antifreeze: Turn on the water pump. Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time, starting with the one furthest from the water pump, and allow antifreeze to flow until it runs pink. Repeat this process for all faucets, including the toilet and outdoor shower. Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze.
- Pour Antifreeze into Drains: Pour RV antifreeze into each drain (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and toilet) to protect the P-traps from freezing.
4. Protect Appliances and Fixtures
Pay attention to these often-overlooked components:
- Water Heater: If you didn’t install a winterizing plug, ensure the drain plug is securely tightened with Teflon tape. Even with the bypass, a small amount of water may remain.
- Ice Maker/Water Dispenser: If your Prowler has an ice maker or water dispenser, consult the owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. You may need to disconnect and drain the water lines.
- Washing Machine (if equipped): Run the washing machine on a short cycle with RV antifreeze to protect the internal components. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Outside Shower: Make sure the outside shower is completely drained and that you have applied RV antifreeze.
5. Seal Openings and Prevent Pests
Protect your Prowler from the elements and unwanted visitors:
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Inspect the exterior of your Prowler for any cracks or crevices and seal them with RV sealant.
- Cover Vents: Cover the vents (roof vent, refrigerator vent, furnace vent) to prevent snow, rain, and pests from entering.
- Remove Food: Remove all food from the refrigerator and pantry to prevent attracting pests.
- Prop Open Refrigerator Door: Prop open the refrigerator door to prevent mildew growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you in winterizing your Prowler travel trailer:
FAQ 1: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
Typically, you’ll need 2-3 gallons of RV antifreeze to winterize a Prowler travel trailer, depending on its size and the complexity of its plumbing system. It’s always better to have a little extra than not enough.
FAQ 2: Can I use automotive antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?
Absolutely not. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and should never be used in potable water systems. Use only RV antifreeze, which is designed to be non-toxic and safe for use in RV plumbing.
FAQ 3: Where do I find the low-point drains?
Low-point drains are usually located underneath the Prowler, near the water lines. They are typically red and blue valves indicating hot and cold water lines. Consult your Prowler’s owner’s manual for the exact location.
FAQ 4: How do I bypass the water heater?
Most Prowler travel trailers have bypass valves located near the water heater. These valves divert antifreeze away from the water heater. Consult your Prowler’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to operate the bypass valves. Generally, turning all valves to the perpendicular position relative to the inlet/outlet pipes will accomplish bypassing the water heater.
FAQ 5: What if my Prowler doesn’t have a winterizing kit?
You can purchase a winterizing kit at most RV supply stores. Alternatively, you can disconnect the water pump inlet hose and use a short length of hose to siphon antifreeze directly from a jug.
FAQ 6: How do I protect my RV battery during winter storage?
Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged during the winter months.
FAQ 7: Can I just leave the faucets dripping instead of winterizing?
Leaving faucets dripping might work in areas with consistently mild freezes, but it’s not a reliable method for preventing freezing damage. It’s best to fully winterize the system.
FAQ 8: What if I forget to bypass the water heater?
If you forget to bypass the water heater, you’ll end up filling the entire tank with antifreeze, wasting a significant amount. It’s crucial to bypass the water heater before adding antifreeze.
FAQ 9: How do I prepare the exterior of my Prowler for winter storage?
Wash and wax your Prowler to protect the paint from the elements. Cover the tires to prevent sun damage. Consider using an RV cover for added protection.
FAQ 10: Do I need to winterize if I store my Prowler in a heated garage?
Even in a heated garage, temperatures can fluctuate, and power outages can occur. It’s best to winterize your Prowler even if it’s stored in a heated garage to protect it from unexpected freezing.
FAQ 11: How do I de-winterize my Prowler in the spring?
Flush the entire water system with fresh water to remove any remaining antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and water lines. Reconnect the battery and appliances.
FAQ 12: Can I hire someone to winterize my Prowler?
Yes, many RV dealerships and service centers offer winterization services. This can be a good option if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or if you’re short on time. However, performing the task yourself will save money and provide a solid understanding of your Prowler’s plumbing.
By following these steps and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can ensure your Prowler travel trailer is properly winterized and protected from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures, ready for your next adventure when warmer weather returns.