Winterizing your Springdale travel trailer is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. Proper preparation involves draining the water system, adding RV antifreeze, and taking preventative measures against pests and condensation, ensuring your investment is protected throughout the winter months.
Understanding the Importance of Winterization
As temperatures plummet, the residual water in your RV’s plumbing system can freeze, expand, and crack pipes, fittings, and even appliances like your water heater and toilet. These repairs can be expensive and time-consuming, potentially ruining your future camping season. Winterizing is a simple and cost-effective way to avoid these headaches.
Why Springdale Travel Trailers Need Special Attention
Springdale travel trailers, known for their affordability and popularity, are built to withstand typical camping conditions. However, they are not inherently designed to endure prolonged freezing temperatures without proper preparation. The plumbing system, in particular, is vulnerable.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to winterizing your Springdale travel trailer, ensuring it’s ready for the winter months.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, assemble the following items:
- RV Antifreeze: The amount you need will vary based on the size of your RV and plumbing configuration, but typically 2-3 gallons are sufficient. Do not use automotive antifreeze as it is toxic!
- Water Heater Bypass Kit (if applicable): This simplifies the winterization process and saves antifreeze.
- Water Pump Converter Kit (or tubing and a clamp): To easily draw antifreeze into the plumbing system.
- Air Compressor: For blowing out water lines.
- Wrench: For removing drain plugs.
- Screwdriver: For accessing certain components.
- Plumber’s Tape: For sealing drain plugs.
- Basin or Bucket: To catch drained water.
2. Drain the Water System
- Fresh Water Tank: Drain the fresh water tank completely by opening the drain valve.
- Water Heater: Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool completely. Remove the drain plug (typically a 1-1/16″ socket is required) and drain the water. Important: Relieve pressure inside the water heater before removing the plug. Consider flushing the water heater tank to remove sediment. Inspect the anode rod for corrosion and replace if necessary. Reinstall the drain plug with new plumber’s tape.
- Water Lines: Open all faucets (hot and cold), including the shower, to allow air to enter the system as you drain it.
- Low Point Drains: Locate and open the low point drain valves (typically red and blue handles near the floor of the RV). These are the lowest points in the plumbing system and help remove residual water.
- Toilet: Flush the toilet until the bowl is empty.
3. Bypass the Water Heater (If Equipped)
If your Springdale travel trailer has a water heater bypass kit, activate it. This diverts antifreeze away from the water heater, saving several gallons and minimizing the amount of flushing required in the spring. Refer to your RV’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to activate the bypass.
4. Blow Out the Water Lines with Compressed Air
Connect an air compressor to the city water inlet (using a blow-out adapter). Set the compressor to a low pressure (around 30-40 PSI). Open each faucet and toilet individually, allowing the compressed air to force any remaining water out of the lines. Repeat this process several times to ensure all lines are clear. Don’t exceed 40 PSI to avoid damaging the plumbing.
5. Introduce RV Antifreeze
- Water Pump: Install a water pump converter kit (or connect a length of tubing to the pump’s inlet side). Place the other end of the tubing into a gallon of RV antifreeze. Turn on the water pump.
- Run the Antifreeze: Open each faucet (hot and cold) one at a time, allowing antifreeze to flow until it runs pink. Repeat for the shower. Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
- Pour Antifreeze into Drains: Pour a cup of antifreeze into each drain (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower drain) and into the toilet bowl. This will protect the P-traps from freezing.
6. Other Winterization Steps
- Gray and Black Water Tanks: Empty and flush both gray and black water tanks thoroughly. Add a small amount of RV antifreeze to each tank (approximately 1-2 gallons) to protect the valves.
- Ice Maker and Washing Machine (If Applicable): Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing these appliances.
- Battery: Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery tender to keep it charged throughout the winter.
- Tires: Cover the tires to protect them from UV damage.
- Exterior: Inspect the roof and seals for any cracks or damage. Repair as needed. Cover the RV with a breathable RV cover.
- Interior: Remove all food items to prevent attracting pests. Open cabinet doors and drawers to allow for air circulation. Place desiccant packs inside the RV to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers regarding winterizing your Springdale travel trailer:
FAQ 1: Can I use automotive antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?
No. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your freshwater system, making it unsafe for drinking. RV antifreeze is specifically designed to be non-toxic and safe for use in potable water systems.
FAQ 2: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size of your RV and the complexity of its plumbing system. Generally, 2-3 gallons are sufficient for a smaller travel trailer like a Springdale. However, it’s always better to have a little extra on hand.
FAQ 3: Do I need to remove the water filter?
Yes. Remove the water filter and dispose of it. The filter can freeze and crack, and it’s also a good idea to replace it with a new one in the spring.
FAQ 4: What if I don’t have a water heater bypass kit?
If you don’t have a water heater bypass kit, you will need to fill the entire water heater tank with RV antifreeze. This will require significantly more antifreeze. Consider installing a bypass kit for future winterizations.
FAQ 5: How do I winterize my toilet?
After draining the water lines, flush the toilet until the bowl is empty. Then, pour a cup or two of RV antifreeze into the bowl to protect the seal.
FAQ 6: What if I find a leak in my plumbing after winterizing?
If you find a leak after winterizing, immediately drain the antifreeze and repair the leak. Before re-winterizing, pressure test the system with air to ensure the repair is successful.
FAQ 7: Should I cover my Springdale travel trailer?
Yes, covering your travel trailer is highly recommended. A breathable RV cover will protect it from UV damage, rain, snow, and debris.
FAQ 8: How do I prevent pests from entering my RV during the winter?
Seal any cracks or openings in the RV’s exterior. Remove all food items. Consider placing mothballs or dryer sheets inside the RV to deter rodents and insects.
FAQ 9: Can I skip the compressed air step and just use antifreeze?
While you can winterize solely with antifreeze, using compressed air first significantly reduces the amount of antifreeze required and helps remove more water from the system. Using both methods provides the best protection against freezing.
FAQ 10: How do I winterize the outside shower?
Don’t forget the outside shower! Open both hot and cold valves and allow RV antifreeze to flow until it runs pink.
FAQ 11: What do I do with the anode rod from my water heater?
Inspect the anode rod for corrosion after removing it from the water heater. If it’s significantly corroded (more than 75%), replace it with a new one. A corroded anode rod is doing its job of protecting the water heater tank from corrosion.
FAQ 12: When should I de-winterize my Springdale travel trailer in the spring?
De-winterize your travel trailer when the risk of freezing temperatures has passed. Thoroughly flush the water system with fresh water to remove any residual antifreeze. Consider sanitizing the freshwater tank before using it.