Winterizing your park model trailer is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years to come. This involves draining water lines, adding antifreeze, and protecting vulnerable components, effectively shutting down your water system until the spring thaw.
The Importance of Winterization
Failing to properly winterize your park model trailer can lead to devastating consequences. Frozen water expands, causing pipes to burst, appliances to crack, and fixtures to be destroyed. The resulting water damage can lead to mold growth and structural issues, resulting in extensive and expensive repairs. Beyond the immediate financial burden, neglected winterization can significantly depreciate your trailer’s value and disrupt future enjoyment. By taking the necessary steps to protect your investment, you’re safeguarding against these potential disasters. Thorough preparation now can save you thousands of dollars and considerable headaches later.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
This section outlines the detailed steps required to effectively winterize your park model trailer. Follow each instruction carefully to ensure comprehensive protection against freezing temperatures.
Draining the Water System
This is the most critical step in the winterization process.
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off completely. If you have a water meter, make sure it’s not running.
- Drain the water heater: Turn off the power supply to the water heater (both gas and electric if applicable). Open the pressure relief valve at the top of the water heater and then remove the drain plug or valve at the bottom. Allow the tank to drain completely. Many people replace the drain plug with a simple ball valve to make future draining easier.
- Open all faucets and fixtures: Open all interior and exterior faucets, including showerheads, sinks, and any outdoor showers. Turn on both hot and cold handles.
- Flush toilets: Flush toilets until the tanks are empty.
- Bypass the water heater (if applicable): Most park model trailers are equipped with a water heater bypass system. Engage this system to prevent antifreeze from entering the water heater tank. This saves antifreeze and protects the water heater from potential corrosion.
- Locate and open low point drains: These are typically located underneath the trailer, near the plumbing lines. Open all low point drains to allow water to drain from the pipes. Some may require a wrench to loosen.
Adding Antifreeze
This step protects the remaining water in the system from freezing. Use RV antifreeze only, which is non-toxic and safe for potable water systems. Never use automotive antifreeze.
- Close all faucets and low point drains: Once the water system has been drained, close all faucets and low point drains.
- Pour antifreeze into the fresh water tank (if equipped): If your trailer has a fresh water tank, pour RV antifreeze directly into the tank. The amount needed will depend on the tank’s capacity. Consult your owner’s manual for details. If you don’t have a fresh water tank, skip to the next step.
- Use a water pump converter kit or bypass the pump: Install a water pump converter kit, which allows you to draw antifreeze directly from the antifreeze container. Alternatively, you can bypass the water pump by disconnecting the inlet line and connecting a hose to draw antifreeze from the container.
- Turn on the water pump: Turn on the water pump and open each faucet (both hot and cold), starting with the faucet farthest from the pump. Run the pump until antifreeze flows pink (or the color of your antifreeze) from the faucet. Repeat this process for all faucets, including showerheads and outside faucets.
- Flush toilets with antifreeze: Pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl and flush until antifreeze is visible in the bowl.
- Pour antifreeze into drain traps: Pour antifreeze into each drain trap (sinks and showers) to prevent the traps from freezing and cracking.
Protecting Appliances and Fixtures
Specific appliances and fixtures require special attention during winterization.
- Ice Maker: If you have an ice maker, disconnect the water line and empty the ice tray. Allow the ice maker to run through a cycle with antifreeze in the water line.
- Washing Machine: Run the washing machine through a complete cycle with RV antifreeze.
- Dishwasher: Pour a cup of RV antifreeze into the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Inspect and seal openings: Check for any openings around pipes, windows, and doors and seal them with caulk or foam sealant to prevent drafts and pests from entering the trailer.
Exterior Protection
Protecting the exterior of your park model trailer is just as important as protecting the interior.
- Inspect and seal the roof: Inspect the roof for any cracks, leaks, or damage. Seal any openings with RV-specific sealant.
- Cover air conditioning units: Cover the air conditioning units with a waterproof cover to protect them from snow, ice, and debris.
- Skirting: Install skirting around the base of the trailer to help insulate and prevent drafts. Ensure the skirting is properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
- Lubricate door and window locks: Lubricate door and window locks with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent them from freezing.
- Propane Tanks: If you use propane for heating, ensure your tanks are full. A full tank is less likely to experience condensation, which can lead to rust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the winterization process for park model trailers.
FAQ 1: What type of antifreeze should I use?
Only use RV antifreeze (propylene glycol). It’s non-toxic and specifically designed for potable water systems. Automotive antifreeze is poisonous and can contaminate your water lines.
FAQ 2: How much antifreeze do I need?
The amount of antifreeze you’ll need depends on the size of your trailer and the length of your water lines. Typically, 2-3 gallons of RV antifreeze is sufficient for a park model trailer. Err on the side of using more rather than less.
FAQ 3: Can I use compressed air to blow out the water lines instead of antifreeze?
While blowing out the water lines with compressed air can remove most of the water, it’s not a foolproof method. Pockets of water can remain in low spots and freeze. Using antifreeze provides a much more reliable level of protection. It’s best practice to do both: blow out the lines and then add antifreeze.
FAQ 4: What if I forget to bypass my water heater before adding antifreeze?
If you forget to bypass your water heater, a significant amount of antifreeze will fill the tank. This isn’t necessarily harmful, but it will waste a lot of antifreeze. To correct this, drain the water heater and flush it thoroughly with fresh water in the spring before use.
FAQ 5: Do I need to drain and winterize my toilet?
Yes, you must drain and winterize your toilet to prevent the tank and lines from freezing. Flush the toilet until the tank is empty and then pour RV antifreeze into the bowl to protect the seals and traps.
FAQ 6: How do I winterize the outside shower?
The outside shower needs the same attention as the inside fixtures. Drain the lines and then run RV antifreeze through both the hot and cold handles.
FAQ 7: Can I skip winterizing if I’m only gone for a few weeks?
No. Even a short period of freezing temperatures can cause significant damage. It’s always best to winterize your trailer if it will be exposed to freezing temperatures, regardless of the duration.
FAQ 8: How do I know if my trailer is properly winterized?
A properly winterized trailer will have all water lines drained, all faucets running with antifreeze, and all appliances and fixtures protected. Regularly check for any signs of leaks or damage throughout the winter.
FAQ 9: What should I do with my batteries during the winter?
Disconnect the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. Check the electrolyte levels (if applicable) and charge them periodically to prevent them from going dead.
FAQ 10: Do I need to cover my trailer during the winter?
While covering your trailer can provide extra protection from the elements, it’s not always necessary. Ensure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. If you choose to cover it, inspect it regularly for wear and tear.
FAQ 11: What if I have a slide-out on my park model?
Inspect the seals around the slide-out and lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant. This will help prevent them from freezing and sticking.
FAQ 12: When is the best time to winterize my park model trailer?
The best time to winterize your trailer is before the first hard freeze of the season. Pay attention to weather forecasts and plan accordingly. It’s better to be proactive than to wait until it’s too late.
Conclusion
Winterizing your park model trailer is an essential task for protecting your investment and ensuring its longevity. By following these steps and addressing common concerns, you can confidently prepare your trailer for the winter months and enjoy peace of mind knowing it’s safe from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Remember that proactive maintenance is always the best approach.