Forum Discussion

Brownsfan032's avatar
Brownsfan032
Explorer
Oct 05, 2023

Winter travel

I have a gas class A
I live in northern New Jersey and store my rig in my driveway. We are leaving for a family vacation to Florida leaving December 8th.
Trying to avoid winterizing then having to drain and sanitize for a week and then re-winterizing again.
Any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

19 Replies

  • OP, don’t use antifreeze in the potable water system and that solves the problem of de-winterizing. Basically eliminates it.
    Blow the lines out. AF in the pee traps.
    Fill the tank with water right before you leave the house and drive until it ain’t cold anymore!

    Or keep the camper heated and do nothing if you reasonably believe or know that will keep the potable system from freezing in late fall temps.

    One is easier than the other if it works. Either is easier than winterizing the potable with AF and as a bonus, if you pick option 1, you’ll learn how to never have to muck up your water system with AF again.
  • pianotuna wrote:
    survive on bottled water for the trip?

    Get a large plastic bag for the toilet and use some kitty litter in it.


    Sorta defeats one of the main purposes of having a full featured RV. But you’re correct, yes it is technically an option.
  • Ed C wrote:
    We just keep the heat on. More expensive that winterizing but much easier!


    if you do that be sure to place a 60 or 100-watt incandescent light bulb in the wet bay. many RVs, even basement models, don't heat that area. cheap insurance. Amazon still has incandescent bulbs available.
  • Winterize, then drain into the bottles and rewinterize with the same antifreeze.
  • survive on bottled water for the trip?

    Get a large plastic bag for the toilet and use some kitty litter in it.
  • If it's in the driveway you should be able to put a small elec. heater in the wet bays to keep everything above freezing. Another inside the coach should do the same thing.
    I am also a big fan of using air to blow out the lines but keep the pressure low and work one line at a time.
  • We just keep the heat on. More expensive that winterizing but much easier!
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Blow the water lines clear and pour a little antifreeze in the drain traps. No problem, I do it probably 6 or 7 times a winter between my 2 m/h’s.

    Just be sure to read up on how to *properly* blow the lines clear.

    No sanitizing required because you’re not filling the lines with goop, once you get the hang of it, winter ing takes 10 minutes, and getting ready for use takes less than 5 minutes. Hook up water and open taps.