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swimmer_spe's avatar
swimmer_spe
Explorer
Apr 29, 2019

De winterizing

Spring has finally sprung here in Northern Ontario. The TT is now moved from it's winter parking spot to the driveway, ready for the season. Now it is time to de winterize it.

Here is my list:
-fill water tank
-pump out antifreeze from lines
-put plug in water heater and switch valves for in service.
-fill water heater
-Turn on propane and test all appliances to see if they still work.
-turn on AC to make sure it works.
-Check all lights

Is there anything I am missing?
  • I do things a little different than you.
    1. Go inside and open all faucets.
    2. Go outside and open low point drains to get as much of the pink stuff as possible to drain out. Close low point drains.
    3. As others have said, bleach. Hook up every hose you intend to use this year to your tank fill port (could be gravity or a hose connection) and pour bleach into the hose furthest from the camper. Now hook the hose up and fill the tank. This way everything gets some bleach to kill the bad stuff.
    4. Pump bleach water through system to get the pink stuff cleaned out.
    5. Turn off the pump. Close/open (depends how you look at it) the bypass for the water heater. Turn on pump to give a short flush of the water heater. Turn off pump and put plug in water heater. Turn on pump and open a hot water valve/faucet to fill the water heater with bleach water.
    6. Let sit overnight. Next day. Repeat numbers 1 & 2 plus drain your holding tank and water heater.
    7. When ready, fill with fresh water and enjoy.
  • JaxDad wrote:
    MudChucker wrote:
    So... I think you are close, perhaps you are a bigger picture person and so have missed some details...

    Leave hot water tank bypass in bypass configuration.
    Partially fill fresh tank and dump a couple of times.
    Fully fill fresh tank and ad a cup or 2 of unscented bleach.
    Turn on water pump and pump mixture through all lines till pink stops pumping out.

    Drink a beer.

    Drain fresh tank.

    Drink another beer while tank drains.

    Fill fresh tank and pump through lines till bleachy water is gone.

    Turn off pump



    Done.


    That the best reason why I like using air instead of that pink goo.

    Besides, at my age I’m asleep after two beer.....


    I am further north than you, so the goo is good.
  • I pour 3/4 cup bleach into the supply hose then pump both the freshwater tank and water heater full of bleach water, let set for at least three hours, then dump. If you dump overnight you don't have to drink so many beers. Then fill everything with fresh water and run as previously advised to get the bleach/pink stuff out of the system.

    For those who use air does the pump and accumulator (if used) get all the water out?
  • 98 % complete, everything already mentioned plus; pull air filters from a.c. and clean them, check all seals, gaskets,and caulk . Then I apply petroleum jelly to rubber seals. I also like to check the burn tubes on water heater and refrigerator, make sure no debris, spider webs and such. While I'm doing that I also take a look at the color of flame, making sure that it's burning properly. Then I'll remove all mothball trays that I had placed at beginning of storage. Last thing after that is to inform the DW that it's ready for her turn... enjoy the coming season
  • I usually take the opportunity to check the brake adjustment and repack the bearings as well.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    MudChucker wrote:
    So... I think you are close, perhaps you are a bigger picture person and so have missed some details...

    Leave hot water tank bypass in bypass configuration.
    Partially fill fresh tank and dump a couple of times.
    Fully fill fresh tank and ad a cup or 2 of unscented bleach.
    Turn on water pump and pump mixture through all lines till pink stops pumping out.

    Drink a beer.

    Drain fresh tank.

    Drink another beer while tank drains.

    Fill fresh tank and pump through lines till bleachy water is gone.

    Turn off pump



    Done.


    That the best reason why I like using air instead of that pink goo.

    Besides, at my age I’m asleep after two beer.....
  • So... I think you are close, perhaps you are a bigger picture person and so have missed some details...

    Leave hot water tank bypass in bypass configuration.
    Partially fill fresh tank and dump a couple of times.
    Fully fill fresh tank and ad a cup or 2 of unscented bleach.
    Turn on water pump and pump mixture through all lines till pink stops pumping out.

    Drink a beer.

    Drain fresh tank.

    Drink another beer while tank drains.

    Fill fresh tank and pump through lines till bleachy water is gone.

    Turn off pump

    Remove hot water tank plug

    Reconfigure hot water tank bypass for in line use.

    Turn on pump and allow a small amount of water to escape the hit water tank, I will often open a near by hot water tap and insert the plug allowing a portion of the tank to fill and remove the plug to be sure any bugs are rinsed out.

    Turn off near by hot water tap, turn of pump lube (food grade lube) and reinsert the anode rod in the tank.

    Turn on pump and allow tank to fill.

    Test all systems.

    Done.
  • I doubt your tires got any wear while the TT was in storage. I would check the pressure and look for cracks or deterioration on the tires.

    Don't forget to clean and tighten your battery terminals. Lubricate whatever needs lubed and check your roof.
  • I guess its just me but I like to check the tires for ware and pressure. Does your TT need its bearings greased now would be the time for that.

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