Forum Discussion

tmas's avatar
tmas
Explorer
Jan 26, 2014

Dewinterizing

My new TT has been winterized with the pink antifreeze, how do I dewinterize before our first trip?
  • I've seen it suggested here before and didn't see it repeated here, but a lot of folks say that their first trip of the year is normally full hookups, so they can flush and dump on site. I thought that was a great idea.
    Thanks,
    Spap
  • Be careful using the HW heater rinse out wand. 2 weeks ago I used one and evidently had the pressure on the water faucet too high. Blew the wand right off the shut off valve that was screwed on the hose. Seems as though that was a one time connection because the wand would snap right back on but would also blow right back off when I turned the water back on. I felt lucky that the wand didnt shoot off the valve while it was in the heater. I think it could be pretty difficult to fish that out of the heater if it went all the way in. Bottom line is "learn from my mistake, keep the pressure low when using the HW heater rinse out wand."
  • We were newbies 2 yrs ago and the best thing I can tell you is to read ALL the manuals that came with your unit and gain an understanding of the systems in the trailer. De winterizing is easy but RE winterizing is vital to prevent damage from freezing water in the pipes and pump and you must be thurough and do it properly. Really, RVs are not all THAT complicated to understand how things work. Mostly, HAVE FUN WITH IT. As they say.... GO CAMPING!
  • thanks for the quick response! Sure do appreciate all you guys and your opinions. It helps us newbies!
  • dethrower wrote:
    When I winterized last year, I didn't have the hot water heater completly bypassed. Antifreeze got to into the tank. How should I rinse it out?

    Take out the drain plug and get a water heater rinse wand to stick in the hole and turn on the water. I would let it rinse for several minutes because if there is any antifreeze left in the tank you will get foam out of the faucet.
    Barney
  • dethrower wrote:
    When I winterized last year, I didn't have the hot water heater completly bypassed. Antifreeze got to into the tank. How should I rinse it out?


    Just fill and drain and fill and drain. It should take care of most if not all of it.
  • When I winterized last year, I didn't have the hot water heater completly bypassed. Antifreeze got to into the tank. How should I rinse it out?
  • Our first camping trip often occurred before temperatures were above freezing. With previous RVs we would travel south until we reached appropriate temperature then in the campground we'd flush out antifreeze. With current trailer I pick a relatively warm day maybe a month or so of departure date and flush out system and leave the trailer plugged into 120 volt power with heated tanks keeping things thawed and ready for use. Also leave a small electric heater on in the cabin to prevent freeze ups in internal plumbing. It's really a little different for each RV depending on how it's equipped and what your storage situation is.
    Good luck / Skip
  • Hook up a hose to your city water connection. Open up one faucet one at a time until the water runs clear. Do both hot and cold, inside, outside shower. Turn off the water to the TT. Put your hot water plug back in the tank if it's out. Un-bypass your hot water heater by twisting valves 180. Turn on at least one hot water faucet. Turn on water and your hot water heater will fill. Dump grey an black tanks before camping (optional).