Winter Prep for TT

[Thomson7]

Since a search for "Winter" yields 13,000 + posts and another for "Winter Prep" doesn't give what I'm looking for, I'll post a request for info... but if posts already exist somewhere else, please feel free to redirect me there instead!!

We live in NB, Canada and need to start thinking about prepping the TT for the winter. I'd prefer to do it myself and store the trailer on my own property.

We have a Hybrid TT and this will be its first winter. Any suggestions on what needs to be done to prepare it for winter, and to protect it from the elements would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure many of you have done it so often, you could do it with your eyes closed!!

Thanks.

[tenbear]

I live in an area where it is cold and lots of snow. I drain the lines thru the low point drains, blow out the water lines and pump RV antifreeze (pink stuff) thru the lines. Drain the fresh water tank. Clean and drain the grey and black tanks then pour some pink stuff in all the traps making sure some ends up in the tanks.

I have never worried about mold but leave the roof vents open. They have Max Air vent covers. I also have not shoveled the snow off the roof, or used a cover.

Fill the gas tank and add some Sta-Bil fuel conditioner.

I leave the batteries in but I am hooked up to power so the batteries stay charged.

Remove all food and dont forget the cans of soda hidden under the sofa. They make a real mess when they freeze. Don't ask me how I know.

I hope I covered everything, just going from memory

[Go_Dogs]

BTW: The Dollar Tree has the same product as Damp Rid for $1!

[Go_Dogs]

Damp Rid
Here are some testimonials about using Damp Rid in campers/RVs.

[Thomson7]

WoodGlue wrote:
X2 on what SWD said.

You're going to want to keep the moisture down, I'd suggest getting a couple of tubs of DampRid (and a couple of refills too) and set them around inside the trailer. You can get DampRid at Walmark!

WoodGlue

WoodGlue, do you know if DampRid can be used where temperatures are routinely below freezing? Do you use it in that sort of climate?

[Go_Dogs]

Cecilt wrote:
We always leave our roof vents cracked to allow air flow through the camper. This will prevent mold not cause it.

Read some of the posts here, about mold/mildew. Usually because someone left a vent or window open. Unless you live in a very dry environment. Moisture + Darkness + Cold temps = mold.
Keep it clean, keep it dry, keep it in sunlight,(blinds up).

[Cecilt]

We always leave our roof vents cracked to allow air flow through the camper. This will prevent mold not cause it.

[Go_Dogs]

I think a great idea would be a solar-powered collection of a wriggling rubber snake, or a fake cat with a flicking tail, or an owl turning his head. That would put the spook into rats and mice!

[Dick_B]

Try that search again. Search for `pink stuff' then search the results for `winterizing' and there are only 105 posts.

[The_Dung_Beetle]

Go Dogs...
Thank you for the great "turn on the light" tip! While living in this heavily wooded area is awesome we do battle Norway rats every fall. We had been avid bird feeders in the past, but had to quit due to the seed/suet drawing the Norways in even worse. We were wondering how the battle would go this year given the TT is not near as tight as the house/out buildings.

We'll for sure do what you suggested to seek and plug holes.
.

[Go_Dogs]

Follow the advice about the RV antifreeze. Empty/bypass the hot water tank. Empty water from all holding tanks. Pump antifreeze thru all faucets, (don't forget outside shower). Put some into grey/black tanks. Do not put it in the fresh water holding tank, or hot water tank.
Do a thorough cleaning. Remove all food, soap, toothpaste, scented candles, old firewood, etc. It will attract rodents/bugs.
At night, turn inside lights on-plug any holes that you see light coming thru.
We do not cover our RVs. The best thing is to put it in a covered building-barn, garage, etc. , but that's best case scenario.
Do not leave any vents/windows open-moisture will get in and cause mold. Cover the tires, as UV damage happens in the winter, too.
Clean inside of fridge/freezer and leave the door cracked open.
Remove 9v/AA batteries from smoke detectors, as they will just go dead. Remove trailer battery and store inside.
Secure anything valuable to prevent theft. Put a hitch lock on it.
Check on it once in awhile, during the winter. When you check on it, be sure to say, 'Hi, We'll be hitting the road, soon'!

[ReadyToGo]

First, the bottom line as posted above is that you do not want a busted water line ever. Draining, blowing, RV anti-freeze are the solution to that.
Covering, Rule 1 is that you must have air circulation in the camper. So don't tighten it up so no air get in, otherwise mildew can happen. Living in MN usually means snow and now usually a rainfall or two. I used to cover, but we leave in the winter sometimes so that was a disaster. The top froze to the roof of the RV.
I guess that the person with pine needles and branches is kind of right, but if you don't have trees, as we don't have, it is okay not to cover, at least in my opinion. Of course if you cover, there is less chance of water getting in or creating a problem. Remember, RV sales lots don't usually have trees and they of course do not cover.

[WoodGlue]

X2 on what SWD said.

You're going to want to keep the moisture down, I'd suggest getting a couple of tubs of DampRid (and a couple of refills too) and set them around inside the trailer. You can get DampRid at Walmark!

WoodGlue

[SWD]

Drain the fresh water tank, empty out the grey and black tanks, drain the hot water heater, open all taps and faucets, showers and low point drains etc and blow out the lines using an adapter on the city water inlet. After that dump some rv antifreeze into all the tanks and p traps run the pump till anti freeze is visible and you are done. Different variations exist of this procedure but in the end you need to get rid of all the water in your lines.

[The_Dung_Beetle]

That question is the MILLION DOLLAR question.

So, I'd suggest this (or you'll make yourself crazy). Start by reading the winterizing section of your owners manual. THEN, I'd go ask a local RV dealership for your AREA what they recommend.

We have researched that information out for a couple months now, and it REALLY REALLY varies according to where you live. We were 100% convinced not to cover our TT this winter, and then out of the blue someone who lives in our vicinity posted that if not for his TT cover the top of his TT would be destroyed from all our falling pine needles, and smaller branches. We are in heavily wooded areas that can be prone to high winds. He's had no mold problems etc.

We have made ourselves crazy with this topic...lol Of things we have decided on - other then the full winterizing suggested in the owners manual for our TT is to put olive oil in the toilet bowl as it won't freeze, but it will keep the toilet ball seal from drying out over the winter. We ARE going to shut windows/vents up tight but LEAVE ALL CURTAINS UP so what little sunshine we see in the GREY winters of the PNW can hopefully thwart the mold. Also, bought a dehumidifier and will run that in it because of our high humidity. I may contact the people we bought it from too. They were locals and this 7 yr old TT was mold free,and spotless when we bought it.