Rodie
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Re: First Time Winterizing and I'm Nervous
Thanks for the replies -- I'm beginning to feel better already. Water Tank/Pump: Still not sure if I have this, I assumed I have a pump due to the fact that there is a switch to operate it on my waste tank status lights thing -- but that same panel is on the majority of TT's and perhaps the switch isn't hooked to anything. I've never tried it being hooked to City Water! Thanks again!!428Views0likes0CommentsFirst Time Winterizing and I'm Nervous
I knew the day would come eventually, I have to winterize my own Travel Trailer. There used to be a camper that would help at my campground (aka: He'd do it for me) but alas he has moved on. At the same time, I purchased a new camper recently and don't have a lot of experience with it yet. It is a Park Model, Gulfstream Innsbruck 408TBS (2011.) If anyone is willing to read through the checklist I put together and offer any feedback it would be appreciated. I've read numerous posts, watched numerous YouTube videos, etc and tried to put together what I am specifically going to do. I get a little fuzzy in some areas -- especially when it comes to when to close certain valves or leave them open and also what my specific trailer has and needs. The biggest questions I (think) I have right now: * Being a Park Model, I don't think my TT has a fresh water tank. I don't see anywhere on the exterior of the camper where you could actually pour water into it -- only the "City Water Connection" which I use (I am a seasonal camper.) I'm thinking I may not need to drain the fresh water tank. I'm not doing much with the waste tanks. My intent was to fill them with fresh water at the beginning of the process, go through the process, pull them clear at the end, and then dump some antifreeze down the drains. Sufficient? * I'm going to do air through the lines via compressor, then antifreeze. When doing the air, do I need to run the water pump? * Is hand-pumping some antifreeze int the City Water Inlet after all of the lines are done via the water pump inlet sufficient? Anyway, if you have the time and inclination and can offer any comments they are definately appreciated. It's my first time and I'm on my own! TIA, Rodie PROCESS: 1) Close and Fill Waste/Black Tanks with Fresh Water 2) Disconnect Park Water Supply 3) Drain Main Fresh Water Tank (if Existing) 4) Drain Pipes a. Turn on Water Pump b. Open a Cold Water Faucet, Wait for Water Flow to Stop c. Turn off Water Pump 5) Drain via Drain Valves a. Open all faucets (hot and cold.) b. Valves located at one of three locations i. Low Point Water Valves (bottom of camper) ii. Hot & Cold Water Pipe Valves (under galley sink) iii. Hot & Cold Water Drain Valves (in exterior compartment) c. Close all faucets (hot and cold.) 6) Drain Water Heater a. Turn off Water Heater (All Switches) b. Remove Plug (1 1/16” Socket (Suburban Model) or 15/16” Socket (Atwood Model)) c. Pull Safety Valve to finish draining and ensure all water out d. New Anode Rod (Suburban Model) if it is corroded sufficiently e. Replace Plug 7) Bypass Water Heater a. Change valves on Heater (from interior) b. Either 3 valves or 1 valve, depending on configuration 8) Purge Remaining Water with Air Compressor a. Set Air Compressor to 25-30 psi. b. Connect Air Compressor Fitting to City Water Intake c. Turn on Air Compressor d. ?? Run Water Pump Here ?? – Not Sure e. Open and Close Faucets, Cold and Hot Separately, one by one until all water is purged. 9) Add RV Antifreeze a. Disconnect inbound water connection to Water Pump. b. Connect antifreeze tube to inbound connection of Water Pump. c. Have multiple bottles of Antifreeze ready and available at Water Pump Location. d. Insert antifreeze tube into Antifreeze bottle. e. Run Water Pump 20-30 seconds. Monitor Antifreeze level to ensure continuity of supply. f. Open and Close Faucets, Cold and Hot Separately, one by one until flow of red Antifreeze is present. g. Do not over look Shower, Toilets, and Outside Shower. h. Disconnect Antifreeze Tube from Water Pump and Replace with inbound water connection. 10) Pull and Drain Black Water Tanks, then Grey Water Tanks. Close after drained. 11) Additional RV Antifreeze a. Hand-pump some Antifreeze into City Water Connection. (?? Not crazy about messing with this valve. ??) b. Pour RV antifreeze into all drains and toilets. 12) Check Tire Pressure, Fill Tires as Necessary 13) Open Refrigerator/Freezer Doors and Prop Open 14) Close Slideouts 15) Disconnect Park Power 16) Disconnect and Bring home Battery for Warm Storage 17) Disconnect and Bring home Golf Cart Batteries for Warm Storage SHOPPING LIST & TOOLS 1) Antifreeze Hand Pump/Tube/Connection to City Water Intake 2) Tube and Fitting for Flojet Brand Water Pump for Antifreeze Intake 3) Suburban Water Heater Replacement Anode Rod. 4) Teflon Tape 5) RV Antifreeze 6) Unrelated to Winterization a. Suburban Water Heater Electronic Heater Replacement Element b. Suburban Water Heater Electronic Heater Replacement Tool (5” Diameter.) 7) Tools a. 1 1/16” and 15/16” Sockets, Extension, and Ratchet. b. Air Compressor c. Air Compressor Tire Fill Tool d. Air Compressor to City Water Intake Adapter e. Flashlight f. Bucket g. Towels, Paper & Regular h. Wrenches, Pliers, Etc.4.8KViews0likes11Comments
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