Travel trailer-Winterization

Many travel trailer owners in the United States see winter as the end of the camping season and the beginning of winterization.

Although it is possible to hire a professional such as an authorized travel trailer dealer to winterize your camper caravan, it is not difficult.

Our detailed guide will show you in what way to winterize your travel trailer. This will save you up to $200 on winterization services. These instructions will show you how to drain the plumbing, flush the freshwater tank and then finish with RV antifreeze.

Travel trailer Winterization Guide Supplies Kit

Why is it important to winterize my travel caravan?

You can make sure your vehicle is ready for adventure when you winterize it. These steps will help you avoid expensive repairs.

It's vital to ensure that your popup trailer or camper trailer is dry at all times. You run the risk of having water in your pipes or lines freeze, expand and cause damage.

Also, ensure your trailer is stored in a safe place. You can prevent unwelcome guests from entering your trailer by checking all seams, plugs, and seals. Also, make sure that the battery is not plugged in and that all electrical devices are turned off.

When is it best to winterize my travel trailer?

The question, "How cold can it get before my camper needs to be winterized?" is not an easy one to answer. While a few days of freezing temperatures overnight won't cause any damage, you will have to decide when to stop camping season. You can get an idea of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones.

What amount of winterization are you willing to do in one go? Many travel trailers are "winterized" for their intended use. They drain all water and circulate RV antifreeze through their system. Then they can continue to use the travel trailer during the colder months.

Some people prefer to keep their vehicle in the storage shed and not use it until spring. To prepare for storage, you should follow the complete winterization process.

How do you winterize your travel trailer?

There are two options to winterize

Use an air compressor to remove the water.

Pumping antifreeze from RVs through the system using the water pump

Both methods work on the same principle: Get the water out of your RV, so it doesn't freeze and cause further damage.

Before you decide on a winterization method, familiarize yourself with all the components and systems in your travel trailer. This includes the plumbing system, including the sinks, shower, toilet, and toilet, as well as the tanks (black and fresh) and the appliances (the water heater and refrigerator, and pump). To make winterization a success, you must drain the water from these systems.

Step 1: Drain and flush

Before you can use an RV antifreeze or air compressor, first unplug the drain plugs. Then empty the grey, black and fresh tanks.

It is also important to drain the water heater. Locate the water heater drain plug

Next, flush the tanks with water to make sure they are as clean and as clean as possible.

This could be the hardest part of the process. Refer to your owner's manual for help in finding drain plugs. Water filters should be removed. After you have flushed out your tanks, make sure to reconnect any drain plugs.

Step 2A: Use an Air Compressor for Winterization

A compressed air adaptor, also known as a blowout connector, is all that you will need if you have an air compressor. Connect the blowout plug to the water supply line on your travel trailer's exterior wall. Then, attach the compressor nozzle and start applying compressed air. You must maintain a pressure of 60 psi to avoid damaging your internal systems.

A helper can go in and open each faucet one by one. Any remaining water will be blown out of the faucet by compressed air. Rotate the handles from cold to heat if the faucets have hot or cold water functions.

Next, take it one at a.m.

If you have one, flush the toilet and depress the hand sprayer.

Turn on the shower, and the external shower, if applicable.

You may have additional appliances that use water depending on the model of your travel trailer.

Also, turn on the water pump and let the compressed air clear any water trapped inside.

To force out any remaining water, you can blow compressed air into your black tank to dry it. Then, remove the plug and add 1 cup RV antifreeze.

Step 2B: Use Antifreeze to Winterize

Non-toxic RV antifreeze can be used to winterize your travel caravan. A Pump Converter Kit, also known as a presskit, is required along with approximately 2 gallons of RV antifreeze.

Note: Do not use regular automotive antifreeze. It is highly toxic. Use ONLY NON-TOXIC RV Antifreeze.

Turn off the water pump and make sure all faucets are shut. If your water heater has one, close it. This is very important step as it will save you six gallons of RV antifreeze that would otherwise be required to fill your hot water heater. Attach the Pump Converter Kit to the inlet of the water pump. Turn on the water pump and let the RV antifreeze flow through the system.

Open each hot and cold faucet until antifreeze flows through. The antifreeze will flow through the shower and toilet valves once it has opened. After the antifreeze has gotten to the drains, turn off the valves.

To stop antifreeze from leaking through the system, turn off the water pump.

Step 3: Beyond Water System

Now that you have completed the RV winterization process, it is time to put your travel trailer in storage. This checklist will help you to take the right steps during winterization. We promise you'll be glad that you took the time to do it when the warmer weather comes calling.

Turn off the propane in the tank/s.

To protect against UV rays, air pollutants, and dry rot, inflate, clean, then cover your tires.

To prevent corrosion, apply dielectric grease to the seven-pin connector.

If you have a water heater that is both electric and gas, ensure the electric heating element is off.

To dry the refrigerator and freezer doors, leave them open. Pro tip: To absorb moisture, crumple newspaper and place it in the refrigerator or freezer compartment.

To eliminate odors from storage, place open baking soda boxes in the refrigerator.

To discourage rodents, remove all food, cardboard, and paper from closets and doors.

Before you store your vehicle, wash the roof. You can inspect the roof for water leaks, cracked sealants, damage to AC covers, vents, or loose sealants. Before putting your unit into storage, make sure you have it checked.

All joints, pivot points, gears, and stabilizer jacks should be lubricated

Step 4: Battery Storage

If batteries are charged regularly, they will last longer. You can keep your battery charged in your garage or workshop to make it easier to check on it. You can also have the battery tested and checked for damage at a supplier. Check the fluid level of lead-acid batteries, and fill them with distilled waters if necessary.

You must charge your travel trailer's batteries if you plan to store them in storage. You will need to charge the battery at least once a month by plugging it in or connecting to an outlet. To prevent batteries from freezing, it is important to ensure that the batteries are fully charged before storing them.

Your travel trailer should not be left plugged in for extended periods of time. The converter will attempt to charge the battery again if it fails. You'll need to boil the liquid in the batteries.

Step 5: Final Winterization Steps

After you have completed the winterization checklist, it is time to put your vehicle in storage.

It is recommended that you store your vehicle on concrete or gravel. Concrete and gravel protect your tires from moisture, which can cause them to deteriorate over time. It helps keep your tires fully inflated.

Parking in tall grass and trees can attract rodents. Avoid storing your vehicle in areas where branches of trees are high up.

It's a smart idea to keep your vehicle safe and secure during the winter months.