Winterizing

[sfish]

Has anybody got a checklist for winterizing the Montys. Its that time of the year again. I dont want to forget anything. Thanks for your help.

[racerjoe]

blow out and open bottom drains. recap drains.drain and bypass h.w. tank,we leave annode rod out, pull shower heads and hoses, wash machine, If you have a suction line to pull antifreeze into the system it mostly takes care of all lines, outside shower if you have one, toilet, put a cup of antifreeze in each sink and shower drain. look at all your exposed lines and see if you see pink for a good indicator. we leave the blk and gray valves open, we also remove battery so it won't freeze. that is mostly what we do.

[BB_TX]

I just drain all the tanks, including the fresh water tank and water heater. Then bypass the WH.
Then hook up an antifreeze jug to the winterizing connection, turn on the pump, and one by one open each kitchen faucet until I see antifreeze coming out. Then each vanity faucet, each shower faucet, the commode, and then the washer/dryer until I see antifreeze from each one. I follow Splendide's instructions for the washer/dryer. Then I turn on each outside shower faucet. Also run a little thru each low point drain.
Doing the above puts some antifreeze thru all the lines plus some in each drain trap. If I remember, I connect a hose from the outside shower connection to the black tank flush connection and run a little thru there. Don't really know if that is necessary or not.

[sfish]

Thanks again for the advise.

[H. John Kohl]

This is the process I use for the water lines
[list_to_fix][*] Dump all holding tanks[*] Drain water heater [list=a][*] Turn off 120 VAC power at outside black switch[*] Pull anode rod
[*]Blow out lines with about 40 lbs air pressure no more than 60[list=a][*] Blow out black tank flush line[*]After water is out of water heater switch to winterize mode bypassing water heater lines[*]Open one faucet at a time to remove as much water as possible including low drain points.[*]Drain fresh water tank[*]Switch pump to winterize mode (normally takes about two gallons)[list=a][*]Hook up siphoned line to winterize port[*]Pump pink solution into each faucet[list_to_fix][*]Kitchen sink[*]Bathroom sink[*]Shower[*]Outside shower[*]Washer shower faucets[*]Pump into commode[*]Pour pink in drains (normally 1/3 gallon per drain trap)[list=a][*]Kitchen sink[*]Bathroom sink[*]Shower[*]Commode[*]Washer dryer drain[*]Remove all liquids from storage areas

[jackel1959]

sfish,
Here is a link to the step-by-step procedure for winterizing using the compressed air method: Compressed air method.
Also, here is a link to the Keystone website with a visual of the process: Winterize your rig. Just click on the "Winterize your RV" video.

Jack

[brooksider]

here is my check list.
Winterizing Trailer

• Remove all liquids and gels ie. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, printer cartridge,and any gels or liquids in storage compartment and tool box.
• Leave fridge doors open remove light.(put in baking soda).
• Put bounce sheets in all compartments.
• Shut of power to water heater.
• Shut of power to microwave.
• Drain water tank.
• Open low point drains (2).
• Drain water heater.
• Engage hot water by pass valve.
• Close low water drains.
• Blow out lines (30psi) - open taps (Hot and Cold) closest to air supply close tap, and then each succeeding taps.**
• Blow out black water flushing line. if equipped
• Remove water filter
• Disconnect supply line from water tank at pump. Install
rubber hose with one end in jug of anti freeze. Make sure taps are closed.Or use FreezeGaurd.
• Turn on pump.
• Turn on o/s shower until red anti freeze flows.

• Disconnect hand held shower in side and drain.
• Open tap furtherest from pump until anti freeze flows.
• Flush toilet until anti freeze flows.
• Washer lines to be flushed.
• Make sure there is anti freeze in traps.
• Remove rubber hose from pump and reconnect tank supply line. (Make sure it is drained, may have to put anti freeze in hose not required if you have frezzeguard)
• Open low point drains.
• Open holding tanks.
• Cleanup any spilled anti freeze and wipe out sinks
• Open vents a touch.***
• Remove battery and store.
• Apply die-electric grease to 7 pin connector, truck connector also.
• Oil all hinges and key cylinders.
• Check air in tires and store on wood.
• Park trailer with all blinds closed.
• Cover tires.
• Clean BBQ

** If you don’t blow out lines then make sure you release the valve at the city water connection.
*** only if you have max vents

Joe

[Sierra 117]

The first time I winterized, didn't know it had a water filter. The thing froze and split. Now I remove the screws holding the white panel, then remove and empty the filter.

[navybanker]

Didn't realize there is a water filter behind the white panel! I assume this is on the 3400RL also.

[richfaa]

We are winterizing right now..

Pack Montana
Hook up truck
Head for Florida


Otherwise do as suggested in post from others above..

[bncinwv]

I knew that was coming Rich!!
The only thing I can add is if you are using the pink stuff is to make sure that it travels all the way to the end of the low-point drains. They are exposed, they will freeze, they will crack! As another alternative, I have never removed the batteries from the rig but I do charge them and visit the rig monthly to operate the generator and keep the batteries charged. A fully charged battery will not freeze, a dead battery can freeze. I do fully disconnect them now to make sure there are no current drains at all. And for those of us who have installed any kind of soap dispensers at the sinks, remove the soap and/or the canisters. Ours is mounted at the kitchen sink and the container is unscrewed beneath the counter and removed from the rig.
Bingo

[racerjoe]

I like Rich's winterization check list the best!!!

[indy roadrunner]

I think Rich has too many steps in his procedure. Eliminate the 1st step just step 2 and 3 are all that's needed. They have Walmarts in Florida or Texas which ever way the truck is pointed.