Winterizing Pro-tips

[Sr. Oso]

I’m posting this here because I didn’t think the winter camping subforum would be appropriate. My wife and I took delivery of our 2022 MHC 295RL in NH where we live after most of the campgrounds were shuttered for the season. Unfortunately, we will only be able to christen it with a cocktail before wintering. Here lies the subject matter and post title: Winterizing pro-tips. We upgraded from a bumper pull TT so I am familiar with winterizing generally and have already blown out lines (including ice maker and washer lines) and added RV anti-freeze. Other than stuffing crevices with steel wool, does anyone have anything that is 5th wheel specific for winterizing?
Additionally, I removed the batteries from my TT because they were outside (connected to a solar panel). This rig has two lead acid batteries that are connected to two solar panels and inverter for the ‘frig. I was planning to turn off both power switches and disconnect the negative wires from the batteries leaving then on board (I am covering the MHC so the solar panels will be “dormant” for the winter). AmI on the right path or should I consider something else?
Thanks in advance.
Gerry

[jimcol]

Sounds like you got most everything. Don't forget to blow out your black tank flush line. couple of cups of antifreeze in each drain and toilet stools.

[AZ Traveler]

Gerry,

Sounds like you have covered it well.

The other consideration is moving further south away from freezing weather.

[Sr. Oso]

Originally Posted by AZ Traveler

Gerry,

Sounds like you have covered it well.

The other consideration is moving further south away from freezing weather.

Hey Zack,

I don't know about moving south but heading south for the winter is definitely in the cards for our retirement years. We are self employed, can manage the business remotely, and want to keep the income stream coming in albeit slower. My goal is to start spending more time away from home in the cold months working up to leaving before the snow falls and coming back after it melts. There are still some items that need to be overcome but that light at the end of the tunnel is not a locomotive.

[RMcNeal]

I'm sure you already know, but to be clear, make sure your batteries are fully charged before disconnecting if you leave them in the cold. They are less likely to freeze when fully charged.

[DutchmenSport]

You sound like you have everything under control I might add one more item ... keep the refrigerator and freezer doors cracked while in storage. If shut up, they will smell awful when you open up a few months later and getting that smell out of a refrigerator is a chore that could have easily been avoided.

Also, make sure every item in your camper that has any type of liquid in it, is removed. One year, in a previous travel trailer, I failed to remove 12 Coca Cola's in the refrigerator. I screwed up 2 rules here? Double check the contents of the refrigerator AND leave the door cracked.

When we got ready to use the camper (were were heading for South Carolina in January), .... too late ... the 12 cans of soda exploded! And oh was that fun cleaning up that mess. My refrigerator sealed pretty good, because nothing dripped out of it onto the wall, ..... until I opened the door!

Don't make the same mistake. A can of green beans can explode too!

[jsmitfl]

You probably already done it but the w/d p trap. I almost forgot ours in the house one time.

[Sr. Oso]

Originally Posted by jsmitfl

You probably already done it but the w/d p trap. I almost forgot ours in the house one time.

Thanks for the reminder. Even though the WD hookup has never been used, I guess it's a good idea anyway.

Originally Posted by DutchmenSport

You sound like you have everything under control I might add one more item ... keep the refrigerator and freezer doors cracked while in storage. If shut up, they will smell awful when you open up a few months later and getting that smell out of a refrigerator is a chore that could have easily been avoided.

Also, make sure every item in your camper that has any type of liquid in it, is removed. One year, in a previous travel trailer, I failed to remove 12 Coca Cola's in the refrigerator. I screwed up 2 rules here? Double check the contents of the refrigerator AND leave the door cracked.

When we got ready to use the camper (were were heading for South Carolina in January), .... too late ... the 12 cans of soda exploded! And oh was that fun cleaning up that mess. My refrigerator sealed pretty good, because nothing dripped out of it onto the wall, ..... until I opened the door!

Don't make the same mistake. A can of green beans can explode too!

Thanks for the reminder...since we haven't had a chance to use the new rig, there is sadly no food on board.

[Sr. Oso]

What say you...should I fill my 2 propane tanks or leave them empty for the winter?

The tanks are as they came from the dealer, empty or with very little propane. Will it make a difference to leave them empty for the long winter sleep? The guy that did our walk through told me that I should fill them to prevent condensation in the tanks. I'm of the mindset to just let them go but since I'm asking for Pro-Tips, what the heck.

[CalandLinda]

https://www.keystonerv.com/owners-ho...terize-your-rv

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Sr. Oso

What say you...should I fill my 2 propane tanks or leave them empty for the winter?

The tanks are as they came from the dealer, empty or with very little propane. Will it make a difference to leave them empty for the long winter sleep? The guy that did our walk through told me that I should fill them to prevent condensation in the tanks. I'm of the mindset to just let them go but since I'm asking for Pro-Tips, what the heck.

I leave mine at whatever level they are and turn them off.

[DutchmenSport]

I personally cannot understand how a 100% sealed tank can get condensation inside it? If enough moisture forms on the inside of the tank, then you already have a problem going on. That means the moisture is already there.

Nah. Doesn't matter, full or empty. Just close the valve nice and tight and keep the tank clean and dry. You might put some kind of lubricant on the threads where the hose connects, simply to keep them from rusting ... if you disconnect.

And talking about rust ... if you drain your water heater, replace the anode rod in the threads or if you have a plastic plug, replace it also. Why? If you don't, those threads on the water heater will rust up, making it very difficult to replace in the hole when you are ready to use it again. I replace my anode rod, but don't tighten all the way. I tighten it, then back off slightly, so if it does rust and seize up, I can wiggle the nut a bit each direction to break the rust free. I've been doing this for over 20 years.

[BB_TX]

Winterize your outdoor shower connections also if you didn't already. And your low point drains should be cleared of plain water. Any thing that had or has fresh water in it.

[Cat320]

The only way to 100% insure nothing involving water will freeze is to run the pink RV A/F through the entire coach. After you do that, dump some A/F in the P traps...and don't forget the washer or refer.