To winterize a trailer, especially an RV or travel trailer, follow these key steps for protection against freezing temperatures:
- Drain all water from the system:
- Drain the water heater by opening its access valve.
- Open low-point drains under the trailer to drain water from the plumbing.
- Open all faucets (hot and cold) inside and outside the trailer to flush out water.
- Drain the fresh water tank completely.
- Blow out remaining water lines:
- Use an air compressor with a blowout plug adaptor attached to the city water connection.
- Turn on each faucet one at a time until no water flows, clearing pipes of water.
- Bypass the water heater:
- Switch the water heater bypass valve to winterize mode to avoid filling lines with antifreeze.
- Add RV-safe antifreeze:
- Connect the water pump intake to a container of pink RV/Marine-grade antifreeze.
- Turn on the water pump and open all faucets and toilets until pink antifreeze appears, ensuring antifreeze fills the water lines and traps to prevent freezing.
- Additional steps:
- Remove batteries from detectors and leave compartments open.
- Consider insulating water lines and exterior components if you expect extremely cold conditions.
These steps ensure that water is removed from the plumbing system and replaced with antifreeze designed to prevent freezing damage during storage in winter.
