WINTERIZING YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

Special care should be taken for cold weather storage of your recreational vehicle.

• All components should be examined.
• Make any necessary repairs before removing the battery.

REFRIGERATOR

• Remove all food
• Defrost.
• Wash and dry the inside.
• Prop the door open so air can circulate.

CABINETS

• Remove any foods in the cupboards that could freeze.
• Cabinet and closet doors should be left open slightly to prevent musty odors or mildew.

HOLDING TANKS

• Drain the water tank by opening all faucets.
• If the tank is equipped with an exterior drain cap, remove it, or open tank’s drain valve.
• Open all hot and cold water line drain valves.
• Pour six gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze into the gravity water fill.
• Switch the water pump on briefly.
• When anti-freeze flows out-close the faucets.
• Turn the pump off.
• Pour non-toxic antifreeze into both kitchen sinks and the shower drain (enough to fill traps).

WARNING

Automotive anti-freeze is poisonous. Do not use it in the fresh water system.

WATER HEATER

• Drain. After draining, about two quarts of water will still be in the heater…but there is plenty of room for expansion due to freezing.
• Add RV anti-freeze to the water heater tank by opening a hot water faucet. When antifreeze begins to flow, close the faucet.

WATER TANK

Drain the water tank by opening all the faucets with the water pump turned on. If the water tank is equipped with an exterior drain cap, remove it or open the tank’s drain valve.

WATER PUMP

After draining the water tank and water lines, the outlet hose should be removed from the water pump. A small amount of water will still be in the pump, so turn the pump on, catching the water with a towel. The outlet hose can be re-attached now or later.

TOILET

Repeatedly flush the toilet until anti-freeze appears in the bowl. One gallon of RV fresh-water antifreeze should be poured down the toilet. The toilet’s water supply line should be completely drained and the water supply valve should be left open.

On models equipped with pedals, insert something round like a soft drink bottle into the flush hole.

On models with black/white levers, block the white lever open with a wad of paper.

LP GAS REGULATOR

The regulator should be kept covered to keep moisture out of the vent.

The LP Gas container’s service valve should be closed. All pilot lights should be extinguished and all appliances (like oven / range, water heater, refrigerator, furnace) using LP Gas should have their valves closed. Each container should have anhydrous methanol added by an LP Gas supplier.

RV BATTERY

• Check water levels and add if needed.
• Recharge battery if necessary. Check power levels regularly and recharge as needed. Never store a battery in an area where it will be exposed to extreme heat or where sparks can occur. Proper ventilation is needed to disperse hydrogen fumes given off by the battery.
• Disconnect cables.

WINDOWS

To protect fabrics from fading, cover the windows with newspaper or cardboard.

EXTERIOR VENTS

Vents to the range hood, refrigerator and furnace should be covered with plastic. Inspect each roof vent and replace if needed.

CAUTION; ALWAYS REMOVE VENT COVERS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCES.

EXTERIOR

• Wash and wax
• Lubricate hinges and locks.
• Check underside of RV for holes and seal any that would allow rodents, insects or other pests to enter.
• Lock securely.
• Make periodic inspection throughout the winter months.
• Remove excessive snow from the roof with long-handled tool like a broom.

FIRE SAFETY

• Prevention is the best kind of fire safety. Take the same precautions in your RV as you do at home.
• Special precautions should be taken with any open flame inside your RV.
• Operate all appliances according to instructions.
• Be sure everyone in your party is familiar with all emergency features and the location of exits and fire extinguishers. A chemical fire extinguisher has been included in your RV. It needs to be regularly checked to be sure that it will be ready in an emergency. Replace it immediately if it has been partially or fully discharged. Fire extinguishers are mounted on the sidewall or cabinet directly inside the front door.
• LP Gas containers, gasoline or other flammable liquids should not be brought inside or stored in your RV.

SMOKE DETECTOR

Test your smoke detector

• After a period of storage
• Before each trip
• At least once a week during the time of actual use of your RV.

EMERGENCY EXITS

Some models have Emergency Exits. They are marked by one-inch red letters. Emergency Exits are opened by the use of handles that are colored red also. Make sure your dealer explains the location and operation of Emergency Exits to you, and be certain that your entire party is informed also.