De-Winterizing Your Camper: Steps For A Smooth Start

how to de- winterize a camper

Winterizing your camper is crucial to prevent damage from the cold weather. However, when the warmer months arrive, you'll need to de-winterize your camper to ensure it's ready for use. This process involves flushing out the antifreeze you added during winterization, refilling the tank, reconnecting batteries, sanitizing the water system, and more. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you safely and effectively de-winterize your camper.

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Remove the antifreeze

Removing the antifreeze is a crucial step in de-winterizing your camper. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, locate and identify your camper's water pump. This may require consulting your RV's manual to pinpoint its exact location. Once you have found the water pump, you will need to access it. This might involve removing a panel or opening a compartment, depending on your RV's design.

If you have a water pump converter kit, now is the time to connect it to the water pump. This kit will allow you to draw antifreeze directly from your camper's plumbing system. If you do not have a converter kit, you can disconnect one of the water lines and place it into a container filled with antifreeze. Ensure that the container is secure and will not tip over.

Turn on the water pump to initiate the flow of antifreeze. Starting with the faucets closest to the water pump, open both the hot and cold faucets. Allow the antifreeze to flow until you see a steady stream. Repeat this process for all faucets, including the shower, bathroom, and kitchen sinks. Remember to flush the toilet until you see the antifreeze in the bowl.

If your RV is equipped with additional water-based appliances, such as an ice maker or washing machine, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. Pay close attention to the expelled liquid. You should see the distinct pink or blue colour of the antifreeze, assuring you that the entire system is protected.

Depending on the size of your RV and its plumbing system, you may need more than 2-3 gallons of antifreeze. Be prepared to repeat the process until all lines are filled with the antifreeze solution. Once all faucets and appliances have been treated, turn off the water pump.

Now, open a faucet to release the pressure in the system. Go to the city water inlet valve and remove the small screen. Using a screwdriver, press the valve until antifreeze comes out. Replace the screen and close the inlet. Double-check that the water heater's heating element is switched off and that all faucets are closed.

Finally, to remove any remaining antifreeze from the system, run fresh water through it. You can do this by either connecting to the city water inlet or using the freshwater holding tank. Open all faucets (hot and cold) and run fresh water through the system until it flows clear. All remnants of the antifreeze will go into the holding tanks and can be emptied later at a dump station.

And that's it! You have successfully removed the antifreeze and are well on your way to enjoying your camper during the warmer seasons.

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Refill the tank

When refilling the tank of your camper, there are a few methods you can use. The easiest way is to use a water hookup and the water pressure to fill your tank. To do this, connect a specialised RV drinking water hose to the campsite spigot or alternative water source. Make sure the hose has an orange adapter, which is a pressure regulator to avoid bursting your pipes. Screw the other end of the hose (the male end) into the connection on your RV labelled "Potable Water Only". If your RV has only one input, make sure the valve is set to fill the fresh water tank.

Turn on the water supply slowly and carefully. You should have a friend inside the camper monitoring the filling of the tank. Once the tank is full, turn off the water supply and remove the hose. Replace the cap or lid on the water intake to ensure no debris gets inside.

If you don't have access to a water hookup, you can use a water pump to refill your tank. Connect a drinking water hose to your RV and use a 12v pump connected to your car or van battery using alligator clips. Pump the water from an external container, such as a jug or water bladder, into your RV's fresh water tank.

The final method is to use gravity. Find a way to hold your water source above the inlet hole, for example, by using a car or ladder. Pour the fresh water inside the hole. If your water jug doesn't have a spout that fits inside your water connection, attach a fresh water hose to the RV and use a funnel to pour the water into the other end of the hose. Remember, your water source needs to be at a higher level than the inlet for this method to work.

When refilling your tank, it is important to use filtered water to ensure your water is clean and free of harmful contaminants. You should also sanitise your RV's fresh water system periodically, especially after taking it out of long-term storage or if you notice a strange odour.

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Reconnect the batteries

When reconnecting the batteries to your camper, it is important to follow a few key steps to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Firstly, you will want to check that your battery is in good condition and has a sufficient charge. If you have stored your battery over winter, it should still be around 75-80% charged. However, if you have left it in your camper, you will need to check that it has not dropped below 50% charge, as this can cause permanent damage. If your battery is in good condition, give it a full charge before proceeding.

Next, you will need to reconnect the battery cables. Place the batteries back in their compartment. Then, reconnect the red cable terminal (positive) to its battery post, being careful not to touch it to the black terminal. Reconnect the wing nuts for the red cable terminal, ensuring the threads are not stripped and the nut is not too tight. Repeat this process with the black cable terminal (negative), connecting it to its battery post and screwing on the wing nuts.

Once the battery is connected, check that it is firmly in place and cannot move or jostle around. Then, shut the lid of the battery compartment, ensuring it is fully closed.

Now, you will need to restore power to your camper. Depending on what you did to power down before, you will either need to go through your vehicle and turn on all lights, electronics and appliances, or go to your breaker switches and test these to ensure the power is running.

Finally, before you start driving, it is a good idea to check the battery voltage with a voltage meter. This will inform you of the condition of your battery and let you know if it needs replacing. Ideally, you want batteries with 13 VDC, which will last you through the season and beyond.

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Sanitize the water system

Sanitizing the water system in your camper is a crucial step in maintaining your RV. It ensures the water is safe for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively sanitize your RV's water system:

  • Turn off the water heater and pump: Before beginning the sanitization process, make sure to turn off the water heater and pump to prevent any damage during the procedure.
  • Bypass the water heater: Set your water heater to bypass mode, similar to when you winterize the water system. Most RVs have a built-in switch for this, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase and install a kit.
  • Drain the water heater and water tank: Open the water heater plug and all low-point drains to drain the water heater and water tank completely. Leave the faucets open until the water is fully drained, then close them.
  • Prepare the bleach mixture: To sanitize your water system, you will need to use a bleach solution. Mix a quarter cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water. For a 30-gallon tank, use half a cup of bleach. Always dilute the bleach with water before adding it to your system.
  • Add the bleach mixture to the tank: Use a funnel to pour the diluted bleach mixture into the tank. Make sure to add the correct amount of bleach based on your tank's capacity.
  • Fill the fresh water tank: After adding the bleach mixture, fill the fresh water tank with potable water. This helps move the bleach solution throughout the tank, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
  • Turn on the pump and open faucets: Once the tank is full, turn on the water pump and run each faucet individually until you smell bleach. This ensures the sanitizing solution reaches all parts of the water system.
  • Let the solution sit: After running bleach water through all faucets, turn off the pump and let the bleach solution sit in the system for at least 12 hours. This allows the bleach to kill any remaining bacteria.
  • Drain the system: After the sanitizing period, drain the entire system by opening the fresh water tank drain, low-point drains, and faucets. Make sure to empty all the water.
  • Refill the tank with potable water: Close all drains and faucets, then refill the fresh water tank with potable water.
  • Flush the system: Turn on the water pump and open each faucet one at a time, letting the water run until you no longer smell bleach. You may need to repeat the refilling and flushing process to completely eliminate the bleach smell.
  • Put the water heater back in operation: Finally, replace the water heater plug and turn off bypass mode, returning the water heater to normal operation.

By following these steps, you can effectively sanitize your RV's water system, ensuring the water is safe and clean for your next camping trip.

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Check tire pressure

Checking your camper's tire pressure is an important step in de-winterizing your vehicle. Your RV's tires will lose roughly two to three pounds of air pressure every month while in storage, and this number may be higher if your camper was stored in a cold place. Poor control, uneven tread wear, a blowout, and a collision are all possible consequences of driving with underinflated tires.

To check your tire pressure, you will need a tire pressure tester. Check the pressure of all your RV tires, including the spare. Adjust the tire pressure according to the manufacturer's load recommendation. If you are unsure what this is, check your RV's handbook.

When evaluating your tires, also look for signs of deterioration, such as cracks in the sidewalls or worn treads. Consider investing in new RV tires, especially if you have long-distance trips planned.

Frequently asked questions

You'll need to flush out the plumbing system to remove the antifreeze. Open all the faucets and run water through the system until the antifreeze is completely flushed out.

Refill the fresh water tank after checking for potential leakages and issues. Ensure that the water is functioning correctly.

Check your RV battery to see if it functions. If it is, clean the corrosion and reconnect it to the vehicle.

Sanitize the water system through a water purification solution and check the tire pressure.

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