Winterizing Your Jayco Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Winterizing your Jayco camper is essential if you live in a cold climate. If your RV is not properly prepared for the winter, the water supply lines and water heater can freeze, causing damage. The process of winterizing your RV will depend on the type of RV you own, but there are some common steps you can take. Firstly, make sure your water heater is turned off and has cooled down. Once it's cooled, empty it by opening the pressure valve and removing the drain plug. Then, turn on all sinks, showers, and toilet valves and run them until no more water comes out. You will also need to drain the black and grey water tanks and clean the black tank. Next, bypass the water heater and drain the fresh tank and low-point drains. Locate the water pump and attach a siphoning kit or hose, then turn on the pump to allow antifreeze to flow through the water system. Open all external and internal faucets, valves, showers, and toilets, running one side until antifreeze comes through, then the other. Finally, pour antifreeze down the P-traps to ensure exterior termination pipes don't freeze.

Drain the water heater

To drain the water heater, you must first turn it off and let it cool down. It is important to ensure the water heater is not hot or under pressure when you begin the process of winterizing your Jayco camper. Once the water heater has cooled, open the pressure valve and remove the drain plug.

Next, you will need to locate the water heater service door on the exterior of your Jayco camper. Usually, there is an access panel inside that will need to be removed. You can use a cordless power drill with a #2 square tip driver bit to remove the panel and access the valves. Adjust the valves to bypass the water heater properly. This is an important step to ensure no antifreeze makes its way into the water heater.

Now, you can drain the water from the water heater. Hook up the city water to your camper with the water turned off. Use a socket wrench to remove the drain plug or anode rod and open the pressure relief valve. This will allow the water to drain out. Once drained, turn the water pressure back on and flush out any sediment for 2-3 minutes. If the anode rod is old, remove it and leave it out during winter. Make a note to install a new one in the spring.

Finally, close the water heater's heating element and ensure all faucets are closed.

Drain the fresh water tank

To drain the fresh water tank of your Jayco camper, start by locating the white plastic freshwater tank under your RV. Remove the drain plug on the underside of the tank with an adjustable wrench, turning it in a counterclockwise direction. Once all the water has drained, replace and tighten the drain plug.

Next, turn on the electric water pump switch at the control panel near the kitchen sink and let it run for 15 to 20 seconds to expel all water from it. Make sure the pump doesn't run longer than 20 seconds, as running it dry could cause damage.

Then, open all hot and cold water valves, including the kitchen sink, bathroom shower and basin, and the toilet. Also, open all drains to prevent RV antifreeze from collecting in the sink basins or toilet bowl, which could cause staining.

Now, attach a blowgun attachment to the end of the hose on an air compressor. Turn on the compressor and allow the air pressure to build up. Insert the nozzle of the blowgun attachment into the city water inlet on the outside of the trailer and depress the trigger to force air into the plumbing system. Continue blowing air into the system for five to 10 minutes to expel all water.

Finally, pour one cup of RV antifreeze into all the RV's drains, including the kitchen sink, shower, bathroom basin, and toilet. Wipe any excess antifreeze with a clean cloth to prevent staining.

Turn off the water pump

Turning off the water pump is an important step in winterizing your Jayco camper. This is because, if your RV is exposed to freezing temperatures, the water in the plumbing system can freeze and cause damage. To turn off the water pump, follow these steps:

First, ensure that all holding tanks are empty and drain valves are open. This includes the black and grey water tanks, which should be drained, cleaned, and flushed. Next, locate the water pump and turn it on for 15-20 seconds to expel any remaining water. It is important not to let the pump run for longer than 20 seconds, as running it dry can cause damage.

After this, open all hot and cold-water valves, including the kitchen sink, bathroom shower, basin, and toilet. Also, open all drains to prevent RV antifreeze from collecting in the sink basins or toilet bowl, which can cause staining. Once this is done, you can turn off the water pump.

It is important to note that the process of winterizing your Jayco camper may vary depending on the specific model and features of your RV. Always refer to your owner's manual for detailed instructions specific to your vehicle. Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable performing any of these tasks, you can always seek the assistance of a professional RV service technician.

Clean the interior and exterior

To clean the exterior of your Jayco camper, you should thoroughly wash and wax it. This is because elements such as road salt, road tar, bugs, bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, and UV exposure can be highly damaging to your RV's exterior, especially when left on over the winter. These elements can cause corrosion, staining, and chemical spotting.

To clean the interior of your Jayco camper, you should do this once or twice a year, and winterizing is a perfect opportunity. The materials used to construct an RV may be different from your home, so be sure to use the recommended cleaning supplies and techniques.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is an important step in winterizing your Jayco camper. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Locate the Battery: Find the battery in your Jayco camper. It is usually located in a battery compartment or a designated battery box.

Disconnect the Negative Cable: Using the appropriate tools, such as a wrench or pliers, loosen the nut or bolt that secures the negative cable (-) to the negative terminal on the battery. Once it is loose, carefully disconnect the cable from the battery terminal.

Protect the Battery: After disconnecting the negative cable, make sure to protect the battery terminal by covering it with a piece of electrical tape or a terminal protector. This will prevent any accidental contact or short circuits during storage.

Store the Battery Properly: If you remove the battery from the camper, make sure to store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep it away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Place the battery on a flat surface and ensure it is securely stored to avoid tipping or rolling.

Maintain the Battery: During the storage period, it is essential to maintain the battery to ensure it stays in good condition. Clean the battery terminals and cables periodically to remove any corrosion. You can use a wire brush or a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the terminals. Also, check the battery's fluid level and refill it with distilled water if necessary.

Recharge the Battery: Before reconnecting the battery, ensure it is fully charged. Use a compatible battery charger and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe charging. A fully charged battery will ensure your camper has sufficient power when you take it out of storage.

Reconnect the Battery: When the camping season arrives, or you need to use your camper again, reconnect the battery. Attach the negative cable (-) to the negative terminal and secure it with the nut or bolt. Remove any protective covering from the terminal.

Test the Battery: After reconnecting the battery, test the electrical systems in your camper to ensure they are functioning correctly. Check the lights, water pump, refrigerator, and any other appliances that rely on battery power. If everything operates as expected, your battery is ready for the new camping season.

By following these steps, you will help protect your Jayco camper's battery during the winter months and ensure it is ready for use when you need it. Proper battery maintenance is crucial for the overall performance and longevity of your camper's electrical systems.

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