winterizing a camper???

[wave warrior]

recently purchaced a 2001 25' camper. havent found anything on winter storage in the paperwork. anyone have a link? there is 3 holding tanks and 1 freshwater tank. also any tricks to the furnace? looks like it was never used(as does everything!! stickers etc still on most appliances!) i tried just turning up the thermostat and all it did was blow air(this was with propane tanks turned off) as i think it runs on either gas or electric. thanks for any help!!

[Hook N Book]

It''l take a bout 2 hours for everything once you get it down. You'll need to drain your water lines and heater and pump with RV anti-freeze. Or you can just drain and leave dry. I prefer blowing the lines with a low air pressure.
Drain the water and heater tank.
I'll post more later.

[tinner]

more than likely your funace is only gas not electric if it did not work try turning on gas set stat high and wait should blow warm air soon go to your local dealer and they will give you instructions on how and what you need to winterize.

[Hook N Book]

Jeff,
As tinner mentioned, turn on the gas and up the temp, it will kick on with heat.
To the winterization end:
First, check to see if there is a bypass valve on the suction side of your water pump. If not, I'd strongly recommend installing one. This will enable you to run RV anti-freeze through all the lines and valves if you choose this route.
Get a 6-8 foot section of garden hose and fit the one end to the city water fitting on the camper. Then get the nesecessary fittings to adapt the other end to a compressor (Most hardware stores will carry the parts). Make sure you have a pressure regulator on the compressor and set it at 10-15 psi. You don't want to blow you seals. :D
Before you start the pressurizing remove the drain plug from the water heater and open at least one faucet. Then repeat this for each faucet until it runs dry. Don't forget to open the valves of the commode and shower head.
The last one to open is the gravity drain under the camper.
Once this is complete, close the bypass valves to the water heater and close all valves. Leave the drain plug out during the winter.
At this point you can leave the water lines dry like this or run anti-freeze through them using the water pump bypass valve.
You then want to pour about a pint of anti-freeze down each drain to protect the traps.
I usually use a water softener plus the usual holding tank treatment in the holding tanks to keep things clean and slippery. :D Calgon works well for this. I'll run clean water down them and then drain completey.

Hang a couple of dehumidifier bags in the camper to keep the moisture down.

Lastly, just turn the LP gas off for winter storage.

That's about it in a nut shell...hope it helps. :)

PS...If you have more questions, give me a shout.

[PromiseKeeper]

I know its personal preference, but if you have a hot water tank bypass and pump anti freeze through the lines until they all run pink, there is no need to blow the water out of the lines. Simply drain the tank and a gallon or two of anti freeze is all you need. a cup or so in each trap and you're good to go. Just running some through the lines should be enough. I'm sure Pawpawsmith on here could give you all the help you need.

I used to cover the outside vent to the furnace too to keep critters and such from plugging it up. That has to be open or you'll get carbon monoxide in the trailer. Even spider webs in there can cause trouble.

If your furnace ect hasn't been ran for a while it could have air in the line. That will make it hard to light until you get that all out. Your fridge could be the same way. I lost the stuff in my freezer once because of air in the line. It tried to switch over but couldnt light the propane during a power outage. It's good to run those things every so often just to keep gas in the lines.

[wave warrior]

thanks for the quick reply guys!! and Rodney for the details!! Just what i needed...you should "sticky" that post hook!!!

[mayfly418]

You will need to pump anti-freeze into the lines until you see it running out of the faucets of the kitchen and bathroom, don't forget the tub/shower.
You can purchase this anti-freeze from an RV dealer. They are also very
helpful in answering any questions you might have.

[T-180]

For the rv anti-freeze, check your local ACE hardware store. After rebate it's $1.99. Got mine Sunday & winterized the camper that afternoon. After doing it a few times, it takes about 1 hour & that includes everything being cleaned, too.
Good tip on covering the furnace outlet/exhaust.

[Buck36]

Lowe's In Columbus have gallon jugs of RV antifreeze for $4.45 right now too.