How To Winterize Park Model Trailer

How to Winterize Your Park Model Trailer: A Comprehensive Guide

Winterizing your park model trailer is crucial for protecting it from the harsh elements and preventing costly damage. This process ensures your RV remains in excellent condition until spring. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, ensuring you're prepared for the colder months ahead.

Understanding the Importance of Winterization

Failing to winterize your park model trailer can lead to several problems, including:

• Frozen and burst pipes: Water expands when it freezes, putting immense pressure on pipes and potentially causing them to burst. This can lead to expensive repairs.
• Mold and mildew growth: Moisture trapped inside the RV creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, affecting the structural integrity and indoor air quality.
• Damage to appliances: Frozen water can damage water pumps, toilets, and other appliances.
• Overall deterioration: Exposure to freezing temperatures and moisture can accelerate the deterioration of your RV's components.

By following a thorough winterization process, you can significantly reduce the risk of these issues and protect your investment.

Step-by-Step Winterization Guide

This guide covers the essential steps for effectively winterizing your park model trailer. Remember to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions for your model.

1. Preparation is Key: Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies:

• RV antifreeze: Non-toxic propylene glycol based antifreeze is recommended for its safety and effectiveness. Do not use automotive antifreeze.
• Air compressor: This will help blow out remaining water from lines.
• Water pump winterizing kit: This helps ensure all water is removed from the water pump.
• Shop towels or rags: For cleaning and absorbing spills.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Funnel: For easily pouring antifreeze.

2. Draining the Water System: A Crucial First Step

This step is paramount to prevent frozen pipes.

• Turn off the water pump: Locate your water pump and switch it off.
• Open low-point drains: Locate and open the low-point drains (usually located under your RV) to allow water to drain from the pipes.
• Drain the water heater: Consult your water heater's manual for specific draining instructions. Often, this involves opening a drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
• Drain the toilet and flush: Flush the toilet several times to clear the bowl and tank of water.

3. Using an Air Compressor to Remove Lingering Water

After draining, use an air compressor to force remaining water out of the lines:

• Attach the compressor to city water hookup: Carefully attach the air compressor to your city water hookup.
• Turn on the compressor: Carefully activate the compressor, blowing out any lingering water.
• Check all faucets and showerheads: Ensure water flows freely.

4. Adding RV Antifreeze: Protecting Against Freezing

This is the final step in protecting your plumbing system.

• Pour antifreeze into all faucets: Turn on each faucet, one at a time, and pour RV antifreeze into them until you see the pink antifreeze coming out. Make sure to also add it to the showerhead and low-point drains.
• Add antifreeze to the toilet: Pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl to prevent freezing within the toilet tank and bowl.
• Run the water pump (if necessary): Depending on your system, you might need to briefly turn on the water pump to circulate the antifreeze throughout the lines. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions.

5. Protecting Other Vulnerable Areas

Beyond the plumbing, take additional steps to protect other vulnerable areas:

• Empty and clean the refrigerator: Remove all food and thoroughly clean the refrigerator.
• Clean and dry the interior: Clean and dry all surfaces to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Store perishable items: Remove any perishable goods from the RV.
• Protect your appliances: Consider covering sensitive appliances to prevent dust build up.
• Disconnect and store batteries: Disconnect and store your batteries properly to prevent discharge.
• Inspect and seal all windows and doors: Make sure they are completely sealed.
• Consider using rodent repellent: Mice and other rodents love to find warm places to stay in the winter.

6. Final Steps Before Storage

• Elevate your trailer (optional): Raising your RV slightly off the ground can improve airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
• Cover your RV: Use a high-quality RV cover to protect your RV from the elements during winter storage.
• Monitor regularly (optional): If possible, check on your RV periodically to ensure everything is fine.

Conclusion: A Well-Winterized RV is a Happy RV

By following these steps diligently, you can ensure your park model trailer is well-protected throughout the winter months. This process not only prevents costly repairs but also extends the life of your RV, allowing you to enjoy many more seasons of comfortable outdoor living. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so prioritize proper winterization.