How To Winterize a Trailer

[gbaglo]

Here's a thought. Probably not much of a thought, but I bought a Wagner spray painter about three years ago. Never been used. But might that be employed somehow to provide the compressed air?

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

I was wondering on the air thing too. Thanks for the link to that fitting Donna, I will have to look for one, though I would be an RV shop would have it. An air compressor can have the output pressure adjusted to whatever you would like. If you don't have one, I bet a neighbour or friend would have one you could borrow, or you could rent one for an hour or so.

If there is a disconnect switch for the batteries, would you still need to remove the leads. There should be no chance of a current draw. And if so, should the batteries be brought in so they could get a wee trickle charge every once in a while. I will be cold storing my trailer out at on some rec land we have.

[reace]

Hi Glenn,

Sorry to concern you...given your age an all. LOL

We use a air compressor, got a small one at Canadian tire on sale a few years ago to use around the house. (Not that we are ever there) LOL

The way you did it last year is also fine. Remember there are two methods. The one I posted is the one we use here at the shop.

Tammy

[Hokie Escape]

Glenn, don't blow your chance to get the nailer!
But, if you really don't need one, use method #2.
Drain all the tanks as best you can.
Bypass the hot water heater (valve inside the camper, under the seat)
Remove the hot water heater drain plug, and drain thoroughly. Replace with new teflon or replace if corroded. You can leave it out, but it might get damaged or lost over winter. (But leave the heater bypassed - you DO NOT want antifreeze in your heater)
Add a couple of gallons of RV antifreeze to your fresh water tank.
Turn on the water pump and run water out of EVERY faucet (hot/cold/shower/exterior shower) until pink runs out.
Add a cup or so of antifreeze to each "p" trap (sinks and shower). All this will be putting some antifreeze in your grey tank.
Add some antifreeze to the black tank (about a quart to be safe) and leave some in the toilet.

Frankly, that's a lot simplier to me than getting the compressor out (that I bought for my nailer's).
I too leave a little heater in Hokie, to keep down moisture mostly. Plus, when I just want to go out and sit a while and dream of spring, it doesn't take too much to get it up to a comfortable temp.
I'd love to do more winter camping, but everything closes up around here except KOA's (yuk).

[escape artist]

Hi: All... I think the best way to winterize a trailer is to simply hitch up and haul SOUTH!!! Somewhere south of Frostproof Florida maybe
Sure wish I was retired Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Hokie Escape]

Alf, I love your solution. Ever since we got Hokie, I've said many times "work just seems to be getting in the way"!
You get the award for the best "winterizing solution".

[Donna D.]

Complete with pictures: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/winter.html

[Hokie Escape]

And while you're there (Fiberglass RV site) read the good article on winter camping (http://www.fiberglassrv.com/winter_camping.html)
Sounds like fun!

[gbaglo]

So sing happy birthday to me. I bought a Porter Cable 6 gal. compressor with 2" nailer. ( I have molding to install after putting down new kitchen tile so it will multi-task ). Now I just have to find that Schrader valve in the Vancouver area and learn how to blow out the lines. I presume you open all the taps, but I'm wondering how the water heater fits into that scenario. Anyone able to steer me to the info?

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

You know Glenn, that brad nailer can be dangerous in the wrong hands.