Q. When do I need to winterize my trailer?
A. Before the temperature gets to 30 degrees or freezing, you need to drain all the water from your tanks, and run anti-freeze through your system. (See steps below) *We also offer this service and you can wait while we do it for you.
Q. What are the steps to winterizing and storing my RV?
A. These are the steps to follow:
- Drain all holding tanks and fresh water tanks. Hot water heater should be drained as well.
- If you have a water heater bypass installed on your water heater turn the valves to bypass position. If you don’t have one, they are available at our store.
- If you have a water filter installed under your sink remove the filter and install a bypass hose. Turn water off to the icemaker and disconnect.
- On trailers with pump bypass kit turn valve to bypass position then remove the cap and attach hose to fitting and put other end of hose in the gallon of RV antifreeze.
- To install RV antifreeze, make sure all faucets are turned off and turn on the water pump. The pump will pump antifreeze from the gallon bottle. Go to a faucet and turn on the cold water and run until the water turns pink then turn off. Turn hot water on until it turns pink and then turn off. Go to each faucet and repeat process; make sure you do outside shower and any hand showers. Flush toilet until the liquid is also pink. Make sure all drain taps, sinks, tub/shower have antifreeze in them. When finished turn pump converter to normal position, remove hoses and replace the cap.
- Cover the tires to protect them from the sunlight.
- Be sure all windows and roof vents are closed tightly so that snow or rain does not leak or blow in and ruin the carpets.
- Mask the inside windows with newspaper.
- Put graphite in all locks to lubricate and prevent freezing.
- Turn off all pilot lights and shut all LPG valves. Close the main valve to the LPG cylinder.
- Cover the LPG cylinder and regulator to keep moisture out.
- Remove all perishable items from the cupboards and refrigerator.
- Turn off all lights and switches.
- Add water and recharge batteries if needed; disconnect cables.
- Check batteries monthly and recharge as needed
- Storage covers are available at our parts store.
Q. How do I maintain my RV battery?
A. To keep it fully charged, the trailer needs to be plugged in for 7-10 days after use. It is best to plug your trailer a couple of days before use to ensure good batteries power. If possible, check battery fluid two or three times a year. Store unit with batteries fully charged and battery power disconnected by removing the negative battery terminal. Batteries can be removed and stored indoors to prolong battery life.
Q. What do I need to do to keep my Generator in good condition?
A. Start your generator monthly, even if not in use. Install a fuel stabilizer during storage during winter months or if not using it for long periods of time. Change oil at least seasonally, depending on frequency of use.
Q. I understand that most antifreezes are toxic, yet you claim your RV antifreeze products are not harmful. How is this possible?
A. Most automotive antifreezes are made from ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic. RV antifreezes are made from propylene glycol which is considered GRAS (generally regarded as safe by the US Government and this product is often used in candy, ice cream and cosmetics. Therefore, it is the product to use when winterizing potable water systems.
Q. Why is my battery dead after sitting for 5 or more days?
A. The trailers are equipped with LP Detectors that are wired into the 12 Volt system. Although the amp draw is small, after several days it depletes the battery. Some trailers also have CO detectors and stereos that are hooked into the 12 Volt system.
Q. Can my batteries freeze?
A. Only if they are dead (have no charge in them). The best thing to do if the trailer is not going to be used for a few weeks is to fully charge them, and then unhook the negative terminal from the battery.
Q. How long should I charge my batteries and can they be overcharged?
A. Typically plugging the trailer in for 5-7 days will fully charge the batteries. They can be overcharged if you leave the trailer plugged in without using the 12 Volt system for longer than 7-10 days. TIP: Get a solar panel w/regulator.
Q. I have a bad smell from my water – what should I do?
A. Usually this is caused by water being left in the system. After each use, drain the fresh water tank, water heater tank, and low point drains. TIP: We sell sanitizer to clean the system.
Q. How often should I seal my roof?
A. We suggest visually inspecting your roof a minimum of twice a year. Look at the roof seams and around the vents. Touch up as needed. If the rubber is torn – have it repaired as soon as possible. TIP: Only use sealant approved for rubber roofing – silicone does not work!
Q. My fridge takes forever to cool, why?
A. RV fridges use a system called “amonia absorption” which takes 6-8 hours to reach peak cooling temperature. TIP: Start your fridge 4-5 days before leaving and put cold food in, the fridge will be much more efficient.
Q. Can I leave my awning out in the wind and rain?
A. The best practice is to retract the awning if it gets windy or starts raining heavily. Never leave the awning out if you are going to be away from the trailer for awhile.
Q. Do solar panels really work and are they worth it?
A. Yes, they are one of the best investments you can make to your RV. Depending on the type of camping you do and how long you typically stay, we can advise you on the proper size panel. After the initial cost, they provide virtually free power to your 12Volt system. They also regulate the charge to your batteries so your RV power system is ready when you are.
Q. How cold does it have to be to damage my water system?
A. If the outside temperature is freezing, your exterior tanks and lines will freeze within 12 hours. Your inside lines and fixtures will take a little longer to freeze. The best practice is to get the water system winterized with RV non-toxic antifreeze before the temperature gets low. TIP: If you use your RV in the winter months, be very careful and keep the RV heated and the exterior tanks heated.
Q. Why can’t I use regular toilet paper in the toilet?
A. The RV toilet paper breaks down with the chemicals used; regular toilet paper takes much longer and can plug up the outlet valve.
Q. What size generator do I need for my RV?
A. To properly run an A/C, you need a 3000 watt generator. Most microwaves are 1000-1500 watts so you would want a 2000 watt generator if you didn’t want to run the A/C. If you don’t have or don’t use the A/C or microwave, you can use a little as a 1000 watt generator. TIP: Make sure the generator is inverter based – they produce a more true sine wave and have very good regulation on the power so electronics don’t get damaged.
Q. How do I tell how much voltage is left in my batteries?
A. Most monitor panels do not have a digital display, so you can’t tell a true voltage. Since most appliances quit working below 10.5 volts, we suggest using a simple volt meter. You can test voltage at the batteries and know the condition. TIP: A solar panel regulator has a digital display of volts and amp usage.
