Thursday, December 20, 2007

Winterizing Your RV

Sponsored by Jody's RV in Greenwood, SC


Visit us at www.jodysrv.com1425 Hwy 72/221 East,  Greenwood, SC  29649 Call us at (864) 227-6500 or email me at barry@jodysrv.com


Winterizing

It's that time of year again. Unless you reside in Southern California or some other mild clime, the weather's turning cooler and Winter is just around the proverbial corner. My wife breaks out her fleece TV comforter and even yours truly has to migrate toward clothing of a somewhat warmer variety. The leaves are beautiful (funny how they aren't so pretty as we're raking them into piles isn't it?), the mornings are crisp and the evenings are becoming downright chilly. Yeppers, old man Winter is just around the corner and he's taking dead aim at your beloved RV.

Unless you're one of those intrepid RVers who loves having coffee under the awning when it's 25 degrees outside, you're probably going to want to winterize your unit to prevent the interior waterworks from performing the dance of the fountains come next Spring. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this task, air pressure or antifreeze. Either one can be tricky unless you know what you're doing, so work out your own winterization with fear and trembling!

Method 1. Air Pressure

The first step in this process is to completely drain your water heater's tank. Remove the plug at the bottom of the water heater (outside of course), open the pressure relief valve and stand back. You'll get a real gusher when you release the vaccuum on the tank and, speaking from direct experience, wet feet are bad enough ... COLD wet feet is a miserable combination!

After the water heater is empty, replace the plug and close off the pressure relief valve. Attach a bicycle air fitting (available at your friendly, neighborhood Jody's RV Store or at jodysrv.com) at the city water inlet for use in admitting compressed air into the system. Open each faucet in the camper and blow the water out of the lines using an air compressor or air tank. When no more water exits each open faucet, move on to the next area and repeat. By the way, this is a good opportunity to bond with a friend or family member! Regardless of whether or not you actually bond with your helper of choice, it sure beats the heck out of running in and out of the RV to pump air or operate faucets!

Don't forget your toilet!!!!
The toilet flush valve will be the very first thing to freeze in intensely cold weather since it retains a small reservoir of water after each flush. Spend extra time on this to be sure that you've removed as much water as possible from the flush valve. Prop it open or have your helper hold it in the flush position and throw the air to it until NO water exits the orifice.

Method 2. Non-Toxic Antifreeze

This method is what most manufacturers recommend. Essentially, you bypass the water heater so that no antifreeze is pulled into the tank (6 -10 gallons of antifreeze ain't cheap ya'll!), then draw non-toxic antifreeze (also available at Jody's RV) into the water systems. Your owner's manual has full instructions as to how to accomplish this task but my best advice is to bring your unit to your local RV service center and let the pros do it for you. Our service department has the tools and the know how and we'll make sure that you're all set to weather the deep freeze. Besides, it's late in the camping season and the guys are starting to twiddle their collective thumbs. Remember, Only YOU can prevent deadly boredomitis technicianicus. Please do your part and keep our techies busy and contented!!

Jody's is now offering our winterization special at a mere $69.95. Think that's too pricey? Just wait until next Spring when you have to bring your unit in to replace all of the lines and fittings that blew out in January. Bet you're rethinking that $69.95 now, huh?

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