How To Winterize RV Travel Trailer Water System
Here’s a quick video for the RV travel trailer owner who wants to winterize their RV in 16 easy steps. Our model trailer is a Visa Ultra Light but the process is similar to most other models.
Note: A viewer mentioned we didn’t mention about winterizing the city water connection. On this model trailer the connection is within 6″ of the outside shower and upon examination found it had antifreeze in the connection when we flushed antifreeze through the outside shower. Your trailer may be different. Check to ensure you have antifreeze in your city water connection or ask your dealer.
Note 2: A viewer asked about the toxicity of antifreeze. Make sure you only use RV antifreeze and not the toxic antifreeze you use in your automobile! Here’s an explanation of RV Antifreeze from https://mainecamperdealer.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-rv-anti-freeze/ :
RV Antifreeze – Not all Antifreezes are Created Equal
RV/Marine non-toxic antifreeze is probably the most misunderstood commodity in our industry today. There are currently three different varieties on the market at three very different prices.
Ethanol (alcohol) based: This type of antifreeze is most readily available in hardware stores and most RV shops it sells for approximately $3.00 – $4.00 a jug. However, this product is also extremely flammable and not to used around any sort of pilot flames or cigarettes. As well, this product has been known to taint certain RV plumbing systems and is only to be used with Quest or Pex plumbing lines. If you have ever used this product you will quickly remember how bad you water smelt and tasted the next spring. Furthermore, because this product is made from alcohol it works to dry out all the rubber seals readily found in your faucets and toilet. As a result we do not recommend or sell this product.
Propylene Glycol based: This product is only available at your local RV shop (and not every RV shop for that matter). It sells for approximately $5.00 – $6.00 a jug. Like the ethanol antifreeze, this product is non-toxic and safe for all RV plumbing. However, propylene glycol does not have the same fire safety warnings, nor the risk of tainting your RV plumbing system. Furthermore, propylene glycol is a lubricant and will actually work to extend the life of the seals in your faucets and toilets, unlike the ethanol based products. This is the only product we use on our own RVs and the only product we sell in our parts store. We have just received our first shipment of Propylene Glycol based anti freeze. We have it on sale at the following prices
Case Of 6 Gallons $23.94 (3.99 Gal)
$4.49 per gallon (each)
Propylene/Ethanol Blend: Again this product is non-toxic and completely safe for RV plumbing systems. It will cost more than $4.00 – $5.00 a jug. This may seem like a good idea, however, it is unknown how much ethanol is required to taint RV plumbing lines and dry out plumbing seals. For that reason we do not recommend this product.
This ‘How To’ video was produced by 45 Degrees Latitude. Visit our website https://www.45degreeslatitude.com and blog for video production tips and tricks.
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