How to Winterize a Forest River Camper: A Comprehensive Guide
Winterizing a Forest River camper is crucial for preventing costly damage from freezing temperatures. By thoroughly preparing your RV, you protect its plumbing system, appliances, and overall structure, ensuring it’s ready for adventures come springtime.
Why Winterizing Matters: Protecting Your Investment
Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on an un-winterized camper. Water expands as it freezes, putting immense pressure on pipes, fittings, and even holding tanks. This can lead to cracked pipes, burst connections, and damaged appliances, resulting in significant repair bills. Even seemingly minor damage can lead to mold growth and further complications. Proper winterization isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential for preserving your investment and avoiding unpleasant surprises when you de-winterize.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
The following steps provide a comprehensive guide to winterizing your Forest River camper. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions tailored to your model.
1. Draining the Water System
This is the foundation of winterization. Thoroughly removing all water from your camper’s plumbing is paramount.
- Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate and open the drain valve for your fresh water tank, allowing all water to empty.
- Drain the Water Heater: Turn off and allow your water heater to cool completely before draining. Remove the drain plug (usually located at the bottom of the tank) and allow the water to drain. Consider installing a water heater bypass kit if you haven’t already. This prevents antifreeze from entering the water heater tank, saving you antifreeze and preventing residual taste.
- Drain All Water Lines: Open all faucets (hot and cold), including the shower and outside shower (if applicable). Use the low-point drains (typically located underneath the camper near the water lines) to drain the remaining water in the pipes. Don’t forget to flush the toilet.
- Bypass the Water Heater (if applicable): Activate the water heater bypass valves. Typically, this involves turning valves to isolate the water heater from the rest of the plumbing system.
2. Pumping RV Antifreeze Through the System
This is where the real protection comes in. RV antifreeze (specifically designed for potable water systems) displaces any remaining water and prevents freezing.
- Bypass the Water Heater (Again): Double-check the bypass. Forgetting this can waste significant antifreeze.
- Install a Water Pump Converter Kit (Optional): These kits allow you to easily connect a hose directly to your water pump and draw antifreeze from a container. If you don’t have a kit, you can disconnect the inlet side of the water pump and connect a hose directly to it.
- Introduce Antifreeze: Place the other end of the hose into a container of RV antifreeze.
- Turn on the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump. Start with the faucet furthest from the pump and slowly open it until you see a steady stream of pink antifreeze. Repeat this process for all faucets (hot and cold), including the shower, toilet, and outside shower. Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze.
- Pour Antifreeze into Drains: Pour RV antifreeze into each drain (shower, sink, toilet) to protect the P-traps.
3. Protecting Holding Tanks and Appliances
These components also require attention to prevent damage.
- Drain and Rinse Holding Tanks: Thoroughly drain and rinse both the gray and black water tanks. This is crucial to prevent odors and potential freezing issues.
- Add Antifreeze to Holding Tanks: Pour a few gallons of RV antifreeze into each holding tank. This protects the drain valves and any residual water.
- Empty the Black Tank Flush System: If your camper has a black tank flush system, be sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent freezing.
- Disconnect and Drain Water Hoses: Disconnect and drain all water hoses, including the city water connection hose. Store them in a dry location.
4. Final Preparations
These final steps ensure comprehensive protection.
- Turn off the Water Pump: Once the antifreeze process is complete, turn off the water pump.
- Leave Faucets Open: Leave all faucets slightly open to relieve pressure in the plumbing system.
- Remove Batteries: Disconnect and remove the RV batteries. Store them in a cool, dry place and consider using a trickle charger to maintain their charge over the winter.
- Seal Openings: Seal any potential entry points for pests, such as vents and gaps around pipes.
- Cover the Camper: Consider covering your camper with a breathable RV cover to protect it from the elements.
- Inspect the Roof: Examine the roof for any cracks or damage and repair them before winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs address common concerns and provide further clarification on winterizing a Forest River camper.
1. Can I Use Regular Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)?
No. Absolutely not. Ethylene glycol is highly toxic and should never be used in a potable water system. Only use RV antifreeze, which is specifically formulated for this purpose and is non-toxic.
2. How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need?
The amount of antifreeze required depends on the size and complexity of your camper’s plumbing system. A general guideline is 2-3 gallons for a smaller travel trailer and 3-5 gallons for a larger RV. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run out mid-process.
3. Do I Need to Winterize My Camper if I Live in a Mild Climate?
Even in mild climates, occasional freezing temperatures can occur. If there’s a possibility of freezing temperatures, it’s best to winterize to prevent damage. The cost of winterization is far less than the potential cost of repairs.
4. Can I Winterize My Camper Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional?
While winterizing a camper is a manageable DIY task, it requires attention to detail and a basic understanding of your RV’s systems. If you’re uncomfortable with any of the steps, it’s best to hire a qualified RV technician.
5. How Do I Winterize the Toilet?
After flushing the toilet until pink antifreeze appears, pour a generous amount of antifreeze into the bowl to protect the seals and valve.
6. Should I Leave the Refrigerator Door Open During Winterization?
Yes, it’s recommended to clean out the refrigerator and freezer and leave the doors ajar to prevent mildew and odors.
7. What About the Ice Maker and Washing Machine (if applicable)?
These appliances require specific winterization procedures. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to drain and protect them. You may need to use compressed air to blow out the water lines.
8. How Do I Protect the Exterior of My Camper During the Winter?
Washing and waxing your camper before winter can help protect the exterior from the elements. Covering the camper with a breathable RV cover is also a good idea.
9. How Long Does it Take to Winterize a Camper?
The time required for winterization depends on your experience and the size of your camper. It typically takes 2-4 hours to complete the process thoroughly.
10. What Happens if I Forget to Winterize My Camper?
If you forget to winterize your camper and it freezes, you may experience cracked pipes, burst fittings, damaged appliances, and other costly repairs. It’s crucial to take preventative measures.
11. What Do I Need to Do When I De-Winterize My Camper in the Spring?
Thoroughly flush the entire water system with fresh water to remove all traces of antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and lines. Check for leaks and damage before using the camper.
12. Where Can I Buy RV Antifreeze and Winterization Supplies?
RV antifreeze and winterization supplies are available at most RV dealerships, camping supply stores, and online retailers. Make sure to purchase RV antifreeze specifically designed for potable water systems.
By following these steps and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can effectively winterize your Forest River camper and ensure it’s ready for many more adventures to come. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your model.