Define "Winterized"

[jannakiraly]

Our 2020 Flying Cloud 27FB came "Winterized". Does anybody know specifically what they have included in "Winterized" units?

[jeffb831]

I would just check with the dealer where you purchased it.

If you bought it from a private seller, I'd reach out to them because there could be a myriad of different things done to "winterize" a trailer.

[Bill M.]

Anti freeze in the water system and the drain traps. Probably drained the WH.

[Rolind]

I would contact the seller, but probably would rewinterize myself before heading or storing in cold weather. Nobody loves you trailer like you do!

[Dennis C]

Unfortunately there's no standard by which to define "winterized". The closest that you'll get to a standard is what is recommended by Airstream in the owner's manual. However, there's no guarantee that whoever performed the winterization followed the recommendations in the manual. It may mean that the lines have been blown out with compressed air. It may mean that RV antifreeze has been pumped into the lines. It may be a combination of the two. There's no way to know if the person who performed the winterization missed a step. Was the outdoor shower drained properly? What about the water pump?

I agree with Rolind's comments above. I'd contact the seller, but also re-winterize to make sure that it's done correctly.

[jannakiraly]

Thank you so much for your responses! I will check with the dealer and see if they can give me specifics.

[1StreamDream]

I think the inference of the statement in your context is likely meant to convey that the trailer came to you ready for winter storage, that is the most common use of that phrase "winterized" on these forums. Only you can fill in the relevant context, if there might be a different meaning. If you were thinking that some upgrades were done to the trailer to make it more effective/appropriate for winter camping in general, I think that is unlikely, it is most likely meant to represent winter storage preparation (and as mentioned previously, this is probably anti-freeze in the drain traps, draining of all the water, etc).

[InsideOut]

If you're storing it in San Clemente where it doesn't freeze, I wouldn't worry about it. True "winterizing" is needed for trailers stored in freeze zones.

Shari
Dana Hills HS '77

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Just to emphasize again:

"Winterize" is a yearly process to protect the water systems on the trailer from freezing in storage. It is not an upgrade or anything permanently associated with it. If you have a "winterized" trailer and fill the fresh water tank, you just un-winterized it.

Bob

[jannakiraly]

I did think there might have been some upgrades done. Sounds like that is unlikely. I am familiar with adding antifreeze and draining the the water. Hopefully I will hear back from the dealership soon. Thank you all for you time!

P.S. We also have a home in Utah and plan to store it there.

[jcanavera]

I'm not aware of any Airstream that has a factory "winter package" like some trailers do. A winterized Airstream in my view is that at the minimum, has had water lines blown out, the water heater drained, and the traps in the drainage system containing RV anti freeze. Maybe the better term might be the water systems and the drainage systems, "freeze proofed".

But as noted, each climate where you store or use your trailer may have different degrees of winterizing. For example in my climate the temperatures can go as low as -10 or colder. To me removing the water from all the water lines is not enough and I pump antifreeze through the any water pipes or tubing. That displaces any water left in the system that air pressure couldn't remove. But for me winterizing also means removing the trailer batteries, scouring the scale and mineral deposits from the inside the water heater, and making sure any liquid tank in the trailer is drained completely. Finally it also is removing any non drinkable liquids or food items from the trailer.

So if the trailer says winterized, you ask the seller what that means.

Jack

[uncle_bob]

Hi

When we got our van, it came with a sticker on it "vehicle has been winterized". It's simply to indicate that the process has been done and to warn you to *not* fill the tanks with water.

Bob

[majorairhead]

For me, winterized means, trailer able to sit, by itself, no power, for an entire winter, whereby come spring, one can 'de' winterize, and have no water issues or damage from freezing.

Batteries, food items, rodent control, tire protection, etc. etc. etc. all being separate items to consider.