Getting ready for the freeze-Winterize

[RoadKingMoe]

Agreed. Doing a search on the word winterizing will also get you a lot more info to go with that section.

[SilverToy]

Originally Posted by john hd

the water heater

John -

Used your VERY helful pictorial to winterize SilverToy this first time. Using your photos as inspiration, I even installed the winterizing kit from Camco. Much easier than I made it out to be before I started. Thanks for that!

As I mentioned elsewhere I did have a problem with the waterheater as the drain plug twisted off with no threads to grab or anything. Took a small screwdriver and gently tapped two 'runs' into the plug from inside, then twisted out the section from between the runs, then collapsed the remainder of the plug. Out it came. Did mangle the aluminum threads on 2 places though.

Since that is aluminum I should be able to get a peice of pipe with the same threads to clean it up before a plug is added again, right? Please correct me if I am wrong on this.

Also, while I was at it I looked over the gas regulator on the water heater. There is a "hole" in front of the 'rusted' set screw, to the right of the raised portion - all looking at photo #5 of your photo pictorial. This "hole" on mine was full of something brown/black. Is this some of that famous mud dauber nest stuff? What should be there? Is that a breather hole for the regulator?

Thanks!

Axel

[mstratton]

I just got a 31 Soverign and when I went to winterize the water pump was DEO. The trailer is on an island near Seattle Washington and I had to go back home to the Midwest. I opened the drains and tilted the trailer as far as I could but I did not put any anti freeze in. Does anyone out there have a trailer in the Northwest? How cold does it have to be to effect the pipes. I did not remove the water filter also. I have only battery power.

Should I make a special trip out there to install a water pump? Or does anyone know anyone who wants to earn some extra bucks and do the work?

Helpless in Iowa

[Aria]

John, Just viewed your photos. GREAT. My question our GT is not like your photos. Sorry to be so "dumb" but how should we proceed. This is our first Airstream and we need direction. Ours is a 1967 Globetrotter. Can you walk us thru? Do you have a by pass unit? Should we have one? How is our GT different? Sorry to be so stupid. But better safe than sorry. Thanks Anne

[Bilouie]

I just winterized my 92 and it looked just like yours! Only I forgot about the outside drain - I'll have to open it and let some antifreeze out. I too attached the handy three way gadget. Worked great. For my first time I think I did pretty well. Two Miller's only. Bill

[john hd]

Originally Posted by Anne Inman

John, Just viewed your photos. GREAT. My question our GT is not like your photos. Sorry to be so "dumb" but how should we proceed. This is our first Airstream and we need direction. Ours is a 1967 Globetrotter. Can you walk us thru? Do you have a by pass unit? Should we have one? How is our GT different? Sorry to be so stupid. But better safe than sorry. Thanks Anne

anne,

my bypass was factory installed, do you need one? perhaps, they save about 6 gallons of antifreeze on a average trailer. are they absoulutely needed? no, just plan on buying enough extra antifreeze to fill your water heater.

your GT should be similar to most trailers, there may be minor differences in the position of valves.

go ahead and ask away, i'll be glad to help walk you through it!

john

[Aria]

Thanks John, Will view your photos again since most trailers you say are the same. We just need to locate the same valves you have.

Would you install a hot water heater bypass valve system? Thanks again Anne

[john hd]

anne

if you can get to the back of the water heater without much trouble it would be a good investment.

john

[enduroryda]

John, Can you tell me what I'm suppose to do with the inline water filter under the sink...I do not have a bypass on it. Do I winterize the system with it on and then toss it in the spring and get a new one?? Seems like the right thing to do..just not sure what everyone else does. Also, I'm going to look for the valve kit today...Do I look at an autoparts store for this, plumbing or hardware?

Your post is great and I have had it bookmarked for the last year...now it's time to use it. Thank you!
Ann

[john hd]

ann

you should have a plastic cap with an oring on it to blank off the filter.(it is about the same diameter as the filter) you remove the filter and put the bypass cap in it's place. then run antifreeze thru it. i just drain my filter and put it in a ziplock bag in the house for next year. saves some money since the cartriges are about 40 bucks.

i think the winterizing valve and the bypass kit would be best found at a well stocked rv dealer.

john

[enduroryda]

No go on the plastic cap for the filter, I know I don't have that..I'll check with the RV dealer for that part also. I just checked with our Napa and Aubuchon stores..no go on the 3 valve kit. Guess I'm off to the RV place...Thanks for your help John

[thecatsandi]

My prep for the winter. head south!

[dieterdog]

Hey Michelle,,, best idea for non winterizing if i do say so myself,, wish i could ,,, maybe next year,,, donna

[Sugarfoot]

OK ya'll, I'm concerned. My Tradewind hasn't even had a chance to be winterized since it is still at a service center getting an electric jack. I don't know if its indoors or out right now. The Chattanooga forecast just changed tonight to a low of 29 degrees. Days will remain in the 50's-60's, but how likely is pipe damage with 2 or 3 hours of freezing temps? Somebody just pat my hand and tell me everything is going to be OK.

Here's the 1958 Airstream supplement sheet from the VAC website. I have the same in the papers that came with my 1960 TW. 1958 supplements (VAC).pdf
Have any of you early vintage owners followed this same procedure for winterizing? The only modifications I have to my plumbing over the original that I know of is a Sealand Traveler Lite toilet, a new bath vanity faucet, and a new blackwater outlet fitting. I have an aluminum FW tank and copper plumbing with a few PEX repairs by the PO. I've read lots of posts discussing antifreeze in the fresh tanks and supply lines, but Airstream only mentions this for the shower drain line and traps. If I choose clear alcohol, what type is appropriate . . . denatured, isopropyl, moonshine?

[john hd]

Somebody just pat my hand and tell me everything is going to be OK.

you'll be alright, i have left mine until temps at night hit the teens.

john

[Sugarfoot]

John, thank you! I've been holding my breath hoping to hear something like that. Especially from you, the seasoned winterizing veteran. Many many thanks for a quick response.

[toastie]

Originally Posted by john hd

three!



john

Great job john hd.........really helps

[wheel interested]

We are in Michigan and it will get well below freezing and some subzero temperatures perhaps. We have winterized the plumbing and taken out whatever may freeze, but my question is about the wall mount LCD monitors. We have removed it but I am wondering if that is a necessary step in winterizing. Who has, who hasn't? We do not plan to keep the Airstream heated and it sits outside exposed to the weather.

Also anyone have any special tips to quickly warm up a cold mattress? We have a heated mattress pad and that is fine for where it covers but at the head of the bed---BRRRR! Hubby thought making vents for the underbed storage would help warm things up. I am thinking to pop it open until that space warms up.

Anyone have ways they keep toasty when it's cold as heck camping time?

[Boondocker]

I think I saw a suggestion for putting rock salt in the black tank for winter camping to prevent freezing. Has anyone here tried that? How much did you use and how did it work. I wonder if it wouldnt damage seals and whatnot....

[STREAMTEAM]

John, Thanks for the picture of the air adaptor.....This was our first winterizing job and thought I had her all drained....Used the air and got another gallon at least.