Winterizing And Storage - Airstream Classic 2016 Owner's Manual

Maintenance

Winterizing and Storage

When storing your trailer for short or long periods,
use the same precautions as you would in your own
home in regard to perishables, ventilation, and rain
protection. In addition, for prolonged storage periods,
flush all the drain lines and the holding tanks. Also
drain the entire water system including the water heater
and the water storage tank. Instructions for draining the
water system are explained in the following paragraphs
on winterizing.
The main consideration in winterizing your trailer is
to guard against freeze damage to the fresh water
system lines, tank, and pump; the waste drain system
including the traps and tanks; the water heater; and the
batteries.
To completely winterize your trailer follow this
procedure:
1 Level the trailer from side to side and front to rear.
Open all faucets.
2 Replace the galley faucet filter with the bypass pipe
(refer to Galley Faucet Filter in Section 5 - Interior).
Store filter in a warm place.
3 Turn the water pump switch to the ON position to
expel water from the storage tank
4 Open all drain valves including drain plug or valve
on water heater and exterior water service valve.
5 While the water is draining from the system, open
and flush the toilet-flushing valve. Depress hand
spray lever while holding the spray head down
inside the bowl. Depress hand spray thumb button
on the telephone shower head while holding down
inside the tub and drain all water from the flexible
hose. Unscrew the heads on both spray units and
store.
6 Turn the pump switch OFF after all water has been
removed from the storage tank.
7 Remove exhaust hose from water pump.
8 Disconnect the water pump inlet connection and
turn the pump on until all the water is expelled.
This water, about 1/2 cup, can be caught in a towel
or rag
9 Lower the front of the trailer as far as the jack will
allow until water ceases to drain, and then crank
the jack up as high as it will go and allow any
remaining water to drain out.
8-16
10 After the water has stopped running from the drain
lines, apply at least 60 lb. of air pressure at the city
water inlet. An air-to-city water adapter is available
from your dealer's RV accessory store. Be sure
the toilet valve, all drain valves, and faucets are
open, and pump outlet hose is disconnected. This
can be done at a service station and will force any
remaining water from the water heater and remove
any water that may be trapped in low areas.
11 Pour a cup of approved non-toxic RV antifreeze
that has been listed by a recognized testing
authority such as Underwriter Lab into the lavatory,
sink, and tub drains to prevent trap freeze-up.
12 Be sure to open the waste-holding tank dump
valves, and drain and flush the tanks thoroughly
(this is very important as the sewage in the tanks,
if frozen, could seriously damage the tanks) Plan
ahead and have this done at a dump station.
13 If so equipped, remove the cartridge of the water
purifier and leave the purifier valve in the open
position.
14 Remove the batteries from your trailer and store
in a cool, dry place where there is no danger of
freezing. It is very important for optimum life of a
battery to check it periodically and to keep it fully
charged
15 Remove any items (food, cosmetics, etc.) from
trailer interior that might be damaged by freezing,
or that might damage the trailer if containers
should break.
CAUTION
Remove all RV antifreeze spillage from all drain
and faucet parts after winterizing. Failure to do
so could result in damage to the finish of the
plumbing fixtures.
For additional winterizing protection, add a non-toxic
antifreeze (approved for drinking water system) to the
water lines using the following procedure:
1 Reconnect all lines, except the hose, to the pump
inlet port. Close all drain valves.
2 Turn water heater bypass valve to bypass position.
Refer to Water Heater Bypass Valve illustration.
3 Replace the galley faucet filter with the bypass pipe
(refer to Galley Faucet Filter in the Interior section).
Store filter in a warm place.
Classic