Storage And Winterizing - Airstream 2012 INTERSTATE Owner's Manual

STORAGE AND WINTERIZING

NOTE: Sprinter recommends disconnecting the current to all chassis
electric consumers using the Battery isolator Switch if the vehicle sits for
periods longer than 2 months. It is located to the right of the accelerator
pedal in the driver's foot well. Slide the red release down and pull it off the
post. This will save jump starts, battery charge ups and possibly battery
damage and replacement. The Sprinter manual describes its location,
operation, and cautions in detail.
When storing your motorhome use the same precautions as you would in your
own home in regard to perishables, ventilation, winterizing, and rain protec-
tion. In addition, for prolonged storage periods flush out all the drain lines and
waste holding tanks. Also drain the entire water system, including the water
heater and the fresh water tank. Instructions for draining the water system are
explained in the following paragraphs on winterizing.
Twice a year, or after a long storage period, we suggest you take your unit
into your Airstream dealer for a check-up and cleaning of the gas operated
appliances.
The main consideration in winterizing is to guard against freezing damage to
the fresh water lines, the waste drain lines, the waste holding tanks, the water
heater, and the batteries.
Plan your winterizing ahead and be sure the holding tanks are drained and
flushed thoroughly at a proper disposal station. After dumping tanks add a
quart or two of RV non-toxic anti-freeze to one of the holding tanks and start
the macerator pump. Run until the anti-freeze comes out the end of the pump
hose. Leave dump valves open. As extra protection, open the toilet valve and
add a cup of non-toxic RV anti-freeze to the black tank and pour a cup of non-
toxic antifreeze into a sink drain to protect the holding tanks and valves from
residual water freezing. (This is very important, as the frozen sewage could
seriously damage the tank.)
To completely winterize your motorhome follow this procedure:
1. Level the motorhome from side to side and front to rear, turn the water pump
off and disconnect the city water.
2. Open all the hot and cold water faucets.
3. Open the low point drain valves for the hot and cold water lines, the fresh
water tank drain valve, and water heater drain. There are three fresh water
line low point drain valves. There is one under the galley accessed by remov-
ing the drawer and in the lounge model there two under the curbside lounge
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