Storage And Winterizing - Airstream Avenue 2011 User Manual

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STORAGE AND WINTERIZING

NOTE: Contact your local Chevrolet dealer for additional storage and
winterizing information.
When storing your motorhome, use the same precautions as you would in your
own home in regard to perishables, ventilation, winterizing, and rain protection.
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 holding tank. Instructions for draining the water system are
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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 four fresh water line
low point drain valves. There are two under the lounge on the curbside that
can be accessed through the rear double doors and there are two located
in the roadside utility compartment behind the city water hookup connec-
tion. The fresh water tank drain valve is located on the bottom of the tank
under the motorhome. The water heater drain valve or plug is located on the
water heater and is accessible through the exterior water heater access door.
Remove the plug or open the valve and allow water to drain. If a level surface
is not available, park the motorhome facing slightly uphill until water draining
ceases and then downhill until water draining ceases.
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