Winterizing And Storage; Extended Stays; Black Water Tank Flush; Drain System Cleaning - Airstream 2017 Interstate Owner's Manual

Extended Stays

When you are in a park with a disposal facility, empty
the tanks every few days or whenever they become
almost full� Pumping a large volume of liquid through
the tanks at a time will keep toilet paper and other
solids completely washed away� Remember to empty
the Black Water tank first and then the Gray Water tank
using the Gray Water to flush the system. This practice
will avoid the accumulation of solids in the tank, which
could lead to an unpleasant cleaning job�
Should solids accumulate, fill the tank about half full
with water with the black tank flush, and then drive
the touring coach for a few miles� Don't wait until the
tank is packed solid� The turbulence and surging of the
water will usually dissolve the solids into a suspension
so the tank can be drained� Draining the tanks as
described will protect them from freezing during
storage�

Black Water Tank Flush

Inside the macerator hose reel utility compartment is a
water hose connector for the "black tank flush." To use,
hook up a garden hose and turn it on� Within the tank,
a head with multiple holes will spray the interior surface
of the tank� Once the tank is about half full, turn the
garden hose off and flush the water from the tank using
the macerator pump�
The gate valve should be closed for the first couple of
minutes, and then opened to let the water out in a rush�
Repeat as needed�

Drain System Cleaning

The only cleaning agents that can be used without
causing harm to the system are household ammonia
and tri-sodium phosphate in small quantities� Do not
use any product that contains any portion of petroleum
distillates� This type of product will attack the rubber
seals of your toilet and dump valve� Also, do not use
any dish detergent or abrasive cleaners� All products
should be marked as approved for ABS drainage
systems�
2017 Interstate

Winterizing and Storage

When storing your touring coach, 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 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 antifreeze to one of the holding
tanks and start the macerator pump� Run the pump
until the RV, non-toxic antifreeze comes out the end
of the pump hose� Leave dump valves open� As extra
protection, open the toilet valve and add a cup of RV,
non-toxic antifreeze to the black tank and pour a cup of
RV, 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�)
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
possible battery damage and replacement. The
Sprinter Operator's Manual describes its location,
operation, and cautions in detail.
Maintenance
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