Winterizing And Storage; Winterizing And Storage - Airstream Basecamp 2020 Owner's Manual

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 out 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� Turn the water pump switch to the ON position to
expel water from the storage tank
3� Open all drain valves including drain valve on the
water heater and exterior water service valve.
4� While the water is draining from the system, open
and flush the toilet-flushing valve. 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 shower
head and store.
5� Turn the pump switch OFF after all water has been
removed from the storage tank.
6� Disconnect outlet hose from the water pump.
7� If your unit has a winterization kit installed, open
valve to the winterizing position and remove plug.
If your unit does not have this valve, disconnect
the water pump inlet connection. Turn the pump
on until all the water is expelled. This water,
about 1/2 cup, can be caught in a towel or rag.
2020 Basecamp
8� Lower the front of the trailer as far as the jack
will allow until water ceases to drain, then crank
the jack up as high as it will go and allow any
remaining water to drain out.
9� After the water has stopped running, apply at most
50 lb of air pressure at the city water inlet. This
can be accomplished at a service station if no air
compressor is available. Air fittings with regulators
can be purchased for the city water inlet. Be sure
the toilet flush valve, toilet shut off valve, all drain
valves, and all faucets are open and the pump
outlet hose is disconnected. Make sure the water
heater bypass valve has been set to its open
position and the water inlet and outlet valves have
been closed. Air pressure is not recommended to
be used on the water heater for winterization.
The furnace/water heaters manufacturer does
not recommend blowing air through the water
heater system when draining. This method could
cause damage to lines and components. Refer
to the manufacturers user's manual provided for
complete winterization instructions.
10� Pour a cup of non-toxic RV antifreeze that has
been approved and listed by a recognized testing
authority such as Underwriter Lab into the tub drain
to prevent trap freeze-up.
11� Be sure to open the waste-holding tank dump valve
and drain and flush the tank thoroughly (this is very
important as the sewage in the tanks, if frozen,
could seriously damage the tanks).
12� 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�
CAUTION
Remove all RV antifreeze spillage from all drain
and faucet parts after winterizing. Failure to do so
could result in damage to the plumbing fixture's
finish.
Maintenance
WARNING
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