Winterizing And Storage; Winterizing And Storage; Extended Stays; Black Water Tank Flush - Airstream INTERSTATE 24 TommyBahama Owner's Manual

Maintenance

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 using the black tank flush inlet, 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� It is
recommended the tank flush be used every time the
black tank is emptied or the holes on the spray head
may become clogged�

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�
9-10

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, and the
Fresh Water tank� Instructions for draining the water
system are explained in the following paragraphs on
winterizing�
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 hydronic
heating and hot water system, and the battery�
NOTE
Sprinter recommends disconnecting the current
to all chassis electric consumers using the engine
battery disconnect cable if the vehicle sits for
periods longer than 30 days. This will save jump
starts, battery charge ups, and possible battery
damage and replacement. The Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter Operator's Manual describes its location,
operation, and cautions in detail.
NOTE
In very cold weather, winterizing the motor coach
is recommended to prevent damage to the waste
systems.

Touring Coach Winterization

To perform these steps, you will need an adapter with
an air regulator to connect an air compressor to the
water management panel inlet, and access to an air
compressor� Adapters are available at most RV stores�

Valve Locations for Winterization

Low point drain valves - there are four total: Two
are under the galley (remove the lower drawer), or,
depending on your model, they may be below the
refrigerator (remove the vent below the refrigerator)�
Two more are under the curbside lounge; remove the
cup holders�
Fresh water tank drain valves - on the front of the fresh
water tank; under the touring coach�
Water heater bypass valve - on the water line
connected to the water heater; behind the service
panel under the roadside rear lounge�
2023 Tommy Bahama Interstate 24