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Thor Motor Coach recommends that you winterize your unit before the ambiant
temperature reaches 32 degrees, however, many people choose to use their
motorhomes throughout the entire year. Extensive usage is not recommended
in severe cold weather. However, winter traveling can be safe for you and your
motorhome if you follow the precautions outlined in this chapter. For those who choose
to use their motorhomes only during the warmer months, winter storage is necessary.
This section will guide you through the proper steps to winterize your motorhome,
which is critical to maintain maximum durability over the life of your vehicle. .
The fresh water storage tank is located inside a lower storage compartment. The
furnace will heat the fresh and waste water compartments. In severe cold however, it is
wise to monitor the water temperature in the tank, and take appropriate steps to drain
and winterize if necessary. In severe cold weather, it may also be necessary to open
the lower cabinet doors at night in both the bath and kitchen areas to keep warmer air
circulating around the water fixtures. DO NOT keep faucets open and water running
in an effort to keep water lines from freezing. This could result in the flooding of, or
damage to, your motorhome.
If you are going to leave the coach unheated for any length of time in severe cold
conditions, it is best not to keep water in the fresh water system. It may work best to
carry cooking and drinking water with you in plastic jugs instead.
If you will be using your motorhome when conditions fall below the freezing level, it
may be necessary to protect the drainage system components from damage by the
addition of an approved antifreeze solution as outlined on the product directions. Any
drain lines exposed to external air temperatures are especially susceptible to freezing
and precautions should be taken to protect them from damage.
In the event that the motorhome is left for a period of time without the furnace in
operation, canned goods and other foods packed in water should be stored as high as
possible, since heat rises. They might also be stored in the refrigerator as insulation
against the cold. Store dry foods, and other items that are not damaged by freezing
temperatures in the lower storage areas.
Make sure to use propane that will vaporize properly in the colder temperatures. Check
with your propane representative for the proper fuel.
Use only the furnace to heat the recreational vehicle. It is properly vented to the outside.
Never use the range for heating as carbon monoxide may
build up inside the unit and asphyxiation could result.
Cooking produces large amounts of moisture, not just as steam from pots and pans,
but also as a product of combustion. Make sure to use the exhaust vents and open
a window slightly to control the humidity. At night, leave a roof vent and/or a window
slightly open.
When a motorhome is exposed to freezing temperatures, it could be severely damaged
by ice expansion. This is especially true of the water heater, washer/dryer, ice maker,
holding tanks, and faucets, which are at risk for damage if not properly drained during
the winter. All water must be drained from the motorhome. The procedure to do so is
as follows:
1. Drain the fresh water tank by opening the low point drain valve. Let the water drain
out until the tank is empty.
2. Drain both the black (waste) water tank and the gray (sink) water tanks and flush
Winter Use and Storage
TIPS FOR WINTER
USE
WATER SYSTEM
FOOD STORAGE
PROPANE SYSTEM
HEATING
CONDENSATION
WINTERIZATION
PROCEDURE
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