Winterize Your SummerToys

It’s Time to Winterize

Do you own a boat? Or maybe a Recreational Vehicle (RV)? If so, now is the time to start thinking about winterizing both of these items. Winterizing helps to protect your boats and RVs during the winter months when you may not be using either of these items. If you fail to winterize, you run the risk of costly repairs and potentially permanent damage. You can pay for someone to winterize these items for you, or you can read below and see the steps to take for best damage prevention.

RV/Camper Winterization

Items Needed

• Non-Toxic RV Antifreeze (Around 2-3 gallons but you may need more)
• Water Heater By-Pass Kit (Some RVs come with these pre-installed)
• Wand to Clean Holding Tanks
• Water Pump Converter Kit (You could also use tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump)
• Basic Hand Tools

Steps

• Remove Inline Water Filters and Bypass Before Starting
• Drain the Fresh Water Holding Tank
• Drain and Flush the Gray and Black Holding Tanks (Use the wand if your camper doesn’t have a built in flushing system)
• Drain the Water Heater (Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. Make sure the water and water heater have had plenty of time to cool down.)
• Open All Faucets
• Locate and Open the Low Point Drain Lines
• Recap Drains and Close Faucets
• By-Pass the Water Heater
• Install a Water Pump Converter Kit or Disconnect the Inlet Side of the Water Pump and Connect Tubing
• Turn the Water Pump on and Pressurize the System; Starting with the Closest Faucet, Slowly Open the Hot and then Cold Valves Until Antifreeze Appears
• Repeat on All Faucets Starting Closest to Furthest
• Flush the Toilet until Antifreeze Appears
• Turn the Water Pump Off and Open a Faucet to Release the Pressure
• Pour a Cupful of Antifreeze Down Each Drain. A Couple of Cups in the Toilet and Flush so it Flows into the Holding Tank
• Turn Off Your Water Heater if it has an Electric Heating Element.
• Make Sure You Close All Faucets
• Consult the Owners Manual for Icemakers and Washing Machines.

TIP: All RVs come with a user manual that includes special steps for your specific RV. If you have access to this manual, please follow the directions for element locations and special steps.

This list was provided by Kampers of America. Read more and watch a video by clicking here.

Boat Winterization

• Replace Engine Oil: Warm up the engine while in water (helps to drain/flush); Replace Oil and Filters
• Flush & Drain Cooling Water: Prevents damage from expanding water when it freezes.
• Stabilize Fuel: Add a high quality marine fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel deterioration. After adding, fill the tank with fresh fuel to prevent corrosion-causing water condensation.
• Protect Internal Engine Components: Use a fogging oil spray.
• Replace Gear Oil: Drain the lower unit of old gear oil and replace with a fresh supply
• Grease & Lubricate: Put a quality marine lubricant on your grease fittings to prevent rust, corrosion and oxidation.
• Remove Valuables: There is little traffic during the wintertime in a boatyard. Remove any valuables and expensive electronics.
• Clean and Wax
• Cover: Dry storage can be fairly expensive so if you need a cheaper option, look into a cover or even better shrink wrap.

These tips were provided by Gold Eagle. Read more here.

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