how to winterize a forest river travel trailer

Here’s your step-by-step guide to help

Compressed air cooling

Buy 2 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze.

Drain the freshwater tank and empty the waste water tank.

Turn the water heater bypass valve to the bypass position. (This valve is located near the water heater inlet at the rear of the water heater. Water heaters are typically located in the kitchen base cabinet and may need to remove an access panel to access the auxiliary valve. )

Drain hot water.

If you have a water filtration system installed, remove the filter from the assembly and discard. (You will need to purchase a new one and install it when defrosting your device.)

Open all faucets, including shower head nozzles (if applicable), toilet flushers, and any other closed water lines.

Turn on the water pump for at least 30 seconds to clear the water from the pipes.

Connect the air duct to the adapter (discharge plug) to the city water inlet connection.

Set pressure no more than 30 lbs. (pounds) and drain the water lines until no water can be seen from the fixtures and lines.

Pour RV antifreeze into drains, p-traps, toilets, and tanks.

Winterizing Only with antifreeze

Purchase 4-6 gallons of RV-approved non-toxic antifreeze.

Clear clogged drains of all storage tanks, freshwater and wastewater tanks.

Turn the bypass valve of the water heater to the bypass position.

Drain hot water.

If you have a water filtration system installed, remove the filter from the assembly and discard. (You will need to purchase a new one and install it when defrosting your device.)

Pour RV antifreeze into the bucket above the water pump’s minimum operating level. (Using a long funnel can help.)

Turn the pump switch ‘ON’ and open the cold water side of all faucet units. Leave the faucet open until antifreeze (usually pink) comes out of the faucet. Repeat with the hot water side.

Flush the toilet until antifreeze is visible inside the bowl and pour a gallon of antifreeze down the toilet to freeze the black tank.

Pour antifreeze down each kitchen shower and sink to fill the p-trap.

To freeze the gray tank(s), pour one gallon down each relevant drain.