Airstream REI Co-op Special Edition, Owner'S Manual

Page: 77 / 90

Maintenance
2023 REI Special Edition
8-15
11� Your unit has a winterization kit installed near the
water pump. Turn the winterization kit valve to the
winterizing position (shown above) and remove the
plug. Turn the pump on, expelling the remaining
water. This water, about 1/2 cup, can be caught in
a towel or rag�
12� Reconnect the water pump outlet.
13� 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.
14� As shown above and in Figure 8.1 on the previous
page, close the water heater inlet and outlet
valves. Make sure the water heater bypass valve is
open. It is not recommended to use air pressure on
the water heater for winterization.
15� Open the toilet flush valve and toilet shut-off valve.
Make sure all drain valves and faucets are open.
16� Using the adapter mentioned at the beginning,
apply, at max, 50 lbs. of air pressure to the city
water inlet until only air is coming out of all the
faucets.
WARNING
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.
17� 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.
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.
18� Be sure to open the waste-holding tank dump
valves and drain and flush the tanks thoroughly
(this is very important as the sewage in the tanks, if
frozen, could seriously damage the tanks).
19� Leave the water heater drain valve open. It should
remain open until the system is ready to be used
again� Leave a note on the control panel that the
drain valve is open and the bypass valve needs to
be closed before use.
20� 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. Unscrew the shower head and store.
Leave the faucets open.
Optional; An additional step to winterization is to
consider adding a non-toxic RV antifreeze (approved
for drinking water systems) to the water lines using the
pre-installed Winterization Kit�
Before beginning, read the RV antifreeze
manufacturer’s label for instructions specific to the
antifreeze you plan to use. It may take 2-3 gallons to
fill the entire system so prepare accordingly. It will be
helpful to have another person watching and operating
the faucets and shower heads as you follow these
steps.
The winterization kit is near the water pump;
see Water
Pump Access Locations on page 8-11� For drain valve
locations, see Drain Valve Locations on page 8-11�
1� Open the sink and shower drains if they are closed.
2� Open all the faucets, including the shower head
faucet handle and, if equipped, the external shower
head�
3� Leave the water heater drain valve open. It should
remain open until the system is ready to be used
again� Leave a note on the control panel that the
drain valve is open and the bypass valve needs to
be closed before use.