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Chapter 11 - Winter Use and Storage
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.
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 an 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 exposes to freezing temperatures, it could be severely damaged
by ice expansion. This is especially true of the water heaters, 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:
Drain the fresh water tank by opening the low point drain valve. Let the water drain
out until the tank is empty.
Drain both the black (waste) water tank and the gray (sink) water tanks and flush out
completely. (See complete instructions located in Chapter 6 - “Plumbing Systems”).
Drain the black tank first and allow the gray water tank to rinse out the flexible hose
drain line. You may now add a commercial holding tank chemical cleaner. Driving the
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TIPS FOR WINTER USE
WATER SYSTEM
FOOD STORAGE
PROPANE SYSTEM
HEATING
CONDENSATION
WINTERIZATION
PROCEDURE