Easy Potable Water System Winterizing - Late Model Hi-Lo
 

Those of you that own late model Hi-Lo trailers probably know that the manufacturer included some pretty nifty provisions in the plumbing system that allow for quick and easy winterizing. I winterized mine yesterday and it took all of 15 minutes, including raising and lowering. Writing this probably took longer than actually doing it:

1- Lower the tongue jack as far as it will go
2- Open the fresh water tank drain
3- Open the water heater drain (unscrew the drain plug or open the drain valve) and flip open the relief valve
4- Locate the fresh water pump and water heater compartment inside the RV
5- Close the heater bypass valves
6- Open the water system drains in the floor for a bit and close them
7- Put the pump antifreeze pickup tube in a container of RV antifreeze and open the pickup tube valve
8- Turn on the water pump so the antifreeze can be pumped into the system
9- Open all kitchen and bathroom taps, hot and cold.
10- Monitor the RV antifreeze; you may need more than one gallon
11 - Close all taps after you get undiluted antifreeze coming through
12- Open and close the water system drains and the heater bypass valves for a second, just long enough to get some RV antifreeze in these lines.
13- Close the pump antifreeze pickup tube valve
14- Close the heater and fresh water tank valves once all the water is drained
15- Raise the tongue jack if desired
16- Done :D

Thanks for posting, Raul. Since it was my first time winterizing, mine took a lot longer than 15 minutes!

I'm putting all these lists and tips into a document so I'm better prepared for next winter. :D

I understand, this is my third time with this trailer, so I know where all the valves are located.

Good pointer Raul, lowering the nose of the trailer to drain the water tanks. Wish I'd thought of that!

- Jack

Don't forget the outside shower (if you have one), draining both grey and black holding tanks and adding antifreeze to all the drain "P" traps.... Predicted for 17 degrees here tonight - BRRRRRRRR!!!!

You may want to consider the following revision:

5a- Open all the faucets.
6a- Close all the faucets
9- One at a time open all kitchen and bathroom taps, hot and cold, until undiluted antifreeze flows out.

Good point un the outside shower.

I don't add extra antifreeze to the drain traps. The antifreeze that is pumped through the taps automatically goes down the drains.