Can’t wait to hit the road with your travel trailer this summer? The arrival of spring is the perfect time to get on with your dewinterization. Just follow our 5 steps to make sure you don’t forget anything!
Marine battery installation
The first step of your dewinterization is to install the marine battery of your RV. To do so, you need to identify the colors of the wires to be connected to the battery pole and proceed in one of the following two possibilities:
If you have identified a red and a black wire:
Connect the red wire to the positive pole of the battery. To identify the latter, a sign (+) can be seen near the battery pole. Then connect the black wire to the negative pole of the battery. You can find a (-) sign near the battery pole.
N.B.: It is better to start by connecting the red wire to the positive pole.
If you have identified a black and a white wire:
Connect the black wire to the positive pole of the battery. To identify the latter, a sign (+) can be seen near the battery pole. Then connect the white wire to the negarive poleof the battery. You can find a (-) sign near the battery pole.
N.B.: It is better to start by connecting the black wire to the positive pole.
Notes :
- It is common to find more than two wires to connect to the battery poles, and this, to power various accessories of your RV like a solar panel and more.
- If that’s the case, when removing the battery from your RV for the winterization, it is strongly recommended that you tape the various wires that are connected to the positive pole together and do the same for the wires that are connected to the negative pole. By advocating for this method and making sure to identify them properly, you will avoid any headaches during dewinterization.
- When in doubt, it’s better to not take any chances. It is recommended to consult a technician in the field. Roulottes Chaudière provides you with qualified technicians in the matter, virtually accessible by computer,cellphone or tablet at any time. Contact us at 418-831-3080 or at service@roulotteschaudiere.com.
Check the various detectors: smoke, propane gas and carbon monoxide
You must ensure proper functioning of your detectors (smoke, propane gas and carbon monoxide). This is a crucial step: it could save your life and those of your family in the event of emanation.
There are two possibilities for feeding electronic components into the detectors:
- They can be powered by an independent residential type alkaline battery such as AA, AAA or 9V (rectangular).
- Or they are connected to the wall, to the 12V system of the travel trailer, by a red and black wire. You can access it easily through the back of the detector by unscrewing the receptacle. You’ll also find the date of manufacture or expiration date on the back of the detector, which is to be considered.
Your detector may produce a beeping sound to warn you that the battery is low. In the case of an alkaline battery, you simply need to replace it. If the detector is connected to the 12V system, it’ll be necessary to check the status of the main deep cycle battery of the trailer and recharge it with a charger or by connecting the trailer so that the battery charges itself from the current converter.
Once fully charged, the detector should stop beeping. If that’s not the case, make your way to the converter panel to remove the detector fuse (LP Gas or LPG for propane gas and CO for carbon monoxide). Then put the fuse back and everything should go back in order.
Reopen the water inlet
You are now ready to reopen the water heater inlet valve. This is an essential step in order to have access to hot water. Go to the outside panel of your trailer and check that the cap of the tank of the water heater is screwed. Then turn the water heater bypass valve to the closed position and open the heater inlet valve. It is essential that the bypass valve is closed, otherwise, the water will pass through it to mix with hot water. You’ll then only have warm water, which could lead you to believe that your water heater is defective. Remember that it is not recommended to heat the electric element of your water heater if it’s empty. This could damage your element very quickly.
Test the devices
It’s now time to test your RVs devices. We suggest you start with the 12V and electric appliances, including lights, fridge, A/C, slideouts (if required), etc. After that, test the accessories that run on propane gas, such as the refrigerator, heating system, stove, etc.
If you have any questions, especially regarding propane gas equipement, it is recommended to consult a qualified technician for gas appliances, class 4. Roulottes Chaudière provides you with qualified technicians in the matter, virtually accessible by computer, cellphone or tablet at any time. Contact us at 418-831-3080 or at service@roulotteschaudiere.com.
Inspect the exterior of your RV
The tire pressure should be adjusted to 5PSI less than what is written on the tire.
Rubbers and slideouts mechanisms also require special attention. It is recommended to apply regular silicone spray to preserve its effectiveness.
Last but not least is the visual inspection of the RVs sealing joints. They require regular checking. We suggest checking them every two months as well as during winterization and dewinterization.
A thorough visual inspection is recommended to identify cracked or damaged joints. If that’s the case, you will need to use a silicone sealant to remedy it, except for the roof and the roof joints for which you must use a Dicor sealer.
As it is difficult to identify sealing joints or parts of joints that require correction, do not hesitate to redo them from the moment you have a doubt to ensure the seal.
Have any questions or need a hand? At Roulottes Chaudière, we put our experienced team at you service to carry out the dewinterization of your trailer. Contact us! We’ll be happy to help you get back on the road safely!