How to De-winterize a Fifth Wheel Camper
The winter season is over and it is time to hit the road in your truck with the fifth wheel camper attached. Before pulling out for that "vacation of a lifetime" or camping trip, you must first de-winterize your camper. De-winterizing involves flushing all holding tanks, checking the condition of the camper and generator(s) and testing all electrical systems. The process is not difficult and takes less than two hours to complete. Once done, you will be ready to hit the road.
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Things You'll Need
- Air hose
- Chlorine bleach
- Hot water
- Lubrication
- Full propane tanks
- Air compressor
- Soap
- Sponge
- Water hose with water supply
- Disinfecting spray
Instructions
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1
Inspect the outside of your fifth wheel first. Check the air pressure in the tires and fill if needed. Lubricate the suspension and check the wheel bearings and brakes. Replace any needed parts. Next, wash the outside of the camper with soap and water.
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2
Remove any holding tanks and sanitize them with a mixture of chlorine bleach and hot water. Let the mixture stand in the holding tanks for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water. Then go inside the fifth wheel and blow out the lines leading to the holding tanks with a air hose before running the bleach mixture through. Next, run clean water to flush the lines after the mixture. If you have a DC pump, run the bleach mixture through it also and then clean water to rinse.
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3
Run clean water again through the lines connected to the holding tanks. Next, if your fifth wheel has a toilet, pour a mixture of chlorine bleach and hot water in the toilet and let stand for a few minutes. Clean the toilet and flush several times to clean the unit and lines.
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4
Replace any empty or removed propane tanks with full propane tanks. Test the ignition values, burner and any lines running to the propane tanks. Replace any needed parts. Check the water heater next---inspect the bottom plug on the unit and any lines running off the water heater. Replace any needed parts.
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5
Open all doors and windows in the fifth wheel to air out the camper. Spray some disinfecting spray throughout the camper. Open the refrigerator and clean with a bleach solution to remove any musty smells.
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6
Test all electrical systems and appliances. Fill the fresh water tank with clean drinking water, start the water pump, and open all faucets until the water runs clear. Make sure the hot water works. Connect your fifth wheel to your truck and test the brakes and electrical connections leading to the truck.
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Tips & Warnings
Fully test all systems before taking your road trip. Let the fifth wheel camper air out for before stocking with supplies and luggage.
Handle propane tanks with care.
