How to Winterize My Jayco RV

Jayco is an American company based in Middlebury, Ind. Since the late 1960s, Jayco has been manufacturing recreational vehicles that are used for camping, weekend getaways and vacations. Jayco campers have a fresh water holding tank and a plumbing system that provide on-demand water when the taps are turned on at the sink basin or shower, even when city water hookups are not available. However, if you store your Jayco RV in freezing temperatures, the plumbing system must be winterized to prevent damage.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Air compressor
• Blowgun attachment for air compressor
• Flat blade screwdriver
• 1 gallon RV antifreeze

Instructions

1. Crawl under your RV and locate the white plastic freshwater tank. Drain any remaining water in the tank by removing the drain plug on the underside of the tank with an adjustable wrench turned in a counterclockwise direction. Replace the drain plug and tighten it once all the water has drained.

2. Turn on the electric water pump switch at the control panel near the kitchen sink. Allow the pump to run for 15 to 20 seconds to expel all water from it. Do not let the pump run longer than 20 seconds; once the water has been expelled, the pump it could be damaged from running dry.

3. Open all hot and cold water valves, including the kitchen sink, bathroom shower and basin, and the toilet. Open all drains as well so that that RV antifreeze does not collect in the sink basins or toilet bowl, causing possible staining.

4. Connect a blowgun attachment to the end of the hose on an air compressor, using the quick-release sleeve on the hose. Turn on the compressor and allow air pressure to build up. Note: The machine will shut itself off automatically when that air tank is pressurized.

5. Pry the small screen from the city water inlet on the outside of the trailer with a flat blade screwdriver. Place the screen aside. Insert the nozzle of the blow gun attachment on your compressor hose into the inlet as far as it will go. Depress the trigger on the blowgun, which forces air into the plumbing system through the city water inlet.

6. Continue blowing air into the system for five to 10 minutes to expel all water from the system. Remove the blowgun from the water inlet and push the screen back into place until it is fully seated.

7. Pour one cup of RV antifreeze into all of the RV’s drains, including kitchen sink, shower, bathroom basin and toilet. Wipe any excess antifreeze from the surface with a clean cloth to prevent staining.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only non-toxic RV antifreeze, as automotive antifreeze is poisonous.

References

• Cunningham Campers: 2007 Jayco Jay Feather Travel Trailer Owner’s Manual