Are You Ready to Winterize Your RV?
Are You Ready to Winterize Your RV?
Will you be parking your vehicle outside for the winter season? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, residents of Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley, and the rest of the Lower Mainland should brace themselves for some brisk days ahead.
All it takes is a few days of below-freezing temperatures to damage your RV. Going late into the fall with an unprotected plumbing system is risky business. Chilliwack is mild compared to the rest of Canada, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get frosty early in the season.
If you’re planning on parking your RV anywhere unheated over the winter, you need to winterize it. Even if you’re planning on still driving your RV for “dry camping” during the colder months, you’ll want to winterize the lines.
A visit to Trademasters in Chilliwack is all you need to do for peace of mind.
Visit the RV Winterizing Specialists in Chilliwack
Trademasters has the expertise, tools, and facility to prepare your RV for winter storage.
Our Standard Winterization for $145 Includes:
- Hot and cold water lines filled with RV antifreeze
- Hot water tank drained and bypassed
- Taps, faucets, showers, P-Traps and city water intake filled with antifreeze
- Fresh water tank drained
Extras:
- Class A motorhomes $50
- Clothes Washer $35
- Dishwasher $35
- Filter $35
- Ice maker $35
- Dump black and/or grey water tank $50
Leave Your Maintenance to Us
When it comes to winterizing your RV, some people aren’t comfortable doing it themselves. It’s perfectly understandable.
Maybe you’re worried about the possibility of burning yourself while opening the pressure relief valve on the water heater? Don’t want to crawl under your rig to access the low-point drains? Not sure about connecting the water pump converter kit and emptying the holding tanks in a suitable location?
Don’t worry, we get it. Let Trademasters in Chilliwack save you the time and hassle. Trademasters will winterize your rig properly for the next RV season.
What Can Go Wrong?
So what happens if winterization isn’t handled properly? The answer is simple… costly damage!
Freezing temperatures are unforgiving. When ice expands, it is capable of wrecking your RV’s pipes, tanks, and fittings. No water pressure in the spring? Burst pipes will do that.
Most accidents that occur are the result of missing a single step in the winterization process. Forgetting to protect the water line of the outside shower is a common mistake. Trademasters in Chilliwack has seen it all.
Damaged valves and fittings come spring are the tell-tale sign that your “winterize RV checklist” didn’t work.
What Trademasters in Chilliwack Will Do Before the Temperatures Drop
Trademasters does a thorough job and won’t miss any of those important steps. If you have any questions or special requests, all you have to do is ask. Our crew in Chilliwack is always happy to help.
Our services include
- Inspecting the holding tanks
- Removal of inline water filters (as necessary)
- Draining the fresh water tank
- Letting the water drain from the hot water heater
Note: It is recommended that you empty your hot water heater at least once a year to prevent potential calcium and lime deposit buildup.
Next, we’ll open all the faucets to flush out the remaining water system.
Our team of RV experts in Chilliwack ensures all lines are attended to, including the low-point drains underneath your vehicle.
Once all water has drained from your vehicle, we’ll replace the drain plugs and turn off all the faucets (for both the cold and hot water lines)
We Have the Products in Chilliwack to Maintain Your Rig
If your RV doesn’t have a built-in bypass system, we’ll use a water heater bypass kit. This handy attachment saves antifreeze by bridging the gap between the hot and cold water lines. It prevents accidentally filling up the entire water heater with antifreeze.
Other Winterizing Suggestions for Chilliwack Weather
Disconnect Your Batteries Before Storing the RV
Cold weather in Chilliwack and the rest of Canada kills batteries. Bring them inside your home or someplace warm for safekeeping. Make sure they are fully charged before letting them sit for the winter. Avoid contact with concrete floors (which drain battery life quicker).
Clean Everything
A thorough cleaning of your RV, inside and out, will leave your vehicle in good shape for the next season. A protective wax will help defend your exterior against the elements. Make sure to remove any food left inside that may attract animals during the winter months. You should also bring in any liquid containers that could rupture in the Chilliwack cold.
Inspect Your Awnings and Roof
If you have awnings, make sure they are scrubbed, rinsed, and dried properly. The last thing you want is a mouldy, ice-damaged covering come spring.
It’s also a good idea to check your roof for any signs of deterioration. If there are noticeable cracks, you’ll want to seal them up before the snow falls. Need a professional inspection? Trademasters can handle the job by doing a leak test with our Sealtech machine Stop by to see us in Chilliwack.
Cover Up the Wheels
An RV sitting in one spot can take a toll on your tires. It is recommended that you use your vehicle’s levelling system or put your RV axles on stands to keep the tires in good shape. Placing covers over the wheels helps prevent damaging moisture, UV rays, and fluctuating temperatures that damage the rubber material.
A lot of people will consider tarps for covering the entire RV. However, a cover that doesn’t breathe will contribute to mould. Trademasters can advise you on the best products to use. Our location in Chilliwack has all the items you’ll need.
Whether you’re looking for a drain plug or someone to winterize your RV, Trademasters carries a wide selection of RV products and accessories.
Drop off your RV for winterizing today! Need supplies to get your vehicle ready for the next camping season? Trademasters in Chilliwack is the place to call.