10 Winter Operations
Freeze Damage Precaution
A motorhome can be used during the colder winter months, however there is always a possibility of freeze damage to the water system. To prevent this from occurring, here are a couple of suggestions regarding winterization.
Dry Method
This method must be performed by an authorized service technician and consists of completely removing "ALL" of the water from the motorhome, which results in the loss of use of the water system.
This is most commonly done when the motorhome will be stored for more than twenty four hours in below freezing temperatures.
THIS METHOD WILL PROTECT THE MOTORHOME AGAINST FREEZE DAMAGE
Wet Method
In order to MINIMIZE the risk of freeze damage, if you choose to use the water system in below freezing temperatures, the following guidelines are recommended:
• Purchase four gallons of approved motorhome non-toxic anti-freeze.
• Pour two gallons of motorhome non-toxic anti-freeze into the fresh water tank and fill with water to 1/2 full (if tank is full, drain to 1/2 tank).
• Turn on pump switch and open the cold water sides of all faucet fixtures. Leave open until the anti-freeze comes out (color of anti-freeze put into tank). Repeat for hot water side.
• Flush toilet until anti-freeze begins to flow into the toilet bowl and then pour one gallon of anti-freeze down the toilet to winterize the black tank.
• Pour anti-freeze down each shower/tub, lavatory sink and kitchen sink to fill the p-traps.
• To winterize the gray water tank, pour 1/2 half gallon down each related sink drain.
Tips for Cold Weather Camping
The water heater and furnace should be on at all times. A minimum of 15AMP power (external shore line) connection is required to operate the motorhome furnace for extended periods, plus a sufficient supply of liquid propane (LP) gas.
Do not let the motorhome sit for more than twelve hours. Idle the engine or drive the motorhome a short distance at least every twelve hours until normal operating temperature is reached.
In freezing conditions, the liquid propane (LP) gas can vaporize and cause the liquid propane (LP) gas system to freeze. Following the above steps will help minimize this possibility.
NOTE: Snow chains are not recommended for use on a motorhome. Damage created by the use of snow chains is not covered under the Tiffin Motorhomes manufacturers warranty.