Class

Preparing and Dewinterizing Your RV

$39.99

At a Glance:

In-depth Instruction; over 138 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A

Item: T3133E

Description

Description

Most RV owners take a great deal of time getting their rigs ready for storage due to the extreme temperatures that will be encountered and the length of non-activity.

However, too often, they don’t use the same attention-to-detail when bringing their rigs out for the camping season. Rather, they fill the water and propane and hit the road.

But there are several areas of an RV that need attention – to reduce failure later on and prolong the life and value of RV appliances and accessories.

This Class will be a great lesson in giving your rig the complete once-over that it deserves after a few months in waiting, and before hitting the road!

Tires, for example, are the most vulnerable component on our RV, but are the most neglected. RV tires must be checked for proper pressure every time you hit the road and a thorough inspection of the sidewall, tread, and wear pattern in the spring are essential to reduce tire failure later.

Spring is also an important time of the year to check all the exterior sealants to see how they “weathered” throughout the storage period. With the extreme temperature changes common during storage, components will expand and contract and sometimes sealants just can’t keep up! This includes the roof, slide rooms, compartments, windows and doors.

The water system will have either RV antifreeze or all water removed from the system and before just filling the tank and running new water, it’s a good idea to use tank sanitizer and deodorizer as well as checking the water pump filter, check or replace the anode rod if applicable, and adding some of the Thetford product for valve and toilet seals.

Other procedures include cleaning and conditioning the awning, turning the fire extinguisher upside down and dislodging the powder, replacing smoke and CO detector batteries, and getting your house batteries ready for the camping season.

In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this class provides you with several downloadable PDF support materials, including a detailed Class Guide you can follow as a reminder for the key points of the class, and several support documents to reference as you remove your RV from storage.

Add this video class to your library, and you’ll have an invaluable resource to use for many upcoming seasons.

Class Sessions

Session 1: Overview of Winterizing and the Need to Dewinterize

Session 1: Overview of Winterizing and the Need to Dewinterize

4:19

Most RVers understand the importance of getting their rig ready for winter or just a long storage. Frozen water lines can be very expensive, but it’s just as important to spend a little time checking all the appliance, tires, batteries, and other components when bringing your rig out of storage and ready for a new camping season.

Session 2: Initial Inspection

Session 2: Initial Inspection

4:19

A good walk-around of the unit will help identify if there are any immediate issues that have happened during storage, such as a cover that has a rip or damage allowing moisture in, any damage from branches or weather, or signs of mice or other rodents! If there is any noticeable damage, you will want to take pictures or call an insurance agent before venturing too much further.

Session 3: Tires

Session 3: Tires

13:41

During extended storage periods, tires can be exposed to some extreme weather conditions, with the UV rays from the sun being the worst. Checking for cracks in the sidewall known as “weather checking” is important before taking to the road, as well as proper inflation. It’s not uncommon for a tire to lose 2 psi every week when sitting, and you cannot see a 10 psi lower pressure just by looking at the tire.

Session 4: Exterior Inspection

Session 4: Exterior Inspection

27:11

A close inspection of the roof and sidewall is important, as the temperature changes during storage make components expand and contract – so a visual inspection of the sealants, gaskets, and materials is critical.

Session 5: Interior Inspection

Session 5: Interior Inspection

7:24

Inside you should look for any leaks that might have occurred by opening the overhead cabinets and looking for stains or wrinkling at the roof to sidewall joint. Open the slideroom and look for soft floors at the openings. And open all the drawers looking for rodents!

Session 6: Batteries

Session 6: Batteries

12:12

Improper charging and storage is the number one culprit of battery sulfation in lead acid batteries and why they do not last very long. Proper storage is important, but cleaning all the terminals, checking fluid levels, and inspection of the cables will ensure your house batteries last longer.

Session 7: Water System

Session 7: Water System

12:28

When winterizing a water system, RVers either use RV antifreeze or use compressed air to remove all the water from the system. In the spring, you will not only want to remove the RV antifreeze and/or fill the system with fresh water, but also sanitize/deodorize the tanks and pipes as well as condition the seals for the valves and toilets.

Session 8: LP System/Appliances

Session 8: LP System/Appliances

6:59

Since the LP tanks should have been shut off and all appliances turned off, you will need to purge the air out of any LP line, which can take several minutes. Also, if the LP tank is turned on too quickly, there is an excess flow valve that will shut the line off.

Session 9: Generator

Session 9: Generator

8:31

Generators are having a tough time with cheaply refined fuel and ethanol and can varnish if not properly cared for. Spring is a good time to change oil, filters, and add a fuel stabilizer that can help clean the fuel components of the generator.

Session 10: Batteries for Smoke Detectors

Session 10: Batteries for Smoke Detectors

1:59

There has been a huge marketing/advertising emphasis to change the batteries in smoke detectors in the residential market – however this is also a good time to change the batteries in an RV smoke and CO detector as well.

Session 11: Fire Extinguisher

Session 11: Fire Extinguisher

4:30

By code, all RVs have a 10 BC fire extinguisher usually mounted just inside the entrance door. If it’s a typical powder style unit, once a year it needs to be removed, held upside down, and “smacked” to dislodge the powder.

Session 12: Slide Room Inspection

Session 12: Slide Room Inspection

12:28

Slide rooms require very little maintenance, but if your rig does not have an awning over the top of the room, sticks and other debris can fall on the top – and when the room is retracted, that debris could tear the rubber gaskets. It’s important to check all gaskets and alignment of the room before hitting the road.

Session 13: Awnings

Session 13: Awnings

6:07

Awnings also require little maintenance, but condensation can lead to mold and mildew and an ugly awning! During storage, it’s not uncommon for condensation to form, therefore it’s a good idea to bring the awning out, clean and condition it, and let it dry.

Session 14: Power Train

Session 14: Power Train

10:44

For owners with a motorized unit, an inspection of the power train is important before starting up the unit and driving away. During storage, wind can blow leaves and other debris underneath the unit and up into the “pockets” of the exhaust manifold, in which case the hot temperatures of the engine could start a fire.

Meet the Instructor

Meet the Instructor

2:03

Learn more about your instructor, Dave Solberg.

Bonus Insights

2:12

Get more insights from your instructor.

Your Instructor

Dave Solberg

Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

Bonus Material

Class Guide PDF

Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key aspects of dewinterizing your RV

Process Checklist PDF

Refer to this printable checklist to manage the various steps in preparing your rig for a new season

Tire Pressure PDF

Print this reference sheet to help maintain your tires with proper pressure before heading out

Freshwater System Anatomy PDF

This is a printable reference on the anatomy of an RV’s freshwater system

Winterizing PDF

Use this tip sheet when you’re ready to winterize your water systems for storage

Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.

FAQs

How do I know what the Class covers?

Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.

Do I have to be a Member of RV Lifestyle & Repair to purchase a Class?

No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.

How do I purchase a Class?

First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.

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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Lifestyle & Repair. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.

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No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.

Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?

No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.

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No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Lifestyle & Repair, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.

How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?

Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.

How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?

Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Lifestyle & Repair contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.

Can I print out Class details?

For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.

What are PDF downloads?

These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

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We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Lifestyle & Repair from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?

Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.

How do I contact RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.