Quck answer
Winterizing a park model involves taking steps to protect it from the cold weather and prevent damage. Here are the key steps to winterize a park model:
1. Insulate: Add insulation to windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas to keep heat inside and cold air out.
2. Seal: Check for any gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
3. Drain: Drain the water system, including pipes, tanks, and water heater, to prevent freezing and bursting.
4. Disconnect: Disconnect and drain hoses connected to the park model to avoid water damage.
5. Protect: Cover the park model with a waterproof tarp or RV cover to shield it from snow, ice, and other winter elements.
6. Maintain: Regularly check the park model during winter months to ensure it remains in good condition and address any issues promptly.
By following these steps, you can effectively winterize your park model and protect it from the harsh winter conditions.
A park model trailer is designed to be stationary and not meant to be towed from place to place. This type of trailer is popular among retirees who spend their winters in places like Florida because it provides an affordable and comfortable small home. Many recreational enthusiasts have also discovered the pleasure of owning a park model home in their preferred vacation location. However, if the weather in the park’s area can drop below freezing, park models require certain steps to be winterized. If a resident plans to live in the park model year-round, it is recommended to purchase a park model that is already fully winterized for year-round use.
Step 1
If you plan to live in the trailer year-round, purchase a pre-winterized park model. Many retirees choose to live full-time in park models, so it is important to ensure that the model has a high BTU furnace for warmth, heated tanks to prevent freezing, an upgraded insulation package for warmth during cold months, and double-glazed windows to keep out the cold. Purchasing a pre-winterized park model is an ideal option for year-round living.
Step 2
If you do not plan to live in the park model during the winter, winterize your basic seasonal park model before the freezing weather arrives. Once properly winterized, you can lock up your park model for the winter. Turn off the hot water heater’s wall switch and breaker in the breaker box. Drain the hot water heater by either using a drain plug located under the tank or a pull valve next to the tank, depending on the model. Open the pressure valve on the tank to allow air to enter as the water drains out.
Step 3
Once the water has completely drained, switch the bypass valves on the hot water tank to the wintertime position. Close both the upper and lower valves and open the middle valve.
Step 4
Locate the low point drains for the park model near the city water hookup. Allow all water to drain from these points and then replace the plugs.
Step 5
Turn off the valves on all toilets in the park model. Flush the toilets multiple times to remove all water from the bowl and the back holding tank.
Step 6
Connect a hand-powered or motorized water pump to the city water intake valve. Attach the other end of the hose to a jug of RV-approved anti-freeze. Turn on the pump for a motorized pump or begin pumping with a hand-powered pump to build pressure.
Step 7
Enter the park model and open the cold faucets. Wait until you see the pink anti-freeze flowing through the faucet, then turn off the faucets. Repeat this process for the hot water faucets. Open the toilet faucet and allow the pink anti-freeze to flow into the toilet. Pour a full jug of anti-freeze into the toilet’s tank and flush the toilet to ensure the anti-freeze reaches all parts. Repeat this step for all toilets in the park model.
Step 8
Activate the washing machine to heat up and allow the pink liquid to flow into the washer. Once the pink anti-freeze liquid becomes visible, deactivate the washer. Start the dishwasher and let the pink anti-freeze flow into it. After it has flowed in, turn off the dishwasher.
Step 9
Detach the pump and anti-freeze from the outdoor city water valve. Close the valve.
Step 10
Pour one cup of anti-freeze into the sink traps of all sinks, showers, and bathtubs in the park model. Turn off the main electrical breaker in the breaker box. Secure the park model and it will remain winterized until spring.
