Here are some quick and easy steps to get your freshwater tank and water lines ready for the new season. I clipped this from Les Doll's "RV Corner" web page. It's worth a visit.

De-Winterizing the Systems

inspect and pack wheel bearings.
remove jack stands and remove cover
Inspect and adjust brakes
Check LP system for leaks
clean roof vents for refrigerator, water heater and furnace
clean rubber roof and recalk is necessary
wash windows inside and out
drain antifreeze -- If you live in the colder climes, where annual winterizing with RV antifreeze is required, you must flush the system thoroughly before use to get rid of the antifreeze. While this antifreeze is non-toxic it tastes really bad. Flush the water system by following the steps below:
Fill your on board tank about 3/4 full.
Open all taps one by one to allow water to fill every water line and flush out the antifreeze.
switch water tank to normal operation from by-pass
Connect to your city water and flush every outlet for at least 5 mins. Now switch the water heater bypass to allow the water heater to fill. This procedure will prevent the antifreeze from entering the hot water system. While this is not a health problem, as such, the antifreeze will produce a foaming condition that can persist for several days.
sanitize water system
Determine amount of bleach you will need by multiplying the tank capacity by 0.125 (1 oz per 8 gallons).
Mix the bleach with some water, add to the tank, then top off the tank with fresh water.
Open all faucets hot/cold until smell of bleach is detected
Standard solution must have 4 hours of contact time to disinfect completely, double the amount of bleach for 1 hour contact time.
When time is up, drain water tank, refill with regular water, and purge all faucets with plain water. If there is a problem with excessive chlorine odor and taste after sanitizing, follow the above procedures using a solution of baking soda 1/2 cup to one gallon water per 15 gallons of tank cap. Or vinegar one quart added to 5 gallons of water per 15 gallons of tank cap.
Drain your fresh water storage tank and refill with fresh water. You can add a capful of bleach every time you fill the water tank to keep it fresh and sanitary. However, due to the unknown quality of campground water supplies, and the fact that the water in your tank may stand for several days or weeks in the hot sun, it is recommended that you use bottled water for drinking supplies.
Now is a good time to check the operation of your dump valves. The slide mechanism should operate smoothly with no sticking and should seal completely. Change any suspect valve before a problem develops. There are not many things worse that encountering a stuck or broken sewage dump valve, when the tanks are completely full.
Check battery
Inspect hitch coupler for signs of ware.
Wash trailer and remove any black streaks - Was afterward
check all appliances by starting furnace, water heater, stove and oven.
Change batteries in smoke alarm
check fire extinguisher and recharge if necessary
check exterior lighting and replace bulbs is necessary
check air pressure in tires (should have been with bearings etc.)
Inventory items we keep as stock in trailer such as insect repellent, sun block, first aid, personal hygiene items, galley items, trailer maintenance items.

http://www.rverscorner.com/ Visit the RV'ers Corner bulletin

Back to Home Page