caution - Thor Motor Coach
caution - Thor Motor Coach
caution - Thor Motor Coach
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Many people choose to use their motorhomes throughout the entire year. Extensive<br />
usage is not recommended in severe cold weather. However, winter traveling can be<br />
safe for you and your motorhome if you follow the pre<strong>caution</strong>s outlined in this chapter.<br />
For those who choose to use their motorhomes only during the warmer months, winter<br />
storage is necessary. This section will guide you through the proper steps to winterize<br />
your motorhome, which is critical to maintain maximum durability over the life of your<br />
vehicle.<br />
The fresh water storage tank is located inside a lower storage compartment. The<br />
furnace will heat the fresh and waste water compartments. In severe cold however, it is<br />
wise to monitor the water temperature in the tank, and take appropriate steps to drain<br />
and winterize if necessary. In severe cold weather, it may also be necessary to open<br />
the lower cabinet doors at night in both the bath and kitchen areas to keep warmer air<br />
circulating around the water fixtures.<br />
If you are going to leave the coach unheated for any length of time in severe cold<br />
conditions, it is best not to keep water in the fresh water system. It may work best to<br />
carry cooking and drinking water with you in plastic jugs instead.<br />
If you will be using your motorhome when conditions fall below the freezing level, it<br />
may be necessary to protect the drainage system components from damage by the<br />
addition of an approved antifreeze solution as outlined on the product directions. Any<br />
drain lines exposed to external air temperatures are especially susceptible to freezing<br />
and pre<strong>caution</strong>s should be taken to protect them from damage.<br />
In the event that the motorhome is left for a period of time without the furnace in<br />
operation, canned goods and other foods packed in water should be stored as high as<br />
possible, since heat rises. They might also be stored in the refrigerator as insulation<br />
against the cold. Store dry foods, and other items that are not damaged by freezing<br />
temperatures in the lower storage areas.<br />
Make sure to use an propane that will vaporize properly in the colder temperatures.<br />
Check with your propane representative for the proper fuel.<br />
Use only the furnace to heat the recreational vehicle. It is properly vented to the<br />
outside.<br />
Never use the range for heating as carbon monoxide may<br />
build up inside the unit and asphyxiation could result.<br />
Cooking produces large amounts of moisture, not just as steam from pots and pans,<br />
but also as a product of combustion. Make sure to use the exhaust vents and open<br />
a window slightly to control the humidity. At night, leave a roof vent and/or a window<br />
slightly open.<br />
When a motorhome is exposes to freezing temperatures, it could be severely damaged<br />
by ice expansion. This is especially true of the water heaters, washer/dryer, ice maker,<br />
holding tanks, and faucets, which are at risk for damage if not properly drained during<br />
the winter. All water must be drained from the motorhome. The procedure to do so is<br />
as follows:<br />
1. Drain the fresh water tank by opening the low point drain valve. Let the water drain<br />
out until the tank is empty.<br />
2. Drain both the black (waste) water tank and the gray (sink) water tanks and flush<br />
out completely. Drain the black tank first and allow the gray water tank to rinse out<br />
the flexible hose drain line. You may now add a commercial holding tank chemical<br />
Winter Use and Storage<br />
TIPS FOR WINTER<br />
USE<br />
WATER SYSTEM<br />
FOOD STORAGE<br />
PROPANE SYSTEM<br />
HEATING<br />
CONDENSATION<br />
WINTERIZATION<br />
PROCEDURE<br />
109