New owner needs help with 24r winterization

[ThomasJohnson]

Hi. My wife and I just bought a 2015 Solera 24R. We have never owned a motorhome or camper or trailer before. Now we are faced with "winterizing" it and are at a total loss. So here are some questions that we could use help with. First, there seems to be two hoses and valves just under and to the left of the step into the door. Are these the low point drain valves? Also, the red/hot one some times leaks; normal? there is spray insulation over them. Is this normal? I've read about winterizing using the compressed air method and have decided to use this method. Does anyone have some "hints" as to the correct procedure to follow for the 24R? What I've read and seen seems to be a little too general. I'd
like some specifics to the Solera 24R. Any help from a 24R owner would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Ann and Thomas

[KMP44]

One suggestion - not sure how close your dealer (or a willing dealer) is, but when we bought our trailer, during the PDI, they suggested we bring it back to them the first year to winterize. The tech said their policy was if you asked them when making an appointment, they setup a time for the owner to go through the process while the service guy was doing the winterization. Basically a training session where you see every step and get all your questions answered. For anybody who is new to the process, this is money well spent - about $85 in our case.

It only takes one missed step to cause a major problem. Even with a good checklist, every model has subtle differences, and a hands on training is a great way to learn how to winterize your specific RV so you can do it yourself in the future.

[hkreck]

Ratter than trying to tell you what to do. I suggest you check through the forum for the processor it's been discussed a number of times. Or you could look at youtube for winterization videos, which is what I've done in the pass. Good luck. One precaution make sure ALL of your lines and tanks are drained.

[Still Kickin]

Originally Posted by hkreck

Ratter than trying to tell you what to do. I suggest you check through the forum for the processor it's been discussed a number of times. Or you could look at youtube for winterization videos, which is what I've done in the pass. Good luck. One precaution make sure ALL of your lines and tanks are drained.

X2 There is plenty of discussion regarding winterization. Also, since your Solera is set up for RV antifreeze introduction, I highly suggest you employ both procedures. At $3.99/gal x2, eight bucks is cheap insurance.

[DaveJordan]

Originally Posted by ThomasJohnson

First, there seems to be two hoses and valves just under and to the left of the step into the door. Are these the low point drain valves? Also, the red/hot one some times leaks; normal? there is spray insulation over them. Is this normal?

I can't help much with winterization - I live in Tucson!

But, to the other questions... 1) Yes, the two hoses by the step are the low point drains. 2) No, it's not normal for it to leak. You might need to tighten the valve (or loosen and then tighten it, if it doesn't seem to want to tighten the first time.) In any case, you should be able to shut it completely - if not, check with the dealer. 3) Yes, it's fairly common to have spray insulation pretty much anywhere and everywhere. I'd feel free to cut a bit of it away if that's needed to get a grip on the valves...

Dave

[bclemens]

Solar also has a winterizing take up tube. This is a tube with a valve hooked to the water pump. This lets you uncoil that clear hose and stick it into an antifreeze jug so that you do not need to pout it into the fresh water tank or unhook a line to the water pump.

[Ecopco]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Solar also has a winterizing take up tube. This is a tube with a valve hooked to the water pump. This lets you uncoil that clear hose and stick it into an antifreeze jug so that you do not need to pout it into the fresh water tank or unhook a line to the water pump.

Bclemens Where is this winterizing take uptube on the 2015 Solera 24R?


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[DaveJordan]

Mine is behind the black door on the driver's side, inside the forward door of rear compartment. This (12x16) door also provides access to the fresh water drain valve, the water pump and filter, and a variety of wiring stuff.

There's a two position lever to the left of the door - "normal" and "winterize" - I think putting it in the winterize position will cause the pump to pull from the hose that's got one end loose in the compartment.

Dave

[bclemens]

^^ what he said ^^