How to Prepare Your Newmar for Winter

Why Winterizing Your Coach Matters

Any water left inside your coach’s plumbing system can freeze when temperatures fall below freezing. As that water freezes, it can potentially damage plumbing lines, fixtures, appliances, and other components. That’s why winterizing is the responsibility of the coach owner and should be completed any time the coach may be exposed to freezing temperatures. It’s also important to remember that once water has been introduced back into a winterized system, the system is no longer protected. If freezing temperatures are still possible, the coach will need to be winterized again.

Before You Get Started

Every Newmar coach is a little different. Water heater styles, appliances, plumbing components, drain locations, and other equipment can vary by model and floor plan. The steps below provide a general overview of the winterization process and are not intended to replace the instructions for your specific coach. For more detailed owner information, including additional winterization resources and instructions related to your coach’s equipment, visit Newgle. In general, winterization requires RV-safe potable antifreeze and a regulated compressed air supply. When using compressed air, pressure should remain between 40 and 60 PSI. Higher pressure may cause damage.

Winterizing Your Newmar: An Overview

While the exact process will vary depending on your coach and its equipment, winterization generally includes the following steps.

1. Drain the Water Systems

Start by draining the black and gray holding tanks, along with the fresh water tank. If your coach is equipped with a macerator system, the macerator hose should also be emptied. The goal is to remove as much water as possible before moving on to the rest of the plumbing system.

2. Prepare the Water Heater and Filters

Turn off your water heater or hydronic heating system as appropriate for your coach. Water filters throughout the coach should also be removed, including whole-house, refrigerator, and drinking water filters, if equipped. Coaches with tank-style, tankless, or hydronic water heating systems require different winterization procedures. Refer to Newgle for information specific to the system installed in your coach.

3. Drain and Blow Out the Plumbing Lines

Next, open the low-point drains and use a regulated compressed air supply to remove remaining water from the plumbing. While air is connected, cycle the faucets and water-system valves through their different positions so that trapped water can escape. This includes both hot and cold water lines and any additional water fixtures equipped on your coach. Once the system has been thoroughly blown out, close the low-point drains before introducing antifreeze.

4. Add RV Antifreeze

Using the winterizing system in your coach, draw RV-safe potable antifreeze into the plumbing lines. Work your way through the coach, running both the hot and cold sides of each faucet until antifreeze appears. Don't forget fixtures that may be easier to overlook, such as:

• Bathroom and kitchen faucets
• Showers and shower sprayers
• Exterior showers
• Toilets and toilet sprayers, if equipped
• Drinking water dispensers
• Instant hot water dispensers, if equipped
• Other water fixtures specific to your coach

Run enough antifreeze through sinks and showers to help protect their P-traps as well. Depending on the coach and its equipment, winterization typically requires approximately 5 to 10 gallons of antifreeze.

5. Remember Water-Using Appliances

Appliances connected to the water system need attention too. Depending on how your coach is equipped, this may include the:

• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Refrigerator water dispenser
• Ice maker

Each appliance has its own winterization considerations, so follow the applicable instructions for your coach and appliance. Some ice maker winterization procedures should only be performed by an Authorized Service Technician. Do not attempt service procedures identified for technicians only.

6. Finish the Winterizing Process

Once antifreeze has circulated through the necessary plumbing and appliances, turn off the water pump and return the winterizing valves to their appropriate positions. Secure and stow the winterizing hose. If your coach has a macerator system, be sure that it and the macerator hose are protected as part of the winterization process as well.

A Few Important Reminders

• Winterization is the responsibility of the coach owner.
• Protect the entire water system whenever the coach may be exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Never exceed the recommended 40 to 60 PSI when using compressed air.
• Procedures vary based on the equipment installed in your coach.
• Once water is introduced into a winterized system, it will need to be winterized again before being exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Some procedures should only be completed by an Authorized Service Technician.

Failure to properly winterize the coach can result in extensive and costly damage to the water system, appliances, and other components.

Find More Owner Resources in Newgle

Winterization is just one part of caring for your Newmar throughout the year. Newgle is a helpful resource for additional owner information, including articles and guidance related to your coach and its equipment. Before winterizing, we recommend reviewing the information available in Newgle for your particular coach and installed components. It can help you better understand the systems in your coach and the procedures that apply to them. With the right preparation, you can help protect your Newmar through the colder months and have it ready for the road when travel season returns.

Learn more: https://www.newmarcorp.com/owners/service-and-support/newgle