How to Winterize your Fifth Wheel or Travel Trailer - The Grand Design Nautilus System

[@coleb6543]

Once a year I forget how to winterize my 5er with the nautilus system. Once a year I come back to this video to jog my memory. Thanks!

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

So glad to help! We all need that memory jogger every now and then!

[@johnawolfjr]

Outstanding job with great details! Thank you... Now I've got to go do it...

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Glad we could help, and thanks for the kind words! Good luck, and I’m sorry your camping season is soon officially over. 😩

[@jgleim]

I was looking for a video on winterizing my 5th wheel and when I saw the Buckeye beanie I knew I was in the right spot. O-H

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I-O! Glad you found us!

[@kerryoconnell5203]

Great video. Even though Grand Design gives great details in the manual it's nice to watch a video, especially one that is well made.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you! There are definitely a lot of people that prefer learning "visually".

[@billwilkins1458]

First time viewer and did subscribed. Like your presentation style and useful information.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Welcome! Glad you like it!

[@mariaspatafora1074]

BEST video I've seen! Thank you! So helpful for a newbie!

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

So glad we could help, and thanks for the kind words!

[@zacknoneofyourbusiness]

I'm new to rv'ing and the dealership has been no help so I'm having to learn all this stuff myself and this was very helpful. Thanks for a well explained video.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

You’re very welcome, glad we could help!

[@crewandcashtwins594]

Hey man, nice video very informative. Best I’ve seen yet. Thanks and on the Nautilus system appreciate you.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thanks for the kind words. The Nautilus system is pretty great!

[@shellyeddy6903]

If you have trouble getting the pump to pull from the jug, turn the little cone screen around to put pressure on the check valve and after there isn’t any pressure on the system I push the check valve on the black tank rinse as well to drain that.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Good tip, but definitely better know what you're doing before messing with any check valves!

[@whatidahell8398]

You may have helped me solve my issue with your comment. I cannot get the pump to suck from the jug, even when "priming" my hose and holding it above the water inlet. If so I'll be sending you virtual hugs and many thanks. Too late for tonight but first thing in the AM.

[@whatidahell8398]

Thanks @Shelly Eddy, this did the trick.

[@sladue4]

Great video! We have the same camper, just a 2016. First year i winterized I forgot about the washer hookup in the closet. I did go back and check and there was fresh water in the lines. These are also the first ones I open when draining the system through the low point valves.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Glad you liked the video! Seems like the bigger the rig... the more spots there could be to forget!

[@aje5727]

Go Buckeyes! 🏈 Thanks for the great video.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

You’re very welcome! O-H!

[@aje5727]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled I-O!

[@TheParkersRVCapades]

Great video thank you!

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@bradshouseful]

great video! you can use a "stubby" 15/16 socket, a universal joint and a 3" extension to get the hot water heat plug out.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you! Great tip.

[@milesburch1616]

Great video. Big help, thank you.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

So happy we could help!

[@patrickscribner]

Plumbers wrench will get in there and get that hot water heater plug out super easy

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you! Yet another tool for the tool box! 😂

[@stevenroper0425]

By the way, very nice job!

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you!

[@ronniedavis2114]

I know someone else has already commented on removing water heater plug. I have same Reflection 5th wheel, same water heater. I use a socket on a 6” extension and it goes right by that pipe that’s in the way.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you!

[@alexf1960]

I use a socket set with a 6 inch extension to remove the hot water plug. Works fine.

[@chrismuir1042]

I have the same water heater, I just used a ratcheting combination wrench.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Yeah I thought of that, but didn't have the right size to see if it'd work. Thanks!

[@HintonTheTrail]

Great video, very thorough and easy to follow.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@HintonTheTrail]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled We're getting ready to do a winterization before dropping our fiver off for warranty work and needed a quick, easy to follow guide...this was it. We also subbed! These are the videos we're going to be leaning more towards on our channel so it helped in that respect also. -Chris & Suzannah

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

I honestly love love your channel.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it... we're trying to keep it interesting! 😂

[@terrellmurrell8078]

The drain valve on your RV is different than mine. I have a 2021 grand design reflection 5th wheel. My drain plug is stainless steel. I can get a socket on it but it is so tight like frozen in there and I cannot get it free. Do you have any suggestions? I am brand new at RVing so I am very much a newbie. Your video was excellent and very well done look forward to seeing some more of yours.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Sounds like maybe you're talking about the water heater drain? If it's steel than you may have an anode rod, and the manufacturer may have just gone a little overboard with tightening it! Not sure I have much advice there other than to maybe get a larger socket wrench. Good luck!

[@richardcoyle2635]

Did you put antifreeze into the black tank flush. It should have water in it also, also I rigged up a faucet on a short metal braided hose that fits where the water heater drain plug goes. That way the water drains without getting al over. Then just turn the faucet off and lay it up on the bottom frame of hot water heater. Great video of nautilus system.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Great idea with the water heater drain! I don't add antifreeze to the black tank flush, but I do hook up the compressor and blow air through. Water usually drains from that pretty well and I've never had issues with just using air.

[@brianstahl6410]

Very helpful video. Go Buckeyes

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you! O-H!

[@garyspencer9729]

Great explanation thank you

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Happy to help!

[@bmurray330]

I think all but the black valve should be at a 45 degree angle. I have a Grand Design with a Nautilus system as well and that is what the page on winterizing says. Probably doesn’t make a difference though. Well done on the video as we used it to winterize ours. 👊

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

You're right, it's not necessary to have the black at 45, but it doesn't hurt, as long as you put it back before pumping antifreeze. Thanks for the kind words!

[@TheParkersRVCapades]

The drain/screen in your shower. Was that what it came with or did you install that?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

It did not come with it, we got ours from Amazon amzn.to/3VedESA . There are a lot of options out there... you just need to find one that fits, but we highly recommend it to keep the drain clean.

[@Jason-yt1rd]

I have the same water heater. I use a ratchet and socket, but have to use extentions to get out past everything.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

A socket extension is definitely an easy solution!

[@seminolewind1999]

Something i thought about. What about the fresh water tank pick up line. How does it drain from nautilus system to tank. ? ?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

That's actually one of the reasons they recommend turning the handles to 45 degrees. It allows everything to flow through properly. If it's a concern you could use the compressor for that as well, but it's never been an issue for us. You mainly just don't want standing water that can expand and burst your pipes!

[@dwanehudson6904]

Thank you, i just bought a Grand Design solitude 390RK-R and your video was great!! One question i have is the water line to the ice maker in the fridge? what do you do to winterize that line?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

We actually don't have a residential fridge, so with no ice maker lines I've never had to worry about it! Most of the time just draining them will be fine, but I would check your manufacturers instructions since each fridge may have a different process.

[@CartoonWeasel]

For the water heater i put the valve others have also put.(buterfly valve or something like that.) Its great. Just turn the valve to empty the tank and nothing more to do.(i empty it every time i leave the trailer. Avoids any odors.)

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Great tip!

[@kevincameron8437]

This is a good video and thanks for sharing. For your drain plug, I used the same set of pliers you used for my older camper. Also, I’m not sure if you’ve done it or not, for you low point drains, it could be a little easier if you replace the caps with shut off valves. Thanks again.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thanks! I've definitely considered changing to valves, but I only think about it a couple times a year! 😂

[@ctscantechnologist]

I bought a brass blowout plug. I would try using a crows foot for The water heater drain plug.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thanks, I'll have to try that!

[@zacharywagner2735]

I wouldn't recommend opening the safety relief on the hot water heater. They don't always reseat correctly and will leak in the spring. Also I heard putting some olive/vegetable oil in the toilet bowl will help keep the seal from dry rotting.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I've heard that about the toilet seal too, thanks! I haven't heard that about the pressure valve on the water heater though... while they are made to open I guess anything overused could wear out. I never leave it open, so I guess I forgot to mention to close it again when done draining! When refilling the tank it is recommended by the manufacturer to open it for that process, so I guess it's kinda unavoidable then!

[@jamiebrucelecompte28]

I’m

[@stevenroper0425]

Just curious, does the water heater also get winterized utilizing the steps you went through?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I actually just drained and bypassed the water heater, so no antifreeze actually goes in it. It all depends on your water heater type though!

[@markstebelton2589]

Hate the Buckeye hat but great video. Thanks !

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

To each their own! Haha!

[@markstebelton2589]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled Go Blue! 😉

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

@@markstebelton2589 Kinda assumed you were for the state up north! 😂

[@markstebelton2589]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled yep. But again I did appreciate the details and the thoroughness of the video. I have a new Keystone Fuzion with a wet bay similar to the GD Nautilus system so this helped clear some things up. Nice work my friend.

[@michaelwinstead6833]

Thank you for the info

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

You're very welcome, glad to help!

[@ctscantechnologist]

I think you can use the electrical outlet next to the nautilus valves for water hoses that have a heating element for use in freezing weather. I just subscribed too.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Definitely is a good use for that outlet, thanks for subscribing!

[@EarlBalentine]

If you have a motorized TV antenna you could use the power outlet to power the antenna motor.

[@nhbowhunter]

Great job!

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you!

[@jimrusso7096]

Did I miss this - did you also run antifreeze through the outside spray hose?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I only showed blowing air through the sprayer, but yes, I also run antifreeze through it. And ours has a port on both sides, so I do both.

[@FortitudeJc]

Thank you!

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

You're welcome, glad we could help!

[@rseiler3]

My cousin uses a basin wrench to remove the plug for the hot water heaters when he is servicing RV's.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thanks! More stuff for the toolbox... 😂

[@bobbiernacki23]

You should also drain gray and black tanks after winterizing process. the diluted antifreeze in tanks could freeze and cause valve or drain line damage

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

That is the best thing to do if you're able, but I've found if that's not an option, than at least empty them ahead of time, use as little water possible while winterizing, then dump extra antifreeze down the drains to have the least dilution possible.

[@carltuckerson7718]

ok - so you didn't go into the actual water heater behind a panel and bypass using the valves there?? I'm just making sure - bout to winterize this afternoon and want to make sure. I definitely appreciate this video. I have an air compressor and the little fitting like you but I'm not sure I'm going to do that step. Not sure. Seems redundant and the lines will blow out with the antifreeze... Also I assume the main water pump should be off on the inside panel?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Glad you liked the video! Each unit is different how you bypass your water heater. On my Grand Design it's built into the Nautilus System, so when I twist the valves, it's bypassing the heater all together. On our old unit, the Vibe (you can check out that video too kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJvNdaqsidmto8U ) I had to go to the heater itself to get to the bypass valves. And blowing out the lines isn't really required if you're using antifreeze, it's just a step to make sure you get all the water out (recommended by manufacturers). If you do blow out the lines the water pump should be off, just like you're using city water for your pressure. Good luck!

[@carltuckerson7718]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled thank you! Should have mentioned it’s a 2022 Grand Design Momentum 25G with the Nautilus 2.5 system (just like yours). I’m thinking I don’t need to get into that panel by the kitchen sink…

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

@@carltuckerson7718 You're right, shouldn't need to. Grand Design makes it easy!

[@carltuckerson7718]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled thanks man I’ll let you know if I have success - should be ok. That little red valve in nautilus does all the work. Also nice not having an anode rod. Thanks again man, I’m subbed and I’ll watch your stuff.

[@blakekrainyk]

Do you put the low point drain plugs back in before adding the antifreeze?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Yes I do, or else all the antifreeze will just drain out instead of going through the lines.

[@Brenda-pv9kx]

There was no mention of the washer line during the winterizing. Does this line need done.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Sorry I forgot to mention that one, but yes. I usually just open it and let it drain (when the low point is open) and that is usually enough, but if you have a washer installed make sure you winterize it too!

[@rogerrobb6896]

Did you blow out the sani- flush lines? They can have water in them too.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Yes, very good point, forgot to mention that! Thanks!

[@mikemelstoligrosz6604]

Great video How many gals of antifreeze did you use prior to filling the drains for the j pipes. Have a 310GK-R and used only 3 gals prior to the drains....wondering if I missed something. First time winterizing.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I usually use about 3-4 gallons as well. You could probably do even less, but I prefer to let plenty extra run through. Better safe than sorry!

[@justinvandyk4043]

What air compressor did you use? That one looks handy and functional

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

That exact model is currently sold out, but this amzn.to/3AYoPVU is very similar. I've since upgraded to this one amzn.to/3KGgsRZ , which I like much better because it's faster and can run on battery, AC or DC. Would definitely recommend this newer one!

[@justinvandyk4043]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled thank you! My garden hose adapter has a standard air hose quick connect end on it. I find these tire inflators can’t accommodate these. What do you use to connect this new one to your city water connection for blow outs?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

@@justinvandyk4043 It still works with the Camco plug I have amzn.to/38DOepR . There is a quick connect version too, so that could be an option for you as well!

[@michaeldevos6883]

Where did or how did you make or where did you get the hose connector for your compressor

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

It's actually a Camco product. I put the link in the description, but here it is to make it easy on you! amzn.to/38DOepR

[@_Big_Fish]

where did you get the air compressor adapter? Or did you make it?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I got it from Amazon, here's a link amzn.to/38DOepR . It's around $6 and very worth it!

[@tomcompton3028]

I bought a brass plug and cut a groove in it for a flat screwdriver..

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Smart!

[@04flamedyfz1]

What if you don’t have a water tank? I have tankless water heater..

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Double check your owners manual, but most of them you can run the antifreeze through without damaging them, so no need to bypass!

[@rhondabock4953]

The PDF link for the grand design instructions is not working

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thanks for pointing that out! I fixed it to go to the owners manuals page.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I also updated the link to the air compressor I currently use. Been my favorite by far! amzn.to/40sSCRA

[@dougfloch2348]

I don’t see if you release antifreeze from low point drains or open them up when finished ? Thanks !

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

You're right... I didn't mention that! Once I have antifreeze in the lines I will open them up again just to flush all water out, but I do close them before finishing up and storing for the winter.

[@dougfloch2348]

Thanks , the rest of valves are left open when finished winterizing was why I asked .

[@horizon42q]

Good one

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you!

[@michaelmilette140]

How about the low point for hot and cold water, don't you need to make sure the antifreeze there too?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

If you drained it completely first, then the antifreeze should enter those areas as well.

[@pamelarieley1312]

I have a P4 nautilus and in your video and instruction sheet it doesn’t talk about the blacktank flush line? Do we need to clear that line with air compressor and add antifreeze there as well???

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Usually gravity takes care of that, and there is really no good way to get antifreeze in there, but blowing out the line with air is never a bad idea.

[@HallTravelChronicles2.0]

Hi, we have a Milwaukee M12 Compact Tire Inflator. Would that be compatible to use?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Not sure what that model is, but any compressor that you can control the psi should work. Too much pressure and you could damage your lines.

[@ronniedavis2114]

PS: mine is a ‘18 and I cannot find that large valve to drain the fresh water tank. From what I have saw and read, it drains out the low point drain.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

This is the first one I’ve had too… not all Grand Designs do. I’m assuming the shorter models with smaller tanks use the smaller nozzles, which look a lot like low point drains, but is designated for the fresh tank. It’s a separate valve though because it’s not connected to all the lines (hot and cold).

[@billkamm8190]

You've done a great job walking through this step by step. My question, since I am such a newbie with this, is when we put the short hose in the antifreeze after attaching it to the city water connection and flipped the switch, nothing happened. What should I have done to activate the switch? Hope this makes sense. Responses are eagerly sought

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

When you flip the switch you should be able to hear your pump turn on. If not, you need to find out why (do you have power? does the pump work under normal settings? did you try the interior switch? ...some models may not have exterior water pump switches). If you do hear it, then you need to double check your nautilus switch placements. Make sure they are set to winterize so the pump draws from the jug instead of the fresh water tank. You may also just need to move the jug around to see if your hose just needs a better angle to pull the liquid in. If it still doesn't work, then you may need to check with your dealer to insure all the lines are connected properly, unless you are mechanically inclined enough to find the problem yourself! Hope that helps!

[@EarlBalentine]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled Make sure your battery shut switch is on so you your batteries will supply power to the water pump.

[@TOSSITUPGAMES]

they make a swivel box/open ended wrench

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you! I think there’s a tool for everything these days…

[@vista39]

OK here’s the big question for you everything that I’ve heard says you have an opportunity to winterize your RV by either blowing the air out as you showed in this video or using your Nautilis system to pump through antifreeze. But you’re the only person so far that I’ve heard of that said, and is recommending to do both procedures. Just curious to hear your reasoning why you do both

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I said that because it's actually in the Grand Design manual to do both. I personally do it just to make absolutely sure there is no water in the lines. It's definitely not necessary (and I haven't done it every time), but you have to do what you are comfortable with.

[@bobcook7217]

I have washer values to also drain.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Yep, even if you don't have a washer/dryer you should open those to allow air in and drain!

[@waynemurphy7394]

I have a GD Reflection 260 RD , Some people recommend closing the valves off to the water heater to keep antifreeze out of it . What is your opinion ?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I 100% agree! I've never put antifreeze in the water heater. When you follow the "winterize" instructions for the Nautilus system it does bypass the water heater (red valve). Bypassing it makes one less thing to have to try to clean out in spring, and I have no idea what antifreeze would do to the inside of the heater.

[@jimbauer5560]

Do you know if using your method puts anti freeze in fresh water tank using the nautilus?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

It does not. It goes straight into the system like city water would, but uses the water pump to get it there. It also bypasses the hot water tank. The only way to add to the fresh water tank is to use the "sanitize" setting to pull it from a jug, or of course the " power fill" option like you would from a fresh water source.

[@charlesperilloux8575]

I live in South Carolina where we do not get prolonged deep cold. Most freezes are light freeze, 28-32. Is blowing out the lines with a compressor sufficient? We have a 2021 Reflection 28bh 5th wheel.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I've heard of others doing this, but if you do you want to make sure you are very thorough when blowing them out. Of course I've never personally had experience doing it this way, and I'm not an expert when it comes to knowing how much your pipes can take! You can also try the Grand Design owners forums to see if others have had experience with this. Good luck!

[@ldcooper1]

How did you winterize the black tank rinse inlet and water line?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

There really is no way, but that is why you open the valves to 45 degrees. It allows air in and gravity does the rest. Any residual water won't be enough to damage the lines if it does freeze.

[@ldcooper1]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled try this

[@ldcooper1]

Sorry wanted to add a picture of a hand pump that I used in the black tank rinse inlet.

[@rickedoug]

I haven't winterized Nautiles system yet, but couldn't I hook the outside spray port to the black flush line and run a little antifreeze into it?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

@@rickedoug Technically yes, as long as you figure out a tight connection using the quick connect!

[@michaelbusby2809]

If you have washer/dryer hookups but no appliances have ever been installed, do you need to open those taps as well to let antifreeze run through?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Not usually since opening the low point drain will cause any water in those to flow out. It is a good idea to open those valves after opening the low point though, just to make sure they drain properly. Remember... a little residual water won't hurt anything as long as there is room to expand. If you do end up installing a washer you'll want to follow the instructions included with the model you have to make sure it's winterized properly too.

[@alexhansen3626]

Do you have to empty your black and gray tanks or just put in some antifreeze in them? I typically keep a little bit of water in my black tank throughout the camping season so it doesn't dry up in there.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

I always empty them as usual after my last camping trip, but there will always be some residual water. A little water in them won't hurt since there really aren't small pipes that could burst from freezing. But I always dump whatever is left of the antifreeze in the drains and the toilet to be safe. Covers the trap, and the rest just goes to the tank. You can always buy extra to dump in if it makes you nervous!

[@lloyd286560]

Nobody seems to address the black water spray connection. I blow it out using compressed air.

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

True, I didn't mention that because gravity usually is enough, but I do blow out the lines using my compressor as well. Guess I should've at least mentioned it... thanks for pointing that out!

[@markmontes1795]

Hi I’m a newbie! I don’t know how to make sure my hot water tank is full before I turn on the heater. Help! 😅

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

If you open the pressure relief valve while filling it will eventually overflow, so just quickly shut it... then you know for sure! If you think it's already full, just pull the pressure relief. If water comes out, it's full. Pretty easy actually!

[@markmontes1795]

@@LivingaLifeFulfilled thanks!

[@jimcraver6461]

Great video. Look at the camco 11633 hot water heater plug tool. This is what I have. About This Item Specifically for use with RV water heater drain plugs Angled design Fits 7/8" and 13/16" drain plugs

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

That's a perfect, simple solution... thank you! I knew I could count on the RV community!!

[@whereyougoiwillgorving4492]

All you need is a socket extension to get the plug out..

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thanks!

[@jeremyocheskey3348]

Toilet?

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

100% yes! I mention that at 11:07 . This needs done to clear the water from the lines and there is a small valve on the back of an RV toilet that needs filled with antifreeze.

[@straighttruth5850]

Great job!

[@LivingaLifeFulfilled]

Thank you!