Dear Dave,
I have a Splendide washer/dryer combo. What is the best way to winterize it? Or do I even need to winterize it if I haven’t used it? —AC, 2005 Fleetwood Providence 39L Diesel Motorhome
Dear AC,
I would suggest winterizing your Splendide washer/dryer combo even though you have not used it, as I would not trust the fact there is no water hiding in a nook or cranny. Unless maybe if it has not been used in several seasons and gone through cold weather a few times without using it. Still, better safe than sorry, since it is easy to do. Plus, it will provide peace of mind just by leaving it in the system if you don’t plan to use it in warmer weather.
Washer/dryer combo should be winterized with RV antifreeze
According to everything I can find in the Splendide owner’s manual and online information, the unit needs to be winterized using RV antifreeze. Most components can either have the water blown out with compressed air, or by shutting the water supply off and cycle or running the appliance until there is no more water. However, I have found a few appliances such as some on-demand water heaters that just can’t get all the water out of the system with either method.
According to the owner’s manual, you need to perform the following steps:
1. With washer-dryer power OFF, pour 1/2 quart of RV-type antifreeze into washer drum.
2. Close door. Advance Cycle Selector to ‘B’.
3. Press ON/OFF button, then press START. Let the washer-dryer run for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Press ON/OFF button to turn power OFF.
5. Unplug washer-dryer from electrical outlet (or disconnect power).
6. Turn water supply faucets OFF. Disconnect inlet hoses from faucets.
7. Drain remaining water from the hoses.
Finished.
A lot of RV owners don’t like the RV antifreeze as it is a little “slick” feeling. So it is important to flush the system well if you do plan to use it later.
1. Reconnect water inlet hoses to corresponding HOT/COLD faucets. Turn faucets ON. NOTE: Check water inlet hoses and pump periodically (see Users Guide).
2. Plug washer-dryer into appropriate electrical outlet (see Users Guide) — OR reconnect power supply.
3. With washer-dryer power OFF, pour 1/2 TBSP. of powder detergent (or liquid equiv.) into compartment ‘2’ inside Dispenser Drawer.
4. Advance Cycle Selector to position ‘4’.
5. Press ON/OFF button, then press START.
6. Allow machine to run through the complete cycle to clean out any remaining antifreeze.
Finished.
You might also enjoy this from Dave
I just bought a used RV. There’s no water in it, so do I need to winterize it?
Dear Dave,
I just bought this RV and haven’t used it yet. There’s no water to the units. Do I need to add RV antifreeze since it’s still dry, so to speak? Thanks. —Michael, 2005 Kountry Star
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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Not sure how one “drains the hoses” without either removing the unit from the cabinet or making an absolute mess in the cabinet.
We’re on our 3rd RV with a washer and there’s precious little space to be trying to disconnect fill or drain hoses.
I keep it very simple. After blowing out all lines and running pink stuff in all faucets, I run a short cycle on cold and one on hot. “Short” is starting a normal cycle until I see pink stuff in the drum, then cancel and let it go through the drain process. Done.
Thank you, Dave! As important as winterizing is, it makes me sad as it marks the end of another year of “camping.” 🙂