Hello,
We purchased a used 19 foot scamp recently, its our first travel trailer. We are getting ready for our first trip and its still winterized. I can see rv antifreeze in the lines, the hot water heater drain plug was removed (all by previous owner).
I have new clean water supply hose for rvs attached (with pressure regulator and filter in place). So, what next before I turn on the flow? I don't have a manual... I assume there is a valve for switching between stored water tank and the external supply? I looked under the seat next to the water tank... I could see lines coming into the electric pump, but no obvious supply change valve. What about the hot water heater... has it been bypassed in the winterization? Do I turn on the water supply, then run the faucets till clear, then reinstall the hot water heater drain plug? Can I dump a small amount of grey water in the yard... or should I save that for when we get to the rv park?
I want to test everything in the driveway before we head out.
I appreciate any help or other tips for de-winterizing and getting ready for our first trip.
Thanks,
Lincoln
(Springfield MO)
There is no change over valve, turn on the water to the hose and it will supply water to faucets and water heater (if the “bypass” is open to the water heater). Also flush out the freshwater tank a couple of times as well, I run one or two fills on the ground then one through the system. If the hose is disconnected the water pump will pressurize the system from the freshwater tank when on. The Scamp online video is very old. I just run it all on the ground, but it is my ground.
Scamp De-winterization and adding water for the first time for the season.
These steps do not include cleaning out or prepping your water storage tank (mine was empty and I don't have plans on using it for the first trip) Also, I know now I probably should have don the tank prep first... but live and learn. But, you basically run water through it (some suggest using some bleach to make sure it sterile, then rinse and you should be good to go.
Here are my steps for the rest of the rigs water lines...
1) Replace hot water heater drain plug if it has been removed for the winter or after draining.
2) Turn faucets at sink and bath off (normally left open for expansion in the winter).
3) Connect water to scamp (I used a pressure regulator and filter).
4) Turn on water supply... just enough to flow and keep pressure down.
5) Open up the hot and cold faucets at the sink and let flow until RV antifreeze is cleared out (if you have too much pressure, the air trapped in the lines from storage will blast pink RV antifreeze all over you... that's why I suggested you turn on the supply just enough to flow)
6) Open up the hot and cold in bath faucets and let flow until RV antifreeze is cleared out (turn on pump in bath to drain)
7) You can now switch the 2 diverter valves in the cabinet under the sink to send water to the hot water heater, open up hot water at sink to help vent air if needed. I saved filling the hot water heater until last so I wasn't pushing antifreeze through it... not sure if that matters though as long as it gets flushed.
8) Light pilot for hot water heater and set temp.
9) Watch for leaks... this is where a leaking pipe or faucet would cause some problems if your not aware. A leaking faucet would fill you gray tank and overflow into your camper (assuming it doesn't have an overflow outlet)
This is just my suggested routine after doing this one time with no instruction or manual. Ill let others jump in with suggestions if they have any.
Lincoln