My outlaw winterizing strategy

[TAZ]

The good news is that the storage compartment keys are standard. The downside is that there are few and almost any other RV key will open your compartment. Luckily most RVers are honest folk.

Your dealer should be able to get you a key.

And thanks for the laughs. I think we all have had a similar expensive we can relate too.

[DGShaffer]

You're starting to learn about all the things that would come in handy for RVing like a heat gun and a maceration pump.

My first winter I had tried to do it your way thinking it would be nice to have it ready but soon found paranoia taking hold and decided to learn how to pump in antifreeze after things had frozen up pretty good. The heat gun helped thaw out the gate valves and low point valves and the maceration pump allows me to flush out the holding tanks at home.

We just got back from a trip south and from start to finish it took me about an hour to drain and flush the tanks, blow out the lines, and pump 2 gallons of anti freeze through the pipes. The next morning it was 20 degrees and I was a happy non-camper not having to wonder if the lines would freeze.

My biggest fear when thinking about buying our first RV in 08 was how I would deal with the sewage. Eventually it becomes routine and I now laugh at my paranoia.

Some wise advise I found here was to "ALWAYS PULL THE GRAY WATER TANK VALVE FIRST TO TEST THE CONNECTIONS"! Once I had my coupling pop off and was really really glad it wasn't while pulling the black water tank valve! I dodged a bunch of smelly bullets on that one.

[Dunner]

A lot of storage door keys are the same, especially for the same make. My key fits my buddies Breeze doors. See if the dealer will lend you a set.

[gasser 38]

Next time if you winterize before it freezes you will be done in a short period of time
When it warms up you should be able to get the broken key out (I never lock that compartment) if you look on the lock cylinders there may be a number stamped on the face you can just order a replacement key. Make sure you spray that other compartment with bleach and clean out good the first warm day you have.

[dropframe]

My quest for a new key may finally be over. I took the number off the tumbler and a vendor Thor gave me was able to track down the key. They charge me $2.00 a key so I ordered 2.

Can't wait to get my shovel out. It snowed today and my shovel is locked up in one of the bays....