Airstream Interstate 2020 - Winterizing and Storage

Maintenance
2020 Interstate 9-13
Extended Stays
When you are in a park with a disposal facility, empty
the tanks every few days or whenever they become
almost full� Pumping a large volume of liquid through
the tanks at a time will keep toilet paper and other
solids completely washed away� Remember to empty
the Black Water tank rst and then the Gray Water tank
using the Gray Water to ush the system. This practice
will avoid the accumulation of solids in the tank, which
could lead to an unpleasant cleaning job�
Should solids accumulate, ll the tank about half full
with water with the black tank ush, and then drive
the touring coach for a few miles� Don’t wait until the
tank is packed solid� The turbulence and surging of the
water will usually dissolve the solids into a suspension
so the tank can be drained� Draining the tanks as
described will protect them from freezing during
storage�
Black Water Tank Flush
Inside the macerator hose reel utility compartment is
a water hose connector for the “black tank ush.” To
use, hook up a garden hose and turn it on� Within the
tank, a head with multiple holes will spray the interior
surface of the tank� Once the tank is about half full, turn
the garden hose off and ush the water from the tank
using the macerator pump� The gate valve should be
closed for the rst couple of minutes, and then opened
to let the water out in a rush� Repeat as needed� It
is recommended the tank ush be used on a regular
basis or the holes on the spray head may become
clogged�
Drain System Cleaning
The only cleaning agents that can be used without
causing harm to the system are household ammonia
and tri-sodium phosphate in small quantities� Do not
use any product that contains any portion of petroleum
distillates� This type of product will attack the rubber
seals of your toilet and dump valve� Also, do not use
any dish detergent or abrasive cleaners� All products
should be marked as approved for ABS drainage
systems�
Winterizing and Storage
When storing your touring coach, use the same
precautions as you would in your own home in regard
to perishables, ventilation, winterizing, and rain
protection� In addition, for prolonged storage periods,
ush out all the drain lines and waste holding tanks.
Also drain the entire water system, including the
water heater and the Fresh Water tank� Instructions
for draining the water system are explained in the
following paragraphs on winterizing�
Twice a year, or after a long storage period, we
suggest you take your unit into your Airstream dealer
for a check-up and cleaning of the gas-operated
appliances�
The main consideration in winterizing is to guard
against freezing damage to the fresh water lines, the
waste drain lines, the waste holding tanks, the water
heater, and the batteries�
NOTE
Sprinter recommends disconnecting the current
to all chassis electric consumers using the battery
isolator switch if the vehicle sits for periods longer
than 2 months. It is located to the right of the
accelerator pedal in the driver’s foot well. Slide the
red release down and pull it off the post. This will
save jump starts, battery charge ups, and possible
battery damage and replacement. The Mercedes-
Benz Sprinter Operator’s Manual describes its
location, operation, and cautions in detail.
NOTE
In very cold weather, winterizing the motor coach
is recommended to prevent damage to the waste
systems. Use common sense and winterize as
needed.