Thanks for the video! We picked up our new BC 20X just in time for the cold snap here in DFW. We followed your instructions and had it completed in no time. 👍👍
Ryan - thanks for posting this very helpful video! I have a 2021 20X that I just winterized myself using all the steps you pointed out. They were easy to understand and allowed me to do the job myself without having to take my Basecamp to the dealer to prepare for winter (I live in the DFW area). One suggestion I’d make is that I don’t believe you mentioned a couple things. 1. to turn off the water pump after draining the water heater and 2. to reverse the hot/cold water line on/off valves into the water heater after blowing out the water lines. Maybe it goes without saying to do these two steps but I thought I’d mention it anyway. Thanks again for helping out a fellow Basecamper!
Glad to help! I’m a visual learner so reading manuals only gets me so far. You are absolutely right. Always turn off the water pump so it doesn’t burn out. Question on your second point. Do you mean turning the lines back from isolating the water heater to operational?
@@SlowYourRoll I would think you could either open them again and close the mixing valve now, or you could do it in spring when de-winterizing. I don’t think you have to reopen then as part of winterizing, right? But one question I did have about the water heater: isn’t there going to be some residual water in the lines between the hot and cold valves and the place where those lines exit the water heater?? How is that cleared since you aren’t blowing that part out?
@@MichaelNegraeff Point one absolutely. You can keep them open or closed. Just need to remember to open them before using the heater; which I’m guilty of 🙄. Point two the remaining water if any is negligible and won’t be enough to expand and break the pipe at least from what I have noticed. Other Basecamp owners have mentioned you can run antifreeze through the Suburban heater on the 21 BC if that is a concern. Thanks for the comment!
@@SlowYourRoll Ryan - Do you suggest letting the water pump continue to run as you open (and then close) the red water heater valve? Or would it be sufficient to let the water pump run ~10 seconds, shut it off, and then open/close the red valve? Great video, thank you!
@@billdale213 thanks for the feedback. I turn on the pump to prime the pressure and keep it on until I (or someone outside) sees the spurt of water come out. If it doesn’t work right away cycle it off to avoid burning it out.
I followed your helpful video to winterize my 2022 Basecamp 20X. Some comments: I'd blow out the toilet with the compressor before blowing out the black tank. I used a small container to capture the water while running the compressor to clear the sink and shower faucets. This way I wasn't adding any water back into the grey tank, which I drained before. I also noticed that I kept blowing water out of the Low Point Drain Valves while I was winterizing the rest of the system using the compressor. Thanks for posting you video.
Great video. Thanks! Is there any reason I can’t switch the valves back after performing the whole process and before putting the panel back on? Or do the valves need to be in that position while winterized?
Depends on the type. For lithium BB recommends charging to 100% then disconnecting the positive and negative cables. They can remain this way for up to 12 months before fully discharging. Cold only becomes an issue if you are attempting to charge when below freezing because they won’t accept a charge. For lead acid or AGM I recommend taking inside and attaching a battery tender.
You have two options per Battle Born's site. Remove the batteries and store them inside the house or simply charge to 100% and disconnect the positive and negative wires to eliminate discharge. The batteries can handle freezing temperatures, but they will not receive a charge below freezing. I believe they can remain this way up to 12 months before discharging fully.
@@SlowYourRoll Thanks! We are waiting for our 2023 20x to arrive in Sept. It is coming with 300w solar and AGM batteries but the upgrade to Lithium is another $2,500. I think we are going to wait to see how we use the rig before investing that much. Thank you for all of your videos, they are super helpful.
You can get Battle Born batteries with the self heating option. Once installed, you'd turn on a switch to enable this feature. If you have solar on your Basecamp, the battery could still get a charge. You can find more info on RUclips about this from Battle Born. Airstream uses Battle Born lithium batteries, I've been told.
Most complete video I’ve seen on winterizing the Basecamp 20X.
Appreciate the feedback. Thank you!
One of the best videos I've seen on the topic. I'll be using your instructions winterizing my 2022 Basecamp 20X.
Thanks for the video! We picked up our new BC 20X just in time for the cold snap here in DFW. We followed your instructions and had it completed in no time. 👍👍
Just purchased a 20X thank you for sharing your knowledge and adventures
Congrats! When do you take delivery? Spend some time during your inspection to make sure everything is in order.
Thank you so much! ❤
Ryan - thanks for posting this very helpful video! I have a 2021 20X that I just winterized myself using all the steps you pointed out. They were easy to understand and allowed me to do the job myself without having to take my Basecamp to the dealer to prepare for winter (I live in the DFW area).
One suggestion I’d make is that I don’t believe you mentioned a couple things. 1. to turn off the water pump after draining the water heater and 2. to reverse the hot/cold water line on/off valves into the water heater after blowing out the water lines. Maybe it goes without saying to do these two steps but I thought I’d mention it anyway. Thanks again for helping out a fellow Basecamper!
Glad to help! I’m a visual learner so reading manuals only gets me so far. You are absolutely right. Always turn off the water pump so it doesn’t burn out. Question on your second point. Do you mean turning the lines back from isolating the water heater to operational?
@@SlowYourRoll I would think you could either open them again and close the mixing valve now, or you could do it in spring when de-winterizing. I don’t think you have to reopen then as part of winterizing, right?
But one question I did have about the water heater: isn’t there going to be some residual water in the lines between the hot and cold valves and the place where those lines exit the water heater?? How is that cleared since you aren’t blowing that part out?
@@MichaelNegraeff Point one absolutely. You can keep them open or closed. Just need to remember to open them before using the heater; which I’m guilty of 🙄. Point two the remaining water if any is negligible and won’t be enough to expand and break the pipe at least from what I have noticed. Other Basecamp owners have mentioned you can run antifreeze through the Suburban heater on the 21 BC if that is a concern. Thanks for the comment!
@@SlowYourRoll Ryan - Do you suggest letting the water pump continue to run as you open (and then close) the red water heater valve? Or would it be sufficient to let the water pump run ~10 seconds, shut it off, and then open/close the red valve? Great video, thank you!
@@billdale213 thanks for the feedback. I turn on the pump to prime the pressure and keep it on until I (or someone outside) sees the spurt of water come out. If it doesn’t work right away cycle it off to avoid burning it out.
Thank you! Took notes and will be winterizing this weekend
You’re welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks! This just made it a whole lot easier!
Glad to help!
I followed your helpful video to winterize my 2022 Basecamp 20X. Some comments: I'd blow out the toilet with the compressor before blowing out the black tank. I used a small container to capture the water while running the compressor to clear the sink and shower faucets. This way I wasn't adding any water back into the grey tank, which I drained before. I also noticed that I kept blowing water out of the Low Point Drain Valves while I was winterizing the rest of the system using the compressor. Thanks for posting you video.
Great tip. I wasn’t overly concerned about residual water since it doesn’t get too cold. I’m glad it’s an easy DIY process.
Thanks!
Thanks! The videos are lot's of help from a real world pov. Do you happen to know your MPG towing with your current setup?
11-13 MPG depending on wind and elevation.
Great video. Thanks! Is there any reason I can’t switch the valves back after performing the whole process and before putting the panel back on? Or do the valves need to be in that position while winterized?
Not sure to be honest. If you are doing the method I used I assume you can switch back since there won’t be water in the lines.
Great video but I'm wondering why you had to turn on the water pump to drain the water heater after you already isolated it.
I watched the video and think it may be a filming continuity issue. I may have filmed draining the water heater before isolating it.
Do you need to remove the battery?
Depends on the type. For lithium BB recommends charging to 100% then disconnecting the positive and negative cables. They can remain this way for up to 12 months before fully discharging. Cold only becomes an issue if you are attempting to charge when below freezing because they won’t accept a charge. For lead acid or AGM I recommend taking inside and attaching a battery tender.
What about your Lithium batteries? I read in colder climates (like ours in MI) that you should store them inside so they don't freeze.
You have two options per Battle Born's site. Remove the batteries and store them inside the house or simply charge to 100% and disconnect the positive and negative wires to eliminate discharge. The batteries can handle freezing temperatures, but they will not receive a charge below freezing. I believe they can remain this way up to 12 months before discharging fully.
@@SlowYourRoll Thanks! We are waiting for our 2023 20x to arrive in Sept. It is coming with 300w solar and AGM batteries but the upgrade to Lithium is another $2,500. I think we are going to wait to see how we use the rig before investing that much. Thank you for all of your videos, they are super helpful.
You can get Battle Born batteries with the self heating option. Once installed, you'd turn on a switch to enable this feature. If you have solar on your Basecamp, the battery could still get a charge. You can find more info on RUclips about this from Battle Born. Airstream uses Battle Born lithium batteries, I've been told.