Water Filter and a Few Questions Regarding De-winterizing New 297 RSTS

[LetsGo1965]

Hello Camping Friends,

Let me start by saying we are "newbies." :-) We have purchased a new 2023 GD 297 RSTS (Reflection Travel Trailer) and are bringing it home tomorrow. It was winterized by the dealer and of course we will need to de-winterize. We plan to "live" in it in our driveway for several days before heading out to a local camping ground in a couple weeks. I have a few questions....... Aside from following the video instructions put out on YouTube by GD for De-winterization of our model line, is there anything else we need to do? A friend of mine mentioned we should remove the internal water filter before flushing out the anti-freeze and then replace the filter after the after lines are clear? If this is necessary? If so, where is this filter and any tips there? Also, there is currently anti-freeze in the washer/dryer lines in the front bedroom. If we don't plan on hooking up W/D can we just leave the anti-freeze in those lines and not worry about flushing that area? Last, since this is a new non-previously used trailer, do we even need to worry about running a Sanitization Mode on the nautilus at the end of de-winterization? Thank so much for your help!

[Hoopy Frood]

The filter should have been removed before the trailer was winterized. If not, definitely pitch it after de-winterizing. Not sure where it's located, ours is in right near the Nautilus panel, on the side wall.
We have the washer water lines, and have never messed with them beyond running antifreeze through them once. I don't flush them, so far so good.
You may not need to sanitize, but it can't hurt. Doesn't take that long and they you'll be sure.

[LetsGo1965]

Thank you Hoopy Frood. I appreciate the help!

[RickLight]

How long does it take tap water to start growing stuff?

[huntr70]

Hello Camping Friends,

Let me start by saying we are "newbies." :-) We have purchased a new 2023 GD 297 RSTS (Reflection Travel Trailer) and are bringing it home tomorrow. It was winterized by the dealer and of course we will need to de-winterize. We plan to "live" in it in our driveway for several days before heading out to a local camping ground in a couple weeks. I have a few questions....... Aside from following the video instructions put out on YouTube by GD for De-winterization of our model line, is there anything else we need to do? A friend of mine mentioned we should remove the internal water filter before flushing out the anti-freeze and then replace the filter after the after lines are clear? If this is necessary? If so, where is this filter and any tips there? Also, there is currently anti-freeze in the washer/dryer lines in the front bedroom. If we don't plan on hooking up W/D can we just leave the anti-freeze in those lines and not worry about flushing that area? Last, since this is a new non-previously used trailer, do we even need to worry about running a Sanitization Mode on the nautilus at the end of de-winterization? Thank so much for your help!

There is no water filter in a Reflection.

[orbsah]

I would definitely purge the W/D lines. Just open the valves into a 5 gallon bucket.

[Najataagihe]

How long does it take tap water to start growing stuff?

That depends, entirely, on what else is in the tank.

Plastics leach oil, new plastic is often coated with preservatives.

Dirt and sawdust can make their way into the tank during installation, etc.


Sanitize the tank before use.

It’s easy, cheap health insurance.


Alternatively, drink and cook with bottled water.



Moi?

Sanitize the fresh water tank, then filter through a ZeroWater filter for drinking and cooking.

[Albertasaurus]

How long does it take tap water to start growing stuff?

As @Najataagihe mentioned, it depends on a variety of factors: temperature, purity of the water source, cleanliness of your supply hose and accessories (filter, regulator, etc.). I sanitize the complete fresh water system once a year - usually late May.

Cheers!
Al

[Gronk1]

I sanitize at the beginning of the season & when the trailer sits for a couple of months between uses. We drink bottled water, but brush our teeth make coffee with city/tank water & fill dog bowls with it. Sanitize it-it's easy. Sure don't want a case of the "oh no!!!" on a hike or bike ride.

[Soundsailor]

Hello Camping Friends,

Let me start by saying we are "newbies." :-) We have purchased a new 2023 GD 297 RSTS (Reflection Travel Trailer) and are bringing it home tomorrow. It was winterized by the dealer and of course we will need to de-winterize. We plan to "live" in it in our driveway for several days before heading out to a local camping ground in a couple weeks. I have a few questions....... Aside from following the video instructions put out on YouTube by GD for De-winterization of our model line, is there anything else we need to do? A friend of mine mentioned we should remove the internal water filter before flushing out the anti-freeze and then replace the filter after the after lines are clear? If this is necessary? If so, where is this filter and any tips there? Also, there is currently anti-freeze in the washer/dryer lines in the front bedroom. If we don't plan on hooking up W/D can we just leave the anti-freeze in those lines and not worry about flushing that area? Last, since this is a new non-previously used trailer, do we even need to worry about running a Sanitization Mode on the nautilus at the end of de-winterization? Thank so much for your help!

While I don't believe that the Reflections have the same sort of filter your friend was talking about, it can't hurt to add an inline filter before your water intake. When I de-winterize, I try to flush water through every line until the pink stops. And yes, by all means, sterilize your fresh water tank. It's cheap insurance. We usually carry our cooking/drinking water in a portable tank, but we might use the fresh tank for brushing our teeth, just don't want to take a chance of getting sick. I re-sanitize any time the fresh tank has been sitting with water in it during warm weather.