Wolf Creek 850 Winterizing System and RV Winterizing Checklist

I received an email this morning from a Canadian Wolf Creek 850 owner who asked where the winterizing system’s antifreeze intake is located. Even though it’s now April, I thought that was a great question that I really hadn’t addressed yet on this site. Better late than never. The winterizing system, consisting of the separately located antifreeze intake and water heater bypass valves, comes standard in all RVs made by Northwood Manufacturing. The system is a great feature to have, especially for those who live in northern climates or at higher elevations where freeze damage can ruin the plumbing in your RV. But even here in the desert, temperatures can sometimes plummet to the low 20s making winterizing necessary.

Now on to the winterizing system. The Wolf Creek 850’s antifreeze intake valve and hose assembly is located under the step leading to the cab over area. In order to find and access this assembly, you must first remove the plastic storage bin located underneath the step. Two wood screws will release this step. Yes, the intake valve and hose assembly is in a difficult to find location, but it makes sense when you realize that all of the fresh water tank plumbing is located in this one area.

The antifreeze intake valve and hose is located underneath the cab over step.

Water heater bypass valve location.

Dump valve locations for the low point hot & cold lines.

Fresh water holding tank dump valve location.

Here’s a handy little checklist on winterizing your RV’s plumbing system:

1. Drain the fresh water holding tank (the Wolf Creek 850 fresh water holding tank dump valve is located in driver’s side rear storage compartment to the right of the 4-inch plumbing line).
2. Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks.
3. Drain the water heater. After ensuring the water has cooled off, open the pressure relief valve. Remove the anode rod/drain plug using a 1 1/16 inch socket.
4. Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
5. Open the low point drain lines (the Wolf Creek 850 dump valves are located in the small hatch on the back of the camper to the left of the main door). There will be one valve for both the hot and cold water lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but the pump should be turned off as soon as the system is completely drained.
6. Recap all drains and close all faucets.
7. By-pass the water heater (valve is located next to the water heater underneath kitchen sink in the Wolf Creek 850).
8. Turn on the water pump and pressurize the system using pink-colored RV antifreeze. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until pink antifreeze appears. Replace the container of antifreeze if needed.
9. Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the furthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.
10. Flush the toilet until pink antifreeze appears.
11. Turn off the water pump and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see pink antifreeze. Replace the screen.
12. Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain to winterize the P-traps. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
13. Make sure all the faucets are closed.
14. Your RV is now winterized.