Snow!

MischiefBrewing

We got 5-6 inches yesterday and last night here in Vermont.  Glad I winterized last week.  Hoping for some help/input on some small things that are on my mind about winter...

After winterizing, am I supposed to close the drain valves?  I left them open with the thought that any small amount of moisture in the lines has room to expand.

I can't reach the top of the trailer with my push broom to get the snow off and don't want to stand on a ladder in snow boots and icy ground.  Should I buy a roof rake or something to get that hard to reach middle?

Sharon_is_SAM

Well, it sounds like your winterization was the “blow out” kind.  The 400 manual says to close all your drains and valves after emptying the plumbing and tanks.  If in doubt, just leave them open. The Alde manual also says to leave the Safety/Relief valve open after draining for long term storage in freezing temperatures.  

Deb55

@MischiefBrewing here in Central Massachusetts we had that storm right before Halloween. I wouldn't use a roof rake (well, especially since we have a solar panel up there!). Check the weather--we're moving into some warm weather in MA by the weekend--maybe it's working its way to you. Once the snow is melted and the trailer is dry, we'll get the cover on it. Do you have a cover? 

VictoriaP

I would look for something like a extendable rubber snow broom for cars instead of a rake. Roof rake edges could damage the paint or any solar panels, and if you have a cover, it could pretty easily rip. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DTIC7EG/ (Note: not a personal rec, I haven’t used this one as my trailer has a carport.)

You do not want to let heavy snow accumulate for long on the trailer. The roof is not designed to support that kind of weight. If you’re in a region that gets a lot of heavy wet snow, you either need to plan to clean it off regularly or get that trailer under some sort of framed roof (carport, barn, covered RV storage lot).