PREPARE YOUR CAMPER FOR COLD WEATHER & LONG-TERM STORAGE
To prevent damaging your camper, please refer to all the winterization guidelines provided in your OPUS owner’s manual, and the corresponding appliances installed inside your camper.
OPTIONS FOR WINTERIZING YOUR BATTERIES:
Follow these steps for proper battery care and to protect your batteries from depleting over long periods of storage.
We recommend periodically checking your camper or batteries during storage to ensure your chosen storage option continues to work appropriately. Batteries that are not stored appropriately and are allowed to fully discharge may need additional charging outside of your OPUS as the battery charger will not work below a certain voltage. Batteries that are left to discharge below 12volts may get damaged and not hold charge properly going forward. This damage is not covered under your OPUS warranty.
OPTION 1: PLUG IT IN
OUR RECOMMENDATION IS TO LEAVE THE CAMPER PLUGGED IN.
You have the ability to leave you OPUS plugged in without the need to remove the 30ah cable. It was designed for easy battery maintainence to protect your batteries from depleting over long periods of storage.
You can maintain your battery using the charge wizard charge controller installed. We have done this because the CO/LP Alarm is hard wired to your batteries and therefore your batteries will supply a constant current to this appliance.
OPTION 2: REMOVE YOUR BATTERIES
If you choose not to leave your trailer plugged in, you will need to disconnect and remove your batteries entirely from your system. Please follow the below instructions to do so:
1. Completely charge the battery before storage.
2. Store the battery in a cool, dry location. Heat is a battery killer.
3. Completely remove all loads from the battery posts.
4. Monitor the specific gravity or voltage.
5. Once below 70% charge, give it a boost charge.
6. Completely recharge the battery before putting back in service.
7. Equalize the battery before putting back in service.
OPTION 3: SOLAR PANEL CHARGING (OP15)
It is possible for your solar panels to maintain your battery. The OP15 has 3 x 100w solar panels mounted to the roof and must receive adequate sunlight throughout the winter, thus, this is only a recommended option if your trailer can be stored under the following conditions:
1. It is not stored under a cover
2. The solar panels are clean and free from debris, snow, dirt and dust cover
3. There is adequate sunlight reaching the panels
4. The panels are properly working
5. It is not stored in your garage
Please ensure you sanitize, flush and drain the water tanks before first use and after any period of storage. To maintain the cleanliness of your potable water tanks please ensure all water is flushed from your potable water tanks after each trip or every two weeks when in use. Do NOT store water in the tanks for more than two weeks.
TO DRAIN YOUR POTABLE WATER SYSTEM:
1. Turn off the water pump
2. On bottom of both potable water tanks is a drain plug. Open this plug to allow remaining water to gravity drain. Ensure water is collected and disposed of in a responsible way.
3. Ensure the drain plug is closed again before re-fill the tanks.
4. Open your faucets/ shower / flush your toilet
TO SANITIZE YOUR POTABLE WATER SYSTEM:
1. Flush all water from system as detailed above
2. Use a potable water sanitizing product such as Camco TastePURE Spring Fresh Water System Cleaner
3. Do NOT use bleach to sanitize the tanks as they are stainless steel and it will cause corrosion
4. Follow the steps as directed on your potable water sanitizing product to fill, sanitize and purge as required.
We strongly recommend sanitizing your potable water tanks at least once every six months. If you suspect an issue with the quality of the water in your tanks or notice discoloration, odor or foul taste you should sanitize immediately. Always check your potable water source and use a fill hose listed for use with potable water.
TRUMA COMBI & WATER HEATER BY-PASS VALVE
IMPORTANT! Before winterizing your OP15 you must have a water heater by-pass kit installed. Running RV winterizing fluid through your Truma Combi water heater can cause corrosion and Truma advise against this in their manual therefore you must use the by-pass kit to winterize your camper.
If your OP15 was manufactured prior to 2022 and does not have a water heater by-pass kit installed, please contact OPUS HQ for information on ordering a kit and discuss with your local RV service department.
Please be advised that your Truma Combi system has a holding tank in it. Please ensure you carefully read the Truma Combi system manual for steps to drain the water heater tank of this appliance and prepare it properly for winterization. Always wait for the water heater tank to cool before draining. More information can also be found online at www.truma.net/about/news/winterizing-your-truma-aquago-or-truma-combi.
EMPTY YOUR TANKS AND SYSTEM:
Drain the water from your potable water system following the steps listed in the section above. (Figure B2) DO NOT use the water pumps to run your tanks dry.
SET WATER HEATER TO BY-PASS MODE:
1. Open the drain valve by moving the lever 90 degrees ( Figure B) and drain water from Truma Combi (2.64 Gal/ 10 L for the complete drain) Note: make sure to keep a bucket underneath the drain valve
2. Turn the drain valve back to the closed position.
3. Turn the 3–way valve (Figure C) handle in a vertical direction (bypass position – Figure A)
AT YOUR WATER PUMP:
1. Remove the water filter
2. Remove the factory-installed cap from the 3-way valve
3. Turn the 3 –way valve handle in a vertical direction ( bypass position)
4. Attach the clear vinyl hose to the 3-way valve & hand tighten
5. Insert the end of the hose into the winterization fluid bottle
6. Using the water pump, run this winterizing fluid through the entire water system including the faucets and shower as well. This will lubricate and protect your water pump and fittings during storage. Close the outlet and turn the pump off.
DE-WINTERIZING – RETURN TO THE ROAD:
To de-winterize your potable water system follow these procedures:
1. Fill your water tanks with water and flush the water system with freshwater Note: Open all water release points ( Shower, Sink, etc.). Make sure all the winterization fluid is flushed from the system.
2. Follow the steps above to sanitize your potable water system
3. Turn the 3 –way valve handle of the water pump in a horizontal direction ( Open Position – Figure D)
4. Turn the 3 –way valve handle of the Truma into a horizontal direction ( Open Position)
YOUR GREY WATER SYSTEM:
TO EMPTY YOUR GREY WATER TANK:
Open your grey tank drain valve and drain into an appropriate receptacle. Dispose of grey water responsibly at a dump station or drain point. Always check the rules for the state and campground that you are visiting to see what limitations may apply. Do not dump illegally. We recommend flushing your grey tank after dumping to help remove any unwanted build up. For best maintenance of your grey water tank do not allow dirt, debris, hair or other solid material to drain into the grey tank. You may want to dump your gray tank after your black tank and use the grey water to help wash residue from the black tank sewer hose. See below section for winterizing your grey and black water tanks.
TO CLEAN YOUR GREY WATER TANK:
1. Fill your grey tank at least half way full with clean water. Add an RV grey water tank cleaning solution/ tablet and follow the instructions for that product or use dish soap or laundry detergent 1/2– 1 cup.
2. Do NOT use bleach as it will corrode your tank, seals and gaskets. Any damage caused by using bleach is not covered under warranty.
3. Take your OP15 for a spin to allow the grey water to slosh around and clean the inside of your tank and the tank sensors fully.
4. You can then drain the grey water tank as above and we suggest rinsing it using a wand-style rinser afterwards.
5. Following cleaning, use an RV grey water tank treatment to help dissolve grease and soap build-up and prevent odors. We suggest using a natural, biodegradable enzyme-based product that is formaldehyde-free such as Energen Grey Water Tank Treatment.
WINTERIZING GREY & BLACK TANKS
1. Fully drain and clean the grey and black water tank following the above steps. Close your drain valves after draining.
2. Flush RV winterizing fluid down your bathroom sink, shower drain and toilet (without flushing; ensure the drain valve is closed).
3. Winterizing fluid can remain in the tanks while in storage.
IMPORTANT! Monitor water temperatures closely in severe cold in case you must take the steps to drain and winterize your water systems whilst camping.
YOUR BLACK WATER SYSTEM:
TO EMPTY YOUR BLACK WATER TANK:
We recommend emptying your black tank when it is at least 1/2 to 3/4 full and after every camping trip. Emptying your tank sooner may result in solid waste being left behind in your tank; a fuller tank allows more opportunity for breakdown of solid waste. If you are on-site camping and connecting to a campground sewer we recommend keeping the tank’s drain valve closed until you need to assist in purging the tank of solid waste. Follow the OPUS tips for the best results when using your OP15 toilet.
Please use caution when emptying to avoid contact with waste which can carry harmful bacteria. The black tank must ONLY be disposed of in designated dump stations. Do NOT dump illegally and follow all state and campground guidelines for safe and clean dumping. Use the black tank drain hose stowed at the rear of the trailer in the holding tube to drain your black tank.
1. Remove the black tank hose from the storage tube by twisting the cap off
2. Connect the drain hose to the drain valve by twisting on to the receiver hooks
3. Ensure the other end of the drain hose is directed into the appropriate dump point.
4. To empty, pull the valve to open.
5. Leave the valve open until you can no longer hear liquid waste draining then close the valve completely. Close the valve at this point.
TO CLEAN YOUR BLACK WATER TANK:
1. Drain and dump any waste by following the steps above
2. Take measures to remove any build up from the tank walls. We recommend wand-style rinsers such as the Camco Swivel Stik that can be used with the toilet drain open to access the black tank.
3. Use a treatment product to clean your black tank. We recommend using a biodegradable, eco-friendly product that is enzyme-based. Please take care to ensure your treatment is formaldehyde-free—many dumping regulations now require this as standard. Follow the instructions on your chosen cleaning treatment to ensure the appropriate dilution as required. If you need to add water for your chosen product, you can do this by filling and flushing the toilet bowl several times.
4. If your sensors are not reading accurately and flushing the tank does not resolve the problem, tank sensor cleaning products are available to help remove buildup.
5. Your drain hose should also be regularly cleaned and sanitized.
For individual winterization, maintenance and care instructions please refer to the most recent version of your user manual.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN YOUR MANUAL:
WINTERIZATION
PARTS
GREASING & SERVICING
BATTERY STORAGE
NEW TRAILER MAINTENANCE
TRAILER BRAKES
SEALS, SPRINGS, ETC.
SUSPENSION, WHEELS & HITCH BOLTS
POTABLE WATER TANK
GREY & BLACK WATER TANKS
WEATHERING
ZIPS & VELCRO
CLEANING YOUR TENT
REPLACING AN AIR BEAM
ACCESSING INLET VALVE& INSPECTING LEAKS
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
EXTERNAL CARE FOR YOUR TRAILER
INTERNAL CARE FOR YOUR TRAILER
STORAGE / LONG TERM STORAGE
BATTERY MAINTENANCE DURING STORAGE
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
CHANGING A TIRE
