Guide to Winterizing a nuCamp TAB 400

This process applies to all TAB 400s equipped with the Nautilis P3.


Freezing climates can damage the camper’s plumbing system and equipment. The camper must be drained, blown out, and have antifreeze protection before storing in below-freezing temperatures in fall/ winter. This is done through a process called winterizing.

 

Be sure to always use a non-ethanol-based antifreeze when winterizing your camper.

 

When getting the camper ready for camping season in spring you must cleanse the potable freshwater system to remove all the antifreeze. This process is called de-winterizing or sanitizing.

 

User instructions for winterizing, de-winterizing, flushing, and sanitizing can be found on the Nautilus plumbing control panel manufacturer’s website at: http://www.bandbmolders.com/index.php/p3-2/


Below is a video showing you step-by-step how to winterize a TAB 400. This video can be used for any TAB 400 equipped with the Nautilus P3 (2021-2025). Drain locations may vary depending on the model year.



1. Prepare the System

  • Set the Nautilus panel to Power Fill mode using the key on the sticker.

2. Drain the Water System

  • Open the freshwater tank drain valve.
  • Open the hot and cold low-point drain valves to drain the remaining liquid.
  • Empty the black tank at a dump station using a sewer hose.
  • Open the gray tank to drain excess water, then close it back up.

3. Drain the Water Heater

  • Locate the water heater drain under the bed.
  • Remove the panel under the bed for access.
  • Lift the lever on the drain valve and drain completely.
  • Once drained, close the valve and replace the bed panel.
  • Close the fresh water tank drain and low-point drain valves for hot and cold lines.

4. Blow Out the Plumbing Lines

Materials Needed:

  • Air compressor (set to 40 PSI)
  • City water inlet adapter
  • RV blowout adapter

Steps:

  1. Set all Nautilus panel knobs to a 45-degree angle.
  2. Remove the screen from the city water inlet.
  3. Attach the air compressor to the Nautilus panel.
  4. Open each plumbing line one by one and blow out the line at 40 PSI.
  5. Repeat for hot and cold low-point drains, fresh water tank, and gray tank.
  6. Open the water heater drain and blow out that line as well.
  7. Once complete, replace the city water inlet screen.
  8. Turn the Nautilus panel to Winterize mode using the key on the sticker.

5. Add Antifreeze to the System

  1. Attach a garden hose to the city water inlet.
  2. Place the other end of the hose in a jug or bucket of antifreeze.
  3. Turn on the water pump to begin the siphoning process.
  4. Once the lines are pressurized, move inside the camper.
  5. Open each faucet and fixture (kitchen, bathroom) until the water runs pink.
  6. Run both hot and cold water through each fixture.
  7. Turn on the shower and let the antifreeze run through.
  8. Pour antifreeze down the shower drain to protect the trap.
  9. Add antifreeze to the toilet to protect the shutter valve.

6. Winterize the External Shower

  • Connect the external shower hose.
  • Run antifreeze through both hot and cold taps.

Final Step: Ready for Winter Storage

Your nuCamp TAB 400 is now properly winterized!


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Guide to Dewinterizing a nuCamp TAB 400

This process applies to all TAB 400 models equipped with the Naultius P3.

Introduction

Dewinterizing your nuCamp TAB 400 involves draining RV antifreeze, sanitizing the system, and flushing it with fresh water. This process is typically done in the spring, once the risk of freezing weather has passed.



1. Drain the Black and Gray Tanks

  • Pull the black tank handle to drain RV antifreeze.
  • Pull the gray tank handle to drain antifreeze from that system.
  • Once emptied, close the release levers.

2. Drain Any Remaining RV Antifreeze

  • Open the low-point drain valves for both cold and hot water lines.
  • If antifreeze is present in the freshwater tank, drain that as well.
  • Once the draining stops, close all valves.

3. Prepare the Sanitizing Solution

  • Mix your sanitizing solution based on your preference.
  • A stronger solution can be immediately rushed while a weaker solution will need to sit to sanitize effectively.
  • Recommended: 1/4 cup per 15 gallons. Let rest for 12 hours.
  • Set the Nautilus panel to Sanitize mode using the key on the sticker.
  • Connect a garden hose to the water inlet.
  • Place the other end of the hose into the sanitizing solution.

4. Siphon the Sanitizing Solution

  • Turn on the water pump.
  • The Nautilus system will siphon the solution into the tank.
  • Once the freshwater tank is full, turn off the water pump.
  • Set the Nautilus panel to Dry Camping mode.

5. Run the Sanitizing Solution Through the System

  • Inside the camper, turn on the water pump.
  • Run sanitizing solution through all faucets and fixtures.
  • Don't forget to run water through the external shower.
  • The solution will collect in the gray tank, so empty it once done.

6. Flush the System with Fresh Water

  • Set the Nautilus panel to Power Fill mode.
  • Connect the garden hose to the City Water connection.
  • Monitor the panel to prevent overfilling.
  • Once the tank is full, switch the Nautilus panel back to Dry Camping mode.

7. Final Fresh Water Flush

  • Turn on the water pump.
  • Run fresh water through all faucets and fixtures to remove residual bleach solution.
  • Once the system is flushed, you are ready for the camping season.

Final Step: Ready for Adventure

Your nuCamp TAB 400 is now dewinterized and ready for your next adventure!


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Guide to the Nautilus P3 System

This article and video applies to any nuCamp model equipped with the Nautilus P3.


The Nautilus P3 system is used in the 2025 TAB 320, TAB 360, TAB 400, Cirrus 620, Cirrus 820, and Cirrus 920 models to streamline water management by centralizing essential functions. Below is an overview of its components, functions, and modes.




Step 1: Understanding the Nautilus Panel Components

The front panel of the Nautilus system includes the following key components:

  • City Water Hookup – Connects to city water for direct supply.
  • Black Tank Flush Hookup – Used to clean out the black tank by flushing it with fresh water.
  • Coax Connection for Interior TV – Provides a TV connection inside the camper.
  • Water Pump Switch – Turns on the water pump (identical to the interior pump switch).
  • External Shower – Allows access to hot and cold water outside the camper.
  • Mode Selection Knobs – Adjusts the system’s settings for different functions.
  • Instruction Key Sticker – Provides visual guidance on knob positions for each mode.

Step 2: Nautilus Panel Modes

1. Dry Camping Mode

  • Allows you to pump water from the freshwater tank to your fixtures.
  • Ensure the pump is turned on, either at the Nautilus panel or inside the camper.

2. Power Fill Mode

  • Used to fill the freshwater tank using a garden hose.
  • Connect the hose to the City Water Hookup and allow it to fill the tank.

3. City Water Mode

  • Directly supplies water from a city water connection to your fixtures, bypassing the freshwater tank.
  • No need to use the pump in this mode.

4. Sanitize Mode

  • Used when de-winterizing or sanitizing the system.
  • Connect a bucket or container to the City Water Hookup and siphon liquid into the fresh tank.

5. Winterize Mode

  • Used only during winterization to run RV antifreeze through the system.

Step 3: Using the Black Tank Flush

  • Connect the city water hose to the Black Tank Flush Hookup.
  • This allows fresh water to be forced through the black tank, helping flush out residual waste.

Important Notes:

  • Always use an inline water pressure regulator when connecting to city water (included in your welcome pack).
  • Follow the instructional sticker on the Nautilus panel for proper knob positioning.


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How to Flush the Black Tank


The black tank flush is a useful feature that helps you maintain your RV’s black tank. Whether you're prepping for storage, maintaining accurate tank sensor readings, or simply keeping your tank clean, using the black tank flush can make a big difference in the longevity and functionality of your system.


When Should You Use the Black Tank Flush?

You might consider using the black tank flush in the following situations:

  • Tank sensors are reading inaccurately: If your monitor panel shows incorrect readings, residue buildup could be to blame.

  • Before winter storage: Flushing the tank before storing your RV can prevent unpleasant odors and buildup.

  • Regular maintenance: Periodic flushing helps reduce the buildup of gunk and keeps the tank in good working condition.

How to Use the Black Tank Flush

Follow these steps to safely and effectively use the black tank flush:

  1. Hook up your sewer hose
    Always ensure your sewer hose is properly connected to a dump station or appropriate waste outlet.

  2. Locate the black tank flush inlet
    This is usually labeled and located on the exterior of your RV.

  3. Connect a garden hose
    Attach one end of a garden hose to the black tank flush inlet.

  4. Connect the other end to a water source
    Use a hose that is separate from your drinking water hose, and always connect through an inline pressure regulator to avoid over-pressurizing the system.

  5. Monitor tank levels
    It’s important not to overfill the tank. You can monitor your tank levels in one of two ways:

    • Use your tank monitor panel to keep an eye on the black tank fill level.

    • Open the toilet valve and visually inspect the tank level.

  6. Stop the flush when nearly full
    Once the tank is nearly full, shut off the water and disconnect the hose.

  7. Empty the black tank
    Drain the contents of the black tank into the sewer connection.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our tech team at Tech@nucamprv.com.