Winterizing a Cirrus 820


This video applies to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years.


Freezing climates can damage the camper’s plumbing system and equipment. The camper must be drained and have antifreeze protection before storing or camping 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.





1. Prepare the Nautilus Panel

  • Set the Nautilus panel to Power Fill mode according to the key on the sticker.
  • Ensure the black and gray tanks are emptied at a dump station.

2. Drain the Plumbing System

  • Open the freshwater tank drain and the hot and cold low-point drain valves to let the water drain out.
  • Open a hot and cold faucet to help speed up the draining process.
  • Locate the water heater safety drain under the dinette.
    • Lift the lever and allow the water to drain completely.
  • Once drained, turn off all faucets and close the water heater drain.
  • At the Nautilus panel, close the freshwater tank drain and one of the low-point drain valves, leaving the cold drain valve open.

3. Blow Out the Lines with Compressed Air

Materials Needed:

  • Garden hose
  • RV blowout adapter
  • Air pressure regulator
  • Air compressor
  • A way to shut off the air

Steps:

  1. Turn each of the Nautilus panel knobs to a 45-degree angle (V-shape).
  2. Connect the hose to the city water inlet on the Nautilus panel.
  3. Turn on the air compressor (set below 40 PSI).
  4. Allow air to blow excess water out of the system.
  5. Close the cold low-point drain valve and open the hot low-point drain valve.
  6. Repeat the air blowout process for the hot water lines.
  7. Open the yellow water heater drain lever and blow out the water heater lines.

4. Add Antifreeze to the System

  1. Place the hose into a jug or bucket of antifreeze.
  2. Set the Nautilus panel to Winterize mode according to the key on the sticker.
  3. Turn on the water pump to begin siphoning antifreeze into the system.
  4. When the lines are pressurized, move inside the camper.
  5. Open each faucet and fixture (both hot and cold) until the liquid runs pink.
  6. Run antifreeze through the shower and pour antifreeze down the shower drain to protect the trap.
  7. Pour antifreeze into the toilet to protect the shutter valve.
  8. Connect the external shower and run antifreeze through both hot and cold taps.
  9. Release some antifreeze from the hot and cold drain valves.

5. Final Steps

  • Turn off the water pump.
  • Disconnect the garden hose from the system.

Final Step: Ready for Winter Storage

Your nuCamp Cirrus 820 is now properly winterized! If you have any questions, email tech@nucamprv.com.


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Dewinterizing a nuCamp Cirrus 820


Introduction

This video applies to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years.


Dewinterizing your nuCamp Cirrus 820 involves draining antifreeze, sanitizing the plumbing system, and flushing it with fresh water. Follow these steps to ensure your camper is ready for the camping season.



1. Drain the Antifreeze

  • Empty the black tank; antifreeze will drain below the camper.
  • Empty the gray tank; antifreeze will drain below the camper.
  • Open the hot and cold lines as well as the fresh tank drain valve.
  • Once everything is drained, close all drain valves, including the black and gray tank valves.

2. Prepare a Sanitizing Solution

  • Mix 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
  • You may need to repeat this process multiple times to fully fill the tank.

3. Siphon the Sanitizing Solution

  • Connect a garden hose to the Nautilus panel.
  • Use the key on the sticker to switch the Nautilus panel to Sanitize mode.
  • Place the other end of the hose into the sanitizing solution.
  • Turn on the water pump to begin siphoning the solution into the water system.
  • Once the freshwater tank is filled, switch the Nautilus panel to Dry Camping mode.

4. Flush the System with Sanitizing Solution

  • Inside the camper, turn on the water pump.
  • Run sanitizing solution through all faucets and fixtures until the water stops running pink.
  • Don't forget to flush the external shower.
  • Turn off the water pump and empty the gray tank.

5. Refill the Freshwater Tank

  • Set the Nautilus panel to Power Fill mode.
  • Connect the garden hose to the City Water connection.
  • Use an inline water pressure regulator to prevent over-pressurization.
  • Monitor the panel to avoid overfilling the tank.
  • Once the tank is full, switch the Nautilus panel back to Dry Camping mode.

6. Flush the System with Fresh Water

  • Turn on the water pump.
  • Run fresh water through all faucets and fixtures to remove any remaining sanitizing solution.
  • Turn off the water pump.
  • Open the drain valves again to remove any remaining water.

Final Step: Ready for the Camping Season

Your nuCamp Cirrus 820 is now dewinterized and ready for use! If you have any questions, contact tech@nucamprv.com.


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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.