Winterizing

[Windjammer]

What does everyone use to winterize their camper? Do you use RV antifreeze or vodka?

Thank you.

[wildwest450]

Air

[drogers]

First I blow out the lines with Air than I run Anti freeze through everything. I save the vodka for myself later in the evening.

[snakebitten]

Haven't been through my first winter yet.

Gonna see if the FEW below freezing days down here even cause a problem.
It does get cold enough to freeze the water hose that is laying out on the ground.
But even that is only a couple of times a year.

On those nights, I'm hoping living in it and using it are going to be enough.
Fortunately, these modern units actually have more insulation around everything than we folks would apply to our own sticks & brick weak spots. (Like our water wells and exposed hose bibs)

[Sweetlou]

For those that blow out the lines:

1) what PSI?

2) does the water heater drain plug need to be installed?

3) by blowing in the city water hookup, does this force air through the water pump? Or is the pump on a separate circuit.

4) how do you blow out the low point drains?

Thanks!

[donzinger]

Originally Posted by Sweetlou

For those that blow out the lines:

1) what PSI?

2) does the water heater drain plug need to be installed?

3) by blowing in the city water hookup, does this force air through the water pump? Or is the pump on a separate circuit.

4) how do you blow out the low point drains?

Thanks!

1 - I use 40 psi
2 - I drain the water heater and leave the plug removed - once I have blown out the water heater, I close the bypass in order to blow out the hot water lines
3 - unsure but I have yet to have a water pump freeze once I blow it out
4 - I just open them last and let them drain

Don't forget to blow out the outside shower and the black tank sprayers

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by donzinger

1 - I use 40 psi
2 - I drain the water heater and leave the plug removed - once I have blown out the water heater, I close the bypass in order to blow out the hot water lines
3 - unsure but I have yet to have a water pump freeze once I blow it out
4 - I just open them last and let them drain

Don't forget to blow out the outside shower and the black tank sprayers

That pretty much covers it. I usually open my low point drains while the system is under pressure then leave them open for a bit to drain down.

Don't forget to empty the fresh water tank.

I typically drain the water pump separately just to make sure.

Pour some RV antifreeze down each one of the drains to displace any water in the P-traps.

Aaron

[ewarnerusa]

Originally Posted by dawniewest

Air

^^+1
I add some RV antifreeze in each drain as well. I've done both air only and RV antifreeze in the plumbing with no issues either way, so I've been sticking with just air lately.

For those that blow out the lines:

1) what PSI?
40 PSI
2) does the water heater drain plug need to be installed?
Water heater should be bypassed prior to blowing out. I pull the drain plug, open the pressure relief valve, let it drain onto the ground, close the pressure relief valve and leave it this way until spring. The little bit of water that remains in the tank is fine because there is plenty of room for it to expand when it freezes. Keep track of the drain plug.
3) by blowing in the city water hookup, does this force air through the water pump? Or is the pump on a separate circuit.
The pump outlet feeds the same plumbing lines as the city water hookup, so I guess that means the same circuit. But the pump does not allow the water/air to pass through it backwards. After blowing out the lines I'll run the pump dry for 30 seconds or so to empty it.
4) how do you blow out the low point drains?
Same as a faucet, just open them up and let the water escape until it is just spitting air.
Thanks!

[wildwest450]

Originally Posted by ewarnerusa

^^+1
I add some RV antifreeze in each drain as well. I've done both air only and RV antifreeze in the plumbing with no issues either way, so I've been sticking with just air lately.

True story, and empty water line has never frozen.
I used to be in the paranoid camp(demanding antifreeze everywhere), but air is 100% effective if done properly, and it's fast and cheap.

Still do the traps and toilet bowl with antifreeze...