Winterizing 2016 Gemini

jimboe · 12-05-2016, 10:04 PM

I winterized my Gemini yesterday for the first time and thought I'd share a couple of things ran into. First of all, the panel on the left side of the back of the coach storage is very hard to get out and to put back. It looks to be made of 5/8ths inch plywood which I will need to sand so that it's not so difficult to remove & replace. Once inside, I was surprised to see two valves. I read some time ago of a forum members description of his valve arrangement and I believe he mentioned having one valve that flowed into the black water tank. In my case, both valves (hot & cold?) drained directly to ground below. Apart from that, the rest of the process went as expected. Winterized just in time as we're below freezing overnights now here in the Seattle area at this time.

Cheers,

Jimboe.

JamieGeek · 12-05-2016, 10:11 PM

What color was the pipes connecting to the two valves (red and blue perhaps?) Red = hot water, blue = cold.
Hot and cold valves that drain to the ground are the low-point drains. These valves are typically located on the lowest point of the fresh water system. You can use them to completely drain the system of water (although I'd use a compressor to dry it out in the process).

jimboe · 12-05-2016, 10:24 PM

Both pipes are white. I thought about using a compressor but a tech from Girard sent a service manual for the tankless water heater and it mentioned that they advised using antifreeze as there have been cased where folks using compressors didn't get all the water out and suffered expensive damage not covered by the warranty. I contacted Thor last week to get information on the water system and winterizing. I didn't get info from them until just now but was happy to see that I had properly winterized. Got a nice pdf of the water layout which seems to match your description of the hot and cold drains.

Thanks again,

Jimboe

tmikea · 02-07-2017, 02:43 PM

Jimboe: My Gemini has the same very tight panel. I plan to trim about 1/8" off both directions until I get an easier fit.

jimboe · 02-07-2017, 05:12 PM

Thanks, sounds like a good plan. I need to do the same. Jimboe

MinaEricFunBox · 09-25-2021, 07:44 PM

I just tried to winterize my Thor Gemini. I see the tubes under the RV to empty the fresh water tanks and to empty the water lines. I do not see the valves to let the water out? I assume the valves must be in the coach. I did open the panel in the rear that I hear people talk about. I did turn that valve but no water. I need help. I need clear instructions, please!!!!

**16ACE27** · 09-25-2021, 09:01 PM

What model Gemini?

MinaEricFunBox · 09-25-2021, 09:06 PM

We have a Gemini 23 TR

yukongrant · 09-25-2021, 09:20 PM

I have a 2019 Compass. There's one large red valve in the back behind the snug fitting panel. Open that and the water from the fresh water tank will drain. (I usually open mine and take a quick 10 minute drive to slosh as much water out as possible.)
There's a drawer under the sink (I think just to the right of the sink.) Pull that drawer out. There should be 2 valves visible. Those are your low water drain valves. I open mine and leave them open.
I then use compressed air to blow the lines out. And finally (I live in extremely cold conditions) I run the anti freeze through the lines. I always leave all the taps (including the outside shower) open. If I've messed up (which is a lot more common these days), open valves will release any pressure in the lines and may save a rupture.
Hope that helps.

MinaEricFunBox · 09-25-2021, 09:32 PM

Thank you I will try and look for the red valve in the back and pull the drawer out in the kitchen. Thanks again.....

JimSpy · 12-15-2021, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MinaEricFunBox

I just tried to winterize my Thor Gemini. I see the tubes under the RV to empty the fresh water tanks and to empty the water lines. I do not see the valves to let the water out? I assume the valves must be in the coach. I did open the panel in the rear that I hear people talk about. I did turn that valve but no water. I need help. I need clear instructions, please!!!!

I think the only fresh water drain valve is the one in the back panel. And I think there's only one of them (at least on my Gemini). You should get some water draining out when you open that, unless...your tank is already empty?

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