Fresh water tank draning

Jerry B. · 11-10-2017, 04:19 AM

Getting my 2017 Vegas 25.2 for winter. Tried draining fresh waster tank thru tank drain but too slow. Cranked up water pump and opened outside shower. Much better,however, the tank never drained completely. I still have approximately a quarter to half inch water still in tank. Does the tank need to be completely void of water. Is so any suggestions on how to do so. Thanks in advance.

JKTANK · 11-10-2017, 07:17 AM

On our last trip of the season, I open the drain valve for the drive home. The movement helps get more water removed than a stationary drain. It would be a smart move to have the factory install the tank at a small angle, or develop a tank with a sump.

gmc · 11-10-2017, 12:10 PM

If you are concerned about freezing, a little water in bottom of tank isn't an issue... As long as the lines are empty or treated with antifreeze, the tank itself will be fine.

The issue with freezing is expansion... Water expands as it freezes. In a confined water line, than can cause the line to burst. A little water in bottom of large tank has plenty of room to expand when it freezes.
Same for water heater - as long as it is drained, a little water in bottom won't hurt.

JamieGeek · 11-10-2017, 12:12 PM

On our 24.1 I usually open up the drain and leave it open for a few days. At the same time it will get moved from the storage lot to the house and back a few times--that seems to get all of it.

I wouldn't worry about a little bit of water in the tank freezing: It has a place to expand into. Just wouldn't want any in the pump or stuck in any of the valves.

Pawpaw's House · 11-15-2017, 02:37 PM

I agree that a very small amount wouldn't matter, but if you're still concerned, open the drain valve, level the vehicle (if you have levelers), then angle the home slightly towards the side that has the drain valve. Should get it emptied a little bit more.

fchabotski · 11-16-2017, 02:23 PM

Also make sure your drain valve stays open as that is what could freeze if any water stays in it.

mountainsam · 12-06-2017, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fchabotski

Also make sure your drain valve stays open as that is what could freeze if any water stays in it.

Thanks for that suggestion. Just drained mine up today, took DW shopping and running around to help empty the tank and then I closed the valve.

I will make sure I open in back up tomorrow along with the low drain valves.

Steve70605 · 12-07-2017, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmc

If you are concerned about freezing, a little water in bottom of tank isn't an issue... As long as the lines are empty or treated with antifreeze, the tank itself will be fine.

The issue with freezing is expansion... Water expands as it freezes. In a confined water line, than can cause the line to burst. A little water in bottom of large tank has plenty of room to expand when it freezes.
Same for water heater - as long as it is drained, a little water in bottom won't hurt.

X2. Water in tanks not an issue if volume left. Besides draining tanks remember to either add antifreeze to tank and run water pump to get into lines, or, connect an airline to inlet and blow all lines clear with low pressure air. Lines are where you will have issues. Do not forget the refrigerator and water filters. Also pour some into traps in sinks, tub.

556mike · 12-21-2017, 03:37 AM

Gmc/x2: On 2017 Thor Citation 24, where is inlet to which to install the air pump to blow out the lines??
Thanks, 556mike

Whirnot · 12-21-2017, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 556mike

Gmc/x2: On 2017 Thor Citation 24, where is inlet to which to install the air pump to blow out the lines??
Thanks, 556mike

They make an adapter that hooks to your outside water tank fill, and has an air fitting built into it. I recommend the one that has the coupling rather than the tire stem type. Then you don't have to hold it on. Set the compressor for about 45 PSI

tigwelder · 12-21-2017, 02:43 PM

on my 25-2 it drains all the water. or two 2x12 ramps 3' long. drive up on them drain tank. or park on an incline or anti freeze in tank or keep it in heated shop.

gmc · 12-21-2017, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whirnot

They make an adapter that hooks to your outside water tank fill, and has an air fitting built into it. I recommend the one that has the coupling rather than the tire stem type. Then you don't have to hold it on. Set the compressor for about 45 PSI

Yep.. here's the one I use - all of $6:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-36143-B.../dp/B002XL2IEA

petefoss · 12-21-2017, 09:56 PM

I have a plastic one that looks like it costs 1.99.

556mike · 12-22-2017, 12:19 AM

Thanks, I bought the device with the valve.
556mike

Druff · 12-22-2017, 01:03 AM

Make sure to leave the valve open. Mine froze last year and broke from about a tablespoon of water. I replaced with a nice brass valve from home store. Ours is sitting in a heated garage so I didn't think about it, but when we left for Florida in January it froze then.

556mike · 12-22-2017, 03:38 AM

Appreciate your comments/ suggestions. We live in Bay Area and it is supposed to go below 32 by a few degrees tonite. Can't get to the mh/storage area until tomorrow, and then only to drain tank of 1/4 capacity. Will do what I can to drain remainder of lines. 556mike

gmc · 12-22-2017, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 556mike

Appreciate your comments/ suggestions. We live in Bay Area and it is supposed to go below 32 by a few degrees tonite. Can't get to the mh/storage area until tomorrow, and then only to drain tank of 1/4 capacity. Will do what I can to drain remainder of lines. 556mike

No guarantees - but...
It takes much more than a few hours a couple of degrees below 32 to cause any issues... especially for lines inside compartments/RV.
The compartment/RV itself would need to drop below 32 - and hold that long enough to freeze a line.

A 1/4 full fresh water tank would take a longggg time to freeze at 30 degrees... Even the lines running through the RV will take time to freeze.

As I stated - no guarantees - but personally I wouldn't be concerned until temps drop into 20's and stay there for longer periods.

JamieGeek · 12-22-2017, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmc

No guarantees - but...
It takes much more than a few hours a couple of degrees below 32 to cause any issues... especially for lines inside compartments/RV.
The compartment/RV itself would need to drop below 32 - and hold that long enough to freeze a line.

A 1/4 full fresh water tank would take a longggg time to freeze at 30 degrees... Even the lines running through the RV will take time to freeze.

As I stated - no guarantees - but personally I wouldn't be concerned until temps drop into 20's and stay there for longer periods.

Along with that: remember that the coldest overnight temp is usually right before sunrise. Thus if the low is going to be 30 or 31 your rig will likely only see below freezing temps for an hour or two at most (maybe only a minute before sunrise..).

Druff · 12-22-2017, 01:54 PM

The pex lines won't freeze and break but the elbows and connectors will. One of my TT a few years ago I didn't get to winterize soon enough and one night it got to about 30deg unexpectedly and broke a half dozen connectors inside that I had to fix in the spring.

556mike · 12-22-2017, 05:07 PM

Thanks all. However, as an example of being close to the freeze/no freeze line at overnight temps below 32 we overnighted at the Pinnacles last week and the main distribution line was frozen in the morning (thawing later on the road). I expect this was caused by the storage door to the fresh-water intake manifold blowing open during the night; your point about compartmentalizations being on point. 556mike

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