Newbie winterizing questions

[Mo_Mike]

Two questions for all you more experienced RVers. (which would be 99% of you).

Which method do most of you use to winterize your RV, blown air or pink anti-freeze?

If you use pink anti-freeze, how many gallons do you need? (VEGAS 25.2 here)

[JamieGeek]

I typically purchase 3 gallons for my Axis 24.1. It really only requires 2 to winterize the small water system; the extra is in case I really make a mess.

When I'm finished I distribute all the remaining into the sink traps and the toilet.

[Mo_Mike]

Thanks Jamie..

I was guessing four, so wasn't that far off....

[Nursx2]

I use air only - have been for 6 years now. Easy and free!

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by Nursx2

I use air only - have been for 6 years now. Easy and free!

What in the maximum pressure you use,?

[Nursx2]

set the compressor to 40 psi, let it build up and open taps till the air runs out (drain hot water tank manually of course of you will be there a very long time.

[Mo_Mike]

Do you set the bypass valves or leave the hot water tank open?

[Nursx2]

I leave the hot water tank open after I drain it (REPLACE DRAIN PLUG OF COURSE TO ALLOW PRESSURE TO BUILD UP). This way I ensure all the water is blown out of the hot water pipes - essentially replacing all the water in the entire system with air instead of water.

Place antifreeze in the traps and ensure the antifreeze gets to the black and grey drain valves.(open both and allow a little to drain in a bucket to ensure the entire length is protected and drained of water.) I used RV antifreeze in the drains but you can also use windshield wash antifreeze in the drains.

[SuperD]

I have been using air for at least 20 years. Make sure you use an oilers compressor so you don't contaminate the lines. Use 40-50 psi on regulator. Don't forget the water pump and any outside shower or sinks. Also if you have black water flush do it too. Pour about a cup of pink stuff in the drains and you are done. Actually goes pretty quick. Get a blow-out plug that has a quick disconnect, makes the job a one person affair.

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by SuperD

I have been using air for at least 20 years. Make sure you use an oilers compressor so you don't contaminate the lines. Use 40-50 psi on regulator. Don't forget the water pump and any outside shower or sinks. Also if you have black water flush do it too. Pour about a cup of pink stuff in the drains and you are done. Actually goes pretty quick. Get a blow-out plug that has a quick disconnect, makes the job a one person affair.

Okay, here is a novice question, how would you "do" the water pump?

[Joe-FL]

My vote is for the pink, not air. One reason is that you can't use air to blow out your holding tanks, just hope they are empty, which most still hold a little. The second reason is once your have a RV washer/dryer you will have to start using pink RV antifreeze anyway.


I just figure 3 or 4 gallons ($8 or $10) isn't much to spend in order to winterize. Of course I never have to winterize anything anymore so my northern brothers may have more updated advise.

[SuperD]

I do use pink stuff on water pump, sorry, forgot to include that step. Cost of pink stuff is not the issue for me, I just think blowing out with air is easier.

[mrw]

I open all drains,pull plug from hot water tank, bypass hot water tank. I use bicycle tire pump to blow lines out. Then I use pink stuff. My opinion its worth anothet 10 minutes.

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by mrw

I open all drains,pull plug from hot water tank, bypass hot water tank. I use bicycle tire pump to blow lines out. Then I use pink stuff. My opinion its worth anothet 10 minutes.

So you use air, then follow with pink anti freeze?

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Mo_Mike

Okay, here is a novice question, how would you "do" the water pump?

A winterization kit hooked into the input side of the water pump. The water pump will then push the anti-freeze throughout the system and you won't have to use a hand pump.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-36543-P.../dp/B0006JJ588

If you don't have one installed it is worth the time and money.

[mrw]

Yes I use RV antifreeze. Only takes 2.5 gallons so I fill drain traps with leftover. It may be overkill but it gets well below zero . Never had a problem come spring

[Larry]

Originally Posted by mrw

I open all drains,pull plug from hot water tank, bypass hot water tank. I use bicycle tire pump to blow lines out. Then I use pink stuff. My opinion its worth anothet 10 minutes.

X2 - I also do both but use an air compressor set at 30-40 psi to blow out the lines followed by the pink stuff.

[EA37TS]

All,

Interesting article on RV Anti freeze.

Tech Tips: RV Antifreeze: Not All the Same - RV Life

[tenbear]

I buy 2 gallons of the pink stuff and I usually have about a half gallon left over from the previous year.

I drain the three tanks, fresh, grey and black water.

I bypass the water heater, drain and siphon the remaining water out. Then replace the cap. I drain the plumbing by the low point drains, and then close them.

Next I blow out the lines with about 40 psi, and follow that with the pink stuff being careful to fill the traps and leaving some in the toilet bowl. Don't forget the outside shower.

After letting the pressure bleed off I press the freshwater intake to allow some pink stuff to come out the connector.

Almost forgot, I add the stuff, I forget its name, to the gas tank and run the engine and genny so it circulates thru the engines. Still have to do this step.

[Calico]

Originally Posted by tenbear

Almost forgot, I add the stuff, I forget its name, to the gas tank and run the engine and genny so it circulates thru the engines. Still have to do this step.

Stabil™ or Seafoam™? Right?
n.