Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Freezing weather, winterization, and check valves (Read 21 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Freezing weather, winterization, and check valves
Yahoo Message Number: 149296
A few ramblings on how to turn a 20 minute RV task into a 2 hour project:
 One consequence of the LD factory being in sunny SoCal is that not much thought it given at the factory to winterization.  Many people use air to blow out the water lines, but I prefer to use RV antifreeze, aka pink stuff.  The fortunate among us just drive south until the weather improves.
 Soon after buying our Mid-Bath unit (used), I added a water heater bypass kit (Camco 35983) and a Pump Converter Winterizing Kit (Camco 36543).   The bypass kit is installed at the water heater (of course) and I can reach the valve each fall by pulling out a lower drawer under the wardrobe.  The pump converter was installed between the water tank and the water pump.
 All was fine until this season when the check valve on the bypass kit failed.  I bypassed the water heater, started to pump pink stuff into the system, and was puzzled when I used a whole gallon without the water pump stopping.  Sure enough, pink stuff was flowing out of the water heater drain.
 On my mid-bath, accessing the check valve means disassembling the sliding couch.  I didn't find a replacement check valve locally (ordered from Amazon), but a 1/2" brass cap was good enough to complete the bypass and fill the system with antifreeze.  Once the replacement valve arrives, I'll reinstall and put the couch back together.
 My check valve lasted around 4 years (4 good winters, 1 bad).  It's possible that I could have revived it with a good cleaning, but I decided a new valve would be $8 well spent (Camco 23303).
 Camco also sells a bypass kit with 2 bypass valves instead of 1 bypass valve and 1 check valve (Camco 35953).  I might choose that kit if I were starting over.

Rich '03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Freezing weather, winterization, and check valves
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149299
When I owned a 2005 MB  I added the same Camco bypass and antifreeze injector to my coach.  Had a similar issue; the check valve on the bypass corroded and would not work. Discovered issue when adding antifreeze.  Solved problem with a couple of good whacks on the check valve.

I also added "electrical strip heaters" to my holding tank drain lines and valves.  They worked great!

I once asked on this forum whether anyone had ever installed "low point drains" on an LD.  Ended  up having to explain low point drains.

Now have an SOB that was built in Elkhart.  I came from the factory with low point drains, water heater bypass and antifreeze injector.  Also has holding tanks and drain valves in a heated compartment.

Being a "snow digger" sure changes your idea of what accessories/features are important.

Doug
Re: Freezing weather, winterization, and check valves
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149302
Pink stuff? No way! Not that there's anything wrong with winterizing with anti-freeze, it's just that it's cheaper (and I tend to sweat the small stuff for some reason) to use compressed air after installing a quick connect and ball valve. No need for a heater bypass either. Winterizing consists of draining the heater, hooking up compressed air T-ed in at pump outlet, then opening each faucet one by one. Finally a blow gun with foam seal is used to blow out the shower and sink drains. Takes just a few minutes and it's FREE!

Disclaimer: At least that's what I used to use before "Yonder" moved into a heated RV garage.

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Freezing weather, winterization, and check valves
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149304
We have our house winterized each year before heading south. The guy blows the water out of all the lines, but he STILL puts RV antifreeze in all the drains and the toilets., although he doesn't pump it through the lines.

Linda Hylton
Linda Hylton
Re: Freezing weather, winterization, and check valves
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149305
I agree with bumper & Linda.  Blowing out the lines is easy.

I use a Camco 36103 Plastic Blow Out  Plug http://www.amazon.com/Camco-36103-Plastic-Blow-Plug/dp/B0006JJ58I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1415116466&sr=8-6&keywords=rv+blowout+plug and  a Campbell Hausfeld 120 Volt Home Inflation  System http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CMHUA4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The  compressor hose locks on to the blow out plug.  (I mentioned the Camco  because I have another blow out plug that the compressor hose will not lock on  to.)  After draining the fresh water tank and the hot water tank, I open a  faucet before I start up the compressor to keep from over pressurizing the  lines.  After opening all of the faucets one at a time (being sure to open  a new faucet before closing the previous one, once aga
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
 
Re: Freezing weather, winterization, and check valves
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149316
I blow out the lines but run RV antifreeze through the pump filling through the strainer just before the pump.  The water line just past the pump is already disconnected for the air hose attachment.  I then put a little antifreeze in the traps allowing about a few qts to go into the holding tank.  I also put a few qts in the black tank and some toilet bowl.  I typically use about a bottle and a half to winterize.
If I use the rv to camp while the weather is cold I use bottled water for washing and cleaning then dump the tanks before going to bed and add antifreeze to the two holding tanks after dumping.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath