First Time Winterizing Help - R-pod Owners Forum

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jato

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Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
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Topic: First Time Winterizing Help
Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 7:49pm

+2 to mcarter and TT. Never heard of putting AF in the FW tank, that is a waste of a lot of AF.

we do like David and Danette, blowing out takes about 1 minute, and then add a TOTAL of 16 oz. of AF for the 2 sink traps, 1 shower trap, and the top of the toilet. Been doing it this way since 2012, so here I am with a bottle of pink rv antifreeze that I purchased in 2012 for 79 cents and still have enough for one more year. Yeppir, 1 gallon will winterize my 177 for 8 years.

God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

David and Danette View Drop Down

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 4:09pm

We have only lived in Tennessee for three Winters and have so far just used my compressor to blow out the lines and so far no problem. And I pour a little antifreeze into sink and shower drains. Having lived in south Florida before Tennessee the freezing weather has been a learning experience.

2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

Tars Tarkas View Drop Down

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 3:49pm

Originally posted by Shane

You can do it either way. I have been doing this for years with no problem, it just takes a bit more AF.

Shane, yeah, of course you can do it either way and antifreeze isn't all that expensive. The thing is, I think, that you don't want to have to flush all that antifreeze out of the water tank. I suppose if you're one of those people who doesn't drink the water from the fresh water tank it doesn't matter too much -- although it may not be all that healthy to shower with remnants of antifreeze in the tank.

It's real easy to use the siphon hose as intended. It's cheaper and at least arguably a little safer. It's not a BIG deal, and to each is own....

2010 176
FJ Cruiser

mcarter

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 3:17pm

All your drains should be closed when you add the AF. You want to winterize a closed system, also do not put the AF in the fresh water tank, use the syphon valve, that is what it there for. No reason to use 4 gallons of AF to winterize a closed loop small RV system. Unless you just like to buy AF.

Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

ColoradoPK View Drop Down

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 8:39am

I noticed a contradiction in the directions-at least I think it's a contradiction-that might be causing my problem.

Step 8 says: 8) Wrap the threads of the anode rod with Teflon tape, re-insert the plug and close both low-point drains.

But step 12 says: 12) Turn on the switch for the water pump for a few seconds, then turn it off. Your low-point drains should still be open, go outside and verify they are dripping pink. You may need to cycle the pump a few more seconds to be sure. Then close both low-point drains.

So, should I close the drains in step 8 and then pump AF, or leave them open?

Also, honest question-I open all the valves in step 7 to help with draining. Before I pump AF, do I close all those valves and keep them closed until low point drains are officially closed at end of step 12?

PK Colorado

ColoradoPK View Drop Down

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 8:25am

I didn't use the fresh water tank. Just followed the directions using the siphon hose that was near the pump. I also wonder if the RV dealer didn't blow all all the lines properly, and that might be why I had pressure building up in the city water inlet? I think I'll start from scratch today and do the whole thing, including blowing the lines.

PK Colorado

Shane

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 8:09am

You can do it either way. I have been doing this for years with no problem, it just takes a bit more AF.

ENGINE 55,TRUCK 44,BATALLION 12

mcarter

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 8:05am

Shane,

Huh? The AF should be added thru the syphon hose directly to the water pump, not from the fresh water tank.

Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Tars Tarkas View Drop Down

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 8:04am

Not sure why you would ever want to put antifreeze in your fresh water tank!

2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Shane

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Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 8:00am

Another thing is if you are using your water pump to pump the antifreeze from the freshwater tank through your lines you need a minimum of about 4 gallons of AF in the fresh water tank in order for your pump to start pumping it through the system. I do it this way every year.

ENGINE 55,TRUCK 44,BATALLION 12