water heater bypass valve location

I also own a new 179.  When winterizing the rig in October I successfully drained the system and pumped anti-freeze using the water pump under the bed.  It took about seven gallons, however,  which means I must have filled the hot water tank unnecessarily.  I never saw a bypass valve so I assumed this was proper procedure.  Where, exactly, does our crafty little valve like to hide?  On a related note, the knowledgable gentlemen at Jerry's RV in Bend, OR told me not to use the air purging method only.  It can apparently leave water in the system.  Thoughts?

Originally posted by iamsister7 Where is the bypass in the 180? We're new, too, and don't have any idea. From the outside vent location, we assume it must be under the bed, but don't want to remove the whole bed to find out if it's not!!! LOL

if you climb under the matress in the 180,and unscrew the furnace grill you can remove the 1/8 veneer and get access to the valves. I made mine so it unscrews for easy access.

+1 to SH. I pull anode rod as part of winterization, inspect/replace if necessary and flush inside HW heater. I use compressed air to remove water, so never change valves. Also I have a pipe fitting loosely put in water heater and when I dewinterize I flush WH and put anode rod back in, that way I flush WH twice a year. I was in POD today, it is in the upper 20s in TN today, I have small ceramic heater set on low and it was 60 in the POD. I keep cabinets and latrine door open. I believe if my POD were in storage and I couldn't effect temps inside I would antifreeze winterize. Also I keep small bowl of water in POD and make sure it never ices (actually my dog's water dish). Works for me because I have 365/24/7 access to POD with shore power and can control the inside temp. BTW - my battery voltage is at 13.2, which means it is in the trickle/float stage.

Can anybody send pictures of how to get to the valve? Taking out the mattress seems like a really bad design.