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IdahoBoy
Groupie
Joined: 24 Oct 2015
Location: Ketchum, Idaho
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Posts: 65
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Topic: Blowing out water lines Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 2:50pm |
Is it really necessary to blow out the water lines when winterizing when I will be pumping anti-freeze through the system anyway? I don't have easy access to an air compressor so I hope I can get away without it.
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Pete Brayton
Senior Member
Joined: 29 Jul 2015
Location: Parker, CO
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Posts: 124
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Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 2:57pm |
I used antifreeze last year without blowing out the lines first, so yes you can get away without it. Here is the online manual set up by techntrek that includes winterizing procedures: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&title=creating-an-instruction-maintenance-manual
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2021 Rpod 196
2013 Ford 150 V8
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6128
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Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 7:40pm |
As long as you drain first, the small amount of water remaining should not dilute the antifreeze to much.
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Tars Tarkas
Senior Member
Joined: 14 Jan 2013
Location: Near Nashville
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Posts: 1447
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Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 9:45pm |
I agree. Blowing out the lines and antifreeze is kind of like a belt and suspenders. The key is keeping the antifreeze as undiluted as possible and getting that stuff into everywhere that can freeze and break. Make sure the pink stuff runs out of all of the outlets including the toilet, and in Idaho, put a good dose in all the traps.
TT
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2010 176
FJ Cruiser
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IdahoBoy
Groupie
Joined: 24 Oct 2015
Location: Ketchum, Idaho
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 65
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Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 10:29am |
Thanks for all the great information. It seemed like overkill to blow out the lines. If I had easy access to a compressor I would do it anyway rather than take any chances, but since I don't I'll just make certain everything is well drained and the anti-freeze is at full strength.
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IPPOD
Newbie
Joined: 22 Jan 2015
Location: ISLAND PARK, ID
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Posts: 11
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Posted: 09 Oct 2016 at 10:35am |
Idaho Boy,
I use a yard pack sprayer w/ rv antifreeze in it after draining the system.
Seems to work fine here where the rig sees -30f at times.
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IPPOD
177=2013
Grand Cherokee 2014 5.7
Island Park, Id
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Kantuckid
Newbie
Joined: 14 May 2016
Location: KY
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Posts: 38
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Posted: 31 Oct 2016 at 1:39pm |
I have the air fitting to blow out lines from another trailer. Does this do the job without using antifreeze? the traps are a different story-will they get damaged in rpod from no antifreeze?
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Don Halas
Senior Member
Joined: 01 Jul 2015
Location: Connecticut
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Posts: 190
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Posted: 31 Oct 2016 at 3:16pm |
This is my second winterizing. Dealer told me that they use compressed air only to blow out lines. I drained the hot water tank by removing the anode. Blew out all hot/cold water taps and the toilet and removed low points. I ran the water pump while running the compressed air through the lines. I put about a cup of antifreeze in the sinks, and the toilet bowl.
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jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
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Posts: 3257
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Posted: 31 Oct 2016 at 5:17pm |
Have used compressed air in our 2011 177 since the winter of 2012 with no problems. Have done the same as Mr. Halas in that you drain your HW tank by removing the anode, next is to turn your 3 valves to bypass the hot water tank, then blow out the water lines, this takes about 1 minute (to blow out the lines). Haven't bothered with the low drain points since the first time I did this, they only had about 1/4 teaspoon of water in each. Finish by using 1 pint total antifreeze in the 2 sink and 1 shower trap.
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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."
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Pod People
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
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Posts: 1078
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Posted: 02 Nov 2016 at 4:39pm |
I would add that if you decide to blow out the water lines, you will not need a compressor. A hand operated bicycle pump will do the job just fine. Use the blow out cap available at RV stores , screw it onto the city water connection and use the bike pump to blow out the water lines. Vann
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Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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