Winterize: Compressed air vs. anti-freeze

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   Hey guys, I am thinking of getting ready for winterization as it could snow any time here in Alberta Canada. The previous owner used anti-freeze method, which took me a lot of effort (and water) to dewinterize this spring. 
I've read about the compressed air approach, and was wondering about your own experience of using it for really cold winters on a Rpod (specifically 2016 178 HRE).  
Thanks.

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renhui Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 20 Jul 2022 Location: Calgary, Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 58	Post Options Post Reply Quote renhui Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Winterize: Compressed air vs. anti-freeze Posted: 17 Sep 2023 at 9:38pm
	Hey guys, I am thinking of getting ready for winterization as it could snow any time here in Alberta Canada. The previous owner used anti-freeze method, which took me a lot of effort (and water) to dewinterize this spring. I've read about the compressed air approach, and was wondering about your own experience of using it for really cold winters on a Rpod (specifically 2016 178 HRE). Thanks.
	2016 Rpod 178 HRE 2018 Honda Pilot AWD

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 17 Sep 2023 at 10:33pm
	It can be done. You will need to be thorough. First, drain the fresh water tank. Run the pump until it is dry (a few minutes won't hurt the pump). Remove the strainer bowl and dump the water and any plastic residue or other trash from the strainer. It is a good time to wash it. Then replace it. Set your winterizing valves to bypass the water heater. Remove the anode rod and drain the water heater tank. Flush it out to get the anode rod residue out of it. You can replace the anode rod or leave it out at this point. Set your compressor to no more than 50 psi. Start with the sink/shower valves closest to the water connection and always have at least one valve open. Don't neglect the toilet valve or the outside shower. When you are not seeing any water coming through the valves, you should be safe. Remember to remove the low point drain caps or open the valves if so equipped. Add RV antifreeze to all traps and to the toilet bowl to protect them from freezing and to keep the toilet bowl flush valve lubricated. That should take care of it. In the spring, don't forget to sanitize your water system before using.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

renhui Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 20 Jul 2022 Location: Calgary, Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 58	Post Options Post Reply Quote renhui Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 18 Sep 2023 at 9:03pm
	Thanks for the info. Stephen. I didn't know about the strainer bowl (actually had to google it to see what it is), will remember to do that. In terms of air compressor, do you think a portable one would work, like the one for tire pumping? (Funny story, I had a brand new air compressor for years (>10) never found a use for it and sold it last year. )
	2016 Rpod 178 HRE 2018 Honda Pilot AWD

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 18 Sep 2023 at 9:12pm
	I don't know if the ones for tires would put out a sufficient volume of air for the job. I have a 6 gallon compressor that I use.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

GlueGuy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2629	Post Options Post Reply Quote GlueGuy Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 19 Sep 2023 at 10:00am
	+1 I don't think a portable one would provide enough volume. Anything with a tank would probably be fine.
	bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

lostagain Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Location: Quaker Hill, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 2587	Post Options Post Reply Quote lostagain Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 19 Sep 2023 at 6:39pm
	We use a Porter Cable pancake compressor. It works just fine.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3220	Post Options Post Reply Quote jato Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 19 Sep 2023 at 7:05pm
	I would concur with StephenH post, except I go with 85 psi AND always leave 1 line open so as not to blow anything apart. Takes less than 2 minutes to go through everything twice (on a 177). The first couple years I would take the strainer off the pump and would find literally not even a drop of water so for the past several years that is not even looked at it after blowing out. The compressor used is a commercial one with a 30 gallon tank - plenty of volume! Have used this method for the past 11 years, no leaks, no problems. A total of 16 oz. RV antifreeze for all the traps and the top of the toilet to keep the seal moist. Northern Michigan here where winters are quite long and January temps can hit the -20 degree range.
	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."