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Winterizing??

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12095
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 3:31pm
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Topic: Winterizing??
Posted By: tony rpod 180
Subject: Winterizing??
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 10:03am
I’m new at RV’ing, I live in central Arkansas and during the winter season it dips below freezing only a hand full of times.
I know I should at least drain all the water lines and water heater, are there any other steps/precautions I’m not aware of?

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GMC Canyon/RPoder



Replies:
Posted By: Mirado
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:03am
It would be tempting to let it go at that - a dip into the upper 20s might not be a problem, but it takes only one dip to near 20 or below and something's going to freeze.  Get some RV antifreeze and run it through all of your pipes (bypass the water heater first, but do drain it) sink traps, and tanks and leave it in until spring.  Unless you plan to camp in the winter.  You could leave a small electric heater running inside the pod, with the plumbing exposed as much as possible...but that won't protect the the exposed lines underneath.

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Miriam and Doug
2015 Rpod 181G
Silverado 1500


Posted By: tony rpod 180
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:11am
How do you bypass water heater? I’m mechanically inclined.

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GMC Canyon/RPoder


Posted By: onazip
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:23am
also new to RVing.  was planning to blow out system with compressor.  Does anyone else do this?  I'm assuming I'll also run some antifreeze in the drains.  
Do we worry about the Gray and Black tanks?  I mean other than draining?  


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2018 Tundra
2018 176t


Posted By: Mirado
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:34am
There is a set of bypass valves installed near the water heater, accessible from inside - under a bed, cabinet, or something - I'm not familiar with the layout of your unit.

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Miriam and Doug
2015 Rpod 181G
Silverado 1500


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:45am
If intent is to winterize with compressed air - you DO NOT not need to bypass water heater. I use compressed air every year in TN, no issues to date. The bypass prevents 6 gals of antifreeze from entering the water heater. When winterizing do not forget the black tank flush line. Also make sure you get latrine blown out and add a bit of antifreeze to toilet.

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


Posted By: Mirado
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:47am
Originally posted by onazip

also new to RVing.  was planning to blow out system with compressor.  Does anyone else do this?  I'm assuming I'll also run some antifreeze in the drains.  
Do we worry about the Gray and Black tanks?  I mean other than draining?  

I've heard of others doing this.  But there may still be a chance of water collecting somewhere.  If you use the antifreeze, you can leave whatever you pump through in the black and gray tanks.

Maybe someone else can comment on the compressor idea, as I've not done that.


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Miriam and Doug
2015 Rpod 181G
Silverado 1500


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:52am
Mirado,

We must have been posting at same time. I use compressed air every year, have since I've owned pod. I live in TN.

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


Posted By: tony rpod 180
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:59am
Very helpful, thank you everybody

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GMC Canyon/RPoder


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 2:39pm
Originally posted by Mirado

It would be tempting to let it go at that - a dip into the upper 20s might not be a problem, but it takes only one dip to near 20 or below and something's going to freeze.  Get some RV antifreeze and run it through all of your pipes (bypass the water heater first, but do drain it) sink traps, and tanks and leave it in until spring.  Unless you plan to camp in the winter.  You could leave a small electric heater running inside the pod, with the plumbing exposed as much as possible...but that won't protect the the exposed lines underneath.
One caveat to the above is that if the daytime temps are above freezing AND if heat is running in the 'Pod, a dip into the low 20's is probably okay, especially if one insulates the line leading from the tank to the pump as that is the only really exposed part. The tank itself will not freeze overnight if it has a significant quantity of water in it, but if it is empty or nearly so, there is not enough mass of water to keep it from freezing. In that case, draining and winterizing is better.

We've been through camping with water in freezing overnight temperatures. Extended freezing temps always require winterization.


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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: tony rpod 180
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 4:09pm
In which manner do I add antifreeze? Fresh water tank, or through city connection?

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GMC Canyon/RPoder


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 4:18pm
Neither. If you are winterizing with anti-freeze you should bypass water heater and use the siphon hose connected in water pump line to add antifreeze to the plumbing. There is a valve and hose off your pump with nothing connected to it. Several really good videos on You Tube , two by Kymooses a member here that cover both compressed air and anti-freeze winterization. Bunch of info out there, on the Interweb.

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


Posted By: PilotPodder
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 6:45pm
If you decide to use the RV antifreeze method, I have a video on the subject of me showing how to do it on a 179. Just click my videos link below and look in the maintenance playlist. ~PP 

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Portage, MI — 2017 RPod 179 - sold / 2017 Toyota Tundra — https://johnmarucci.com/r-pod-video-list/ - My RPod YouTube Videos


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 9:22pm
We have used compressed air to blow out our lines every year since 2012.  The first year, 2011,  I didn't know any better and used rv antifreeze and  took several attempts to get that nasty taste out of the water line.  Anyway with compressed air I use a total of 16 oz. rv antifreezw to fill the 2 sink  traps, 1 shower trap and toilet.  That way 1 gallon will last me 8 years.  When I purchased that rv antifreeze in 2012 the cost was 0.99 cents.  

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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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