Camper Winterizing

[Sand Burr]

First year with a seasonal camper and due to the upcoming hunting I have to winterize this thing this weekend. Anyone have a tip to push the Anti-freeze into the water lines?

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Hey nice Rack

[IFallsRon]

It's a pretty easy process if you have a bypass for the water heater. My experience is that you don't want to put the antifreeze into the heater. Pull the plug and make sure it's empty for the winter. Don't tighten the plug fully when you replace it.

We had to rig a bypass on the inlaw's old trailer. It was a twice-a-year battle to work in a tight space but kept the heater going for years.

Make sure there's no water in the system. Pour 3-4 gallons of antifreeze into the water reservoir. Turn on the pump and run until the antifreeze comes through. Run enough to fill the p-trap, too. If you have a shower and use the indoor toilet, use the same procedure.

In the spring, drain the reservoir before you put any water in. Then put water in and drain it. Fill with water. Include some bleach to help clean out the system and run the system until you get clear water. Drain the system and run untreated water through the system.

[Sand Burr]

If I use the water resivor is ther a fill from the inside or do I have to rig up a funnel and fill from the outside?

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Hey nice Rack

[IFallsRon]

You need to rig a funnel. I'd look for a plastic funnel with a flexible neck. I've seen screw-on spouts for the gallon bottles but can't think where. Maybe that camper store in Rodgers or Fleet or wherever you got the camper.

Another thing. Don't skimp on the antifreeze. At a couple bucks a jug, it's easier to buy 3-4 upfront than to try to get by with 2.

[Sand Burr]

Kinda figured the funnel thing. Yes, I already picked up 4 gallons at Menards yesterday at $1.98 gallon.

Where do you get the adapter to blow the lines out with a compressor?

Gezz never thought about it but this sounds like I can get a new compressor just for the camper at the campsite!

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Hey nice Rack

[IFallsRon]

Don't know that you'd need to blow out the lines. You'll be filling both cold and hot with antifreeze.

If you really wanted to blow out the lines, you'd probably have to disconnect at the pump. I've used the screw-on nipple from caulk or glue tubes to hook on the hose and insert in to the lines.

[Big Dave2]

at Wal-mart you can buy an air nozzle that screws in to your city water fitting for 2 or 3 dollars.

[Big Roy]

You will need a hand pump that connects to your city water connection, Fleet Farm sells them for 10 bucks then you pump the R.V. anti freeze through the system.

[Sand Burr]

Thanks for all the tips!

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Hey nice Rack

[Dave]

I just use the antifreeze method. Make sure you drain the holding tanks and take out the battery(s), too. And, leave your frig door open.