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tony rpod 180 View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Aug 2018
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Posts: 75 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Winterizing??
    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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Mirado View Drop Down
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Posts: 56 		Direct Link To This Post 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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tony rpod 180 View Drop Down
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Posts: 75 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:11am
How do you bypass water heater? I’m mechanically inclined.
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onazip View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post 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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Mirado View Drop Down
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Posts: 56 		Direct Link To This Post 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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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post 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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Mirado View Drop Down
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Posts: 56 		Direct Link To This Post 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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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post 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.
Mike Carter
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tony rpod 180 View Drop Down
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Posts: 75 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 11:59am
Very helpful, thank you everybody
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
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Posts: 6417 		Direct Link To This Post 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.
StephenH
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