winterizing
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12189
Printed Date: 19 May 2024 at 9:22am
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Topic: winterizing
Posted By: grizwalsh
Subject: winterizing
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 9:36am
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Has anyone heard of blowing the water lines clear with a certain type of valve fitting and a bicycle pump? Apparently my neighbour had heard this---Thanks ------------- grizwalsh |
Replies:
Posted By: BigSkyPod
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 10:00am
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There is a fitting you attach to the "city water" input. Can likely be found anywhere you find RV supplies. I use a small air compressor which works well (30psi max). To blow out your lines with a bike pump would likely take forever, if it is even possible. Just my $0.02 worth... ------------- 2017 RPOD 180 Hood River Edition |
Posted By: grizwalsh
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 10:09am
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Thanks for the info ------------- grizwalsh |
Posted By: grizwalsh
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 10:12am
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So I'm assuming you just keep putting air through till you get it coming out of all the water outlets ypu have opened? ------------- grizwalsh |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 10:14am
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I have used the bicycle pump method before-it does work. However, my compressor works quicker and with less effort. the same fixture is used for both options. either way, the bottom line is to remove all of the water in the lines. Then you can fill them with RV antifreeze. There are several ideas about using antifreeze or not. check the Forum posts on Creating an instruction and maintenance manual in the mods section. there is a lot of info there Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: grizwalsh
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 10:21am
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Why would you still need antifreeze if you have blown all the lines clear of water? ------------- grizwalsh |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 3:46pm
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some people do use anti freeze and some don't. also may depend on where you live--how cold does it get? did you really get ALL of the water out? peace of mind is worth more than a gallon of fluid and 10 minutes for me. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 4:26pm
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+1
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 4:37pm
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I bought a $99 pancake air compressor at Lowes or Harbor Freight. Set it to 30-35 psi and blow out the lines. You need the adapter. Don't forget the backflush line, shower lines and outside shower. I add a bit of antifreeze to the latrine. I pull the anode rod at end of every season, and cap the WH, after I dewinterize I put the anode rod back. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 7:28pm
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We have used air to blow out our lines since 2012 and I do use rv antifreeze for the 3 traps (2 sink) 1(shower) and a bit on top of the toilet 'door'. Total amount used for this is 16 ounces. Still have my gallon of antifreeze purchased in the fall of 2012 that cost me less than a buck.
------------- 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." |
Posted By: RockyMtnRPod
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 9:12pm
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In Montana, I follow the same process as mcarter and jato do, BUT last year I froze the small trap, with the brass screen, just off the water pump (little plastic bowl on the intake side). I guess because I did not run the pump after draining the fresh water tank. The pump can be run wet or dry. Two years ago I forgot to blow out the outside shower, and that now needs to be replaced. Don't forget the A/F in the traps and toilet. I think toilet just to keep the seal wet. Also, a small amount of water left in the tanks after you are finished, won't hurt anything. Chris ------------- 2020 TRD/Off Road Tundra with Sway Bar and SuperSprings 2016 178 "Sage" |
Posted By: Kup-Pod
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 9:52pm
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Since we get into some pretty low temps where I store my pod, I drain my system of water completely and then run plumbing antifreeze through the lines and drain traps. just don't forget to drain and then bypass the water heater... valves are in the trailer access near the water heater ------------- 2017 RP-178 2021 F150 5.0l "Lead me on a level path" |
Posted By: grizwalsh
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 6:37am
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Love this site--lots of great ideas--thanks everyone ------------- grizwalsh |
Posted By: riotkayak284
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2018 at 10:22am
| I always use the antifreeze, just an extra measure of security for me.... And about 10 minutes of work.... |