Winterizing a 2022 RPOD 192
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Printed Date: 19 May 2024 at 3:07pm
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Topic: Winterizing a 2022 RPOD 192
Posted By: RVjustCamps
Subject: Winterizing a 2022 RPOD 192
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2022 at 10:43am
Can someone tell me how to put where the hose is to put the antifreeze into the lines? I know where the pump is (behind the panel in the bathroom) but as I watch all the youtubes on how to winterize your camper they all show a loose hose to stick into the gallon container of antifreeze. I do not find one here to use and am getting frustrated. Thanks for any help!
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RPV
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Replies:
Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2022 at 11:40am
Good day.
Please double check the location of your pump, step one...I say this because I have a 2021 192 and my h2o pump is accessed through the driver side storage access door (on your right, when looking into the storage compartment.
You could need to remove a little protective wall that is held with a couple screws into the floor). Kind of behind the bedside cabinet.
On my 192 it is the water heater in the hidden area accessed through the bathroom panel.
Either way, when you look at the pump, there should be a lever for you to select where the pump draws from. It should be set to draw water from the line running to the fresh water tank.
The lever should move 90 degrees and the line it points to should now be a relatively short line that isn't connected at its opposite end. This unconnected end is to be placed in your rv antifreeze container and draw from it.
Good luck and let us know how it goes for you! I would be interested in finding out if they have moved the water pump to the water heater area or not.
Andy
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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green
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Posted By: RVjustCamps
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2022 at 12:30pm
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Thanks so much Andy and Laurie, I found it! Saw it from the inside but dismissed it and when I went in the storage area (big enough for one arm and my head) I saw the label. It said turn the lever off to the tank and on to the inlet. I'm assuming there is only one lever since I cannot see in there very well and the put 10 hoses in an area that fits only 5 :), very snug. Thanks again for your help and can't wait for the cold of Wisconsin to leave so we can get out again. On another point, do you notice on your 2021 how poor the workmanship is on the camper? I've got staples showing, a chip in the inside door edge and things cover up marks that just disappoint me in this camper, love it except for those types of things. I've had it back at the dealer twice and have had issues with the Dometic refrigerator door handles breaking (twice) wish my came with the Norco model.
Take care.
Rick
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RPV
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2022 at 5:58pm
Hopefully they replaced the handles and no charge. They must have really gone chincey on those as my original lasted 10 years without any problems and am now just finished year 2 with the new one (same model and size) and again, no issues.
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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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Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2022 at 7:22am
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If you have an air compressor- even the small one from Harbor Freight will do , you can get a fitting that goes on the hose intake for the water and allows you to hook the compressor to the water lines. No more than 30 or 40 psi, but first drain the HWH by taking the electrode out and the low point drains. then you don't have that evil taste in the water all the next camping season. Still have to put some in the drain goosenecks.
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Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2022 at 10:33am
You are welcome, just happy to help where we can.
Yes, some areas (insert tongue in cheek here...) do leave a bit to be desired. But, all things considered we love our 192! Lots of help and ideas to work with on this site, and a lot of experienced people available to help with ideas.
We have the Norcold fridge, and we are very impressed with its performance in all temperature conditions. Sorry to hear you are having troubles with yours, hopefully the new handles are longer lasting!
Cheers,
Andy
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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2022 at 7:01pm
Hearing more and more about this Norcold fridge. Is it a 2-way or 3-way fridge. I could care less about the battery option, on our first Dometic I used the battery option 1 time over a span of 10 years. So can I suppose this is a 2-way? May be something I would be interested in when this one gives up the ghost in another 8 years or so. We usually camp where there is no electric, like national parks, state forest campgrounds and the like.
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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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Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2022 at 8:51am
Hello Jato.
It is a 2 way fridge, propane and 110V. It is impressive in how quickly it cools on both propane and 110V, in the heat of summer.
When we camp we always have one of those indoor/outdoor thermometers with the outside sensor set in the freezer. Once the freezer has sufficiently chilled we move it to the fridge to check it isn't too cold. We only set it to the mid cooling setting or even less so it isn't too cold in the fridge.
Wherever we go, my wife likes to have ice made and ready to go for some drinks when we get to our evening stop. :-)
The only thing I have had to do to it is to retighten the door screw at the hinge. It had vibrated a bit loose and the hold open catch or thw fridge door didn't quite line up enough to engage. Easy fix and my wife is happy...so I am very happy with it.
Andy
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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green
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Posted By: steveterrynpoppy
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2022 at 12:26pm
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We followed these instructions to winterize our 2021 171 this week. https://johnmarucci.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/R-Pod-Winterization-Process-Document-2.pdf
Incredibly helpful. But I wonder if we should have emptied the hot water heater before blowing the lines? We had A LOT of water to pump out from what I thought was just the lines. A couple of gallons. Could that have been coming from the hot water heater? Just seemed odd to have that much water in the lines.
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Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2022 at 12:37pm
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Hi. When winterizing you should purge water from the entire system including the hot water tank. On a 179, you drain the tank by removing the anode rod so I am pretty sure it will be the same on the 171. It's either a 1 1/8" or 1 1/4" hex head, can remember. I have an old plumbers valve remover that works, so that's what I use. When doing that, it's a great opportunity to flush you tank to remove sediment.
Best of luck!
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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Triumph T120
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2022 at 4:19pm
1-1/16 is the correct size for the head on the anode rod. Otherwise, the information above is correct except that there are some important things to remember. First is to make sure the electric switch is OFF so you don't accidentally burn up the element by plugging the trailer in while the tank is empty. Second is to let the tank cool off since otherwise, you could get scalded with the hot water. Third is to relieve the pressure on the tank before removing the anode rod. You might have it shooting across your driveway or yard otherwise when you take it out.
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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
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Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2022 at 5:23pm
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I'm still waiting for my anode rod wrench to arrive but I (mostly) drained the WH by opening the low point drains and popping open the relief valve on the tank. I'll check tomorrow.
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2022 at 5:28pm
Originally posted by hank*pod
I'm still waiting for my anode rod wrench to arrive but I (mostly) drained the WH by opening the low point drains and popping open the relief valve on the tank. I'll check tomorrow. |
Smart thing to do so you don't end up with an 'oops' situation. Probably the water level in your HW tank will be at the same level as the height of your relief valve. You will find out tomorrow.
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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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Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2022 at 7:09pm
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Thanks, StephenH. Yep, all those things. Since I usually drain on the way home I forget about that stuff.
FWIW, opening the low point drains and faucets inside, the HW tank will empty itself in a few miles while driving home.
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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Triumph T120
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Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2022 at 5:39am
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Another gotcha for winterizing is to make sure you get all the water out of the toilet valve. I found out the hard way when I thought I had blown all the water out and there was enough residual to freeze the valve and crack it. Now, I disconnect the supply line and blow some air directly through that valve with the pedal depressed. Even after draining everything and blowing the lines out, there was still a surprising amount of accumulated water in the tubing and valve that came out when I applied air to the valve intake supply line.
And, +1 to StephenH's suggestion that a second switch be turned off on the electric water heater element so it doesn't accidentally get turned on with an empty tank.
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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2022 at 6:53am
Originally posted by lostagain
Another gotcha for winterizing is to make sure you get all the water out of the toilet valve. I found out the hard way when I thought I had blown all the water out and there was enough residual to freeze the valve and crack it. Now, I disconnect the supply line and blow some air directly through that valve with the pedal depressed. Even after draining everything and blowing the lines out, there was still a surprising amount of accumulated water in the tubing and valve that came out when I applied air to the valve intake supply line.
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Herein lies a good reason for more pressure when blowing out. This is the 11th year using 85 psi to blow out lines and there is basically no water left to freeze anywhere. For the first couple years I would double check after blowing out by opening the low point drains and all that was left was about 2 drops of water in each. Since then the low point drains haven't been touched; that was about 8 years ago. Northern Michigan and the winters can be brutal.
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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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Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2022 at 11:44am
Originally posted by jato
Smart thing to do so you don't end up with an 'oops' situation. Probably the water level in your HW tank will be at the same level as the height of your relief valve. You will find out tomorrow.
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We'll see. I got a lot more water out when I popped the relief than from just draining via the low point drains with inside taps open. It all came out the drains and none from the relief. Assuming one or the other water lines goes to the bottom of the tank (typically cold water, where most of the water drained) I expect it to be drained to the level where that line enters.
The wrench is out for delivery and should be here in a couple of hours. Meanwhile it's 75 degrees outside so no big hurry to get the rest of the water out.
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Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2022 at 1:02pm
I just finished packing up the trailer for the winter, even putting the tarp over it, and now it's acting like it's summer here in CT and time to go camping again. The trees are really confused with 78 degrees as I flail away on the keyboard here on the eastern CT coast.
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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2022 at 5:05pm
I have never winterized with air; just good old tasty antifreeze(not really)! I really want to do it, as I want to do alot of winter camping and dont want to constantly be winterizing/dewinterizing. We can get alot of nice periods of mild weather in St. Louis where you can use the water system (if that makes sense). I read through the posts but want to clarify a few things so I dont blow things up! Hot water heater is drained. Do I blow out by-passing the hot water heater (like winterizing with anti freeze); or do I leave it in the normal mode (or both). Do I blow out with the low water points open, or closed? When blowing out, just one tap at a time, or can you do a couple at the same time? Appreciate the help. jon
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2022 at 5:47pm
Yes Jon, drain the HW tank and close your valves to 'bypass' or winter mode. If you have a large compressor with a lot of volume you could probably open the low point drains but if not, leave the caps on during the blow out procedure. If you are going low pressure like 20 or 25 lbs go one tap at a time (don't forget toilet or outside shower if you have it). For the past 11 years I go with 85 psi but always keep one tap open. Start with tap # 1 open and blow out until only air is left, at that point tap #2 is opened and tap #1 is closed. When #2 is blowing only air then tap#3 is opened and #2 tap is closed. So one tap is always open during the process. Takes about 2 minutes to go through all taps twice, including the toilet. Used to open low point drains but after a few years of getting about 2 drops of water out of each I haven't bothered since. Northern Michigan and no leaks or issues using this procedure.
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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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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2022 at 6:09pm
many thanks jato! Putting in the new pump tomorrow. Old one is removed. jon
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2022 at 8:01pm
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Same here, hogone, there is some great winter camping to be had, that's why I never winterize with antifreeze and choose to purge the system. Granted here in central New Mexico, it rarely dips below the teens and when it does, it is usually followed by a sunny 40degree day. Not nearly the cold you experience in the midwest.
Stay warm!
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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Triumph T120
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2022 at 4:38pm
OK, 2 things you guys. Just put in new pump, all good there and no leaks!! I fired it up, ran water through all the faucets, turned off all faucets; and about every 5-10 seconds it(pump) pops on for a sec (what the heck). I checked everything and no leaks anywhere. Any clues? What the heck. Also one more question about the using air to blow out the lines just to make sure. When I blow air, the little winterizing hose should be open like I'm pumping antifreeze, or closed? The hot water heater is bypassed. Thoughts much appreciated. jon
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2022 at 5:08pm
Since you will not be pumping antifreeze through it, the valve should be closed.
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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
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2022 at 8:52pm
Thanks Stephen. Any ideas why the new pump kicks on when no faucets are open. I cant find any leaks. jpp
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2022 at 10:10pm
Could be the check valve in it is allowing a small amount of leakage back through the pump. If you have one of the new-fangled ShowerMiser valves, make sure that is not allowing water through. You might not notice that leaking unless enough were leaking to allow it to change colors. Other than making sure the low point drain caps are on tight, I can't think of a cause. I notice it with mine too, but it is not as often, but my pump is older.
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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
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2022 at 5:36am
My pump started to momentarily turn on and off a few years ago; at that time the pump was 9 years old and the only thing noted was the pressure relief valve on the HW tank had a slight drip to it. After opening and closing the pressure relief valve several times the dripping stopped, but the pump turning on and off didn't. The pump is now 12 years old, and yes, it does kick on and off for maybe 1/2 to 1 second once or twice a day. No leaks found so it must be an internal issue with the pump. Maybe it will get replaced as it is quite noisy anyway. Any suggestions as to a quieter pump, if there are, it will definitely be replaced.
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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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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2022 at 4:56pm
First, many thanks for everyones input on the pump and winterizing with air. I ran some water through the pump today (before blowing out the lines), and it was not cycling!!!! Maybe it just needed to get warmed up. I cant beleive I have gone all these years winterizing with anti freeze, blowing out lines was a breeze! A little juice in the traps is it. Final thing. Any reason to keep the old pump, or just more clutter in my garage!!? GO PACK!!!! jon
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2022 at 7:50pm
I would pitch the pump BUT KEEP the glass bowl and screen in case yours were to ever break.
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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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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2022 at 8:30pm
On mine, it was a plastic bowl with stainless steel screen. I changed mine when the one I had got cloudy, probably from the RV antifreeze I had pumped through it. I switched to air and the replacement bowl has remained clear.
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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
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