Winterization ?
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2949
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Topic: Winterization ?
Posted By: KayakkrazyUP
Subject: Winterization ?
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2012 at 9:25am
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First time winterization today. I have your checklist from the "Owners Manual" thread, but I don't see anything about anti-freeze into the city water connection. Is it sufficient to simply blow out that part? Have I missed something?
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Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2012 at 6:11pm
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When winterizing, when you are using the pump to get the anti-freeze into the sink and toilet systems, keep in pumping and go out to your city water connecting and press the knob in the middle of it until the anrifreeze spits out the connection. that will save those lines. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2012 at 9:09pm
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If you use the blow-out plug in step 2 that will clear the city water connection. Alternatively if you don't blow out the system first you will need to use a little more antifreeze to clear out the water. As Leo mentioned, then you can pull the screen off of the city water connection and press in the one-way valve to release some antifreeze. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2012 at 9:07am
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I never understood the blow-out vs. using antifreeze method. It's probably quicker to use antifreeze and more reliable (as far as I'm concerned). Anyway, it's your choice. As it relates to that city connection check-valve, but sure to relieve pressure in the system prior to pressing that titty. If not, you risk damage to that piece.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2012 at 1:45pm
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I don't consider it either/or. First you blow out the system which removes a lot of water and clears the city water connection, then you use antifreeze. You risk diluting the antifreeze if you don't use enough of it, if you don't first blow out the water.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2012 at 8:45pm
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Techntrek is right on as usual, the blow out plug uses low pressure air to force out water forward past the check valve, if you let the pump pull antifreeze up into the system it will not back flow to the city water connection and then that section will freeze and burst. It takes 10 seconds to flush out the city water connection. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Bill Ky
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2012 at 2:52pm
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While putting my cover on today, I realized that my fresh water tank still had several gallons of water in it even after draining. This was because the drain is not the low point of the tank. I used the pump to to draw the level down more, Think I will remove the hose that draws water to the pump to remove more water or add a little antifreeze when it comes time to winterizing. Or I guess I could jack up one side of the pod to drain it.  ------------- Bill & Marilyn, Tinker Belle (Yorkie), Sparkle (Mini Dachshund) & Tootsie (the turtle) '12 RP175 '07 Dodge Ram 1500 |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2012 at 6:54pm
You don't have to get the tank completely drained the amount of water left in the tank won't cause any problems. there is room for the water to expand when it freezes so it will not cause any problems. I don't like putting antifreeze in my tank because it is a pain to get out and leaves a funny taste in the water. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: Bill Ky
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2012 at 10:35pm
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What concerned me was that there is enough water that there is still some in the fitting that connects the pump supply line to the tank.
------------- Bill & Marilyn, Tinker Belle (Yorkie), Sparkle (Mini Dachshund) & Tootsie (the turtle) '12 RP175 '07 Dodge Ram 1500 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 8:27am
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Interesting, my drain plug gets my water level below that intake, although I usually get under there and push up on the low spot to get more out when I winterize. I agree that you need to get the water lower than that intake, otherwise the water will freeze inside the pex hose. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Bill Ky
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 11:02am
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Yes I tried that but still still a little there. I when it comes time to winterize I plan on putting the wheels on wood to get them off the asphalt, when I do I'll lower the tongue jack enough to pump a little more out.
------------- Bill & Marilyn, Tinker Belle (Yorkie), Sparkle (Mini Dachshund) & Tootsie (the turtle) '12 RP175 '07 Dodge Ram 1500 |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 9:14am
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If all else falls, although I don't like antifreeze in the fresh water tank, just dump several gallons in the tank. Instead you should be able to park the camper on a high spot using wood or something on one side, allowing it to drain more out. Like I said, if not, dump a bunch of antifreeze in the tank and just rinse/sanitize in the spring.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |