winterizing
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Topic: winterizing
Posted By: griggzy23
Subject: winterizing
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2012 at 5:47am
| what equipment/tools do I need to winterize rpod? do I need an air compressor? I plan to use anti-freeze not just blow-out method. I saw a kit that you can purchase, wondering if that's sufficent? |
Replies:
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2012 at 7:47am
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Seanl did a step by step winterizing procedure (no compressor winterization) that we followed. It made it really easy. He posted that in October. If you find that post, then you will be set. ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents 
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Posted By: danthoman
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2012 at 4:57pm
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Welcome to the forum. Check out this link http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=846&title=winterization ------------- Linda and Dan Calley the golden retriever R-pod 177 and a Tundra 8 cyl |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2012 at 8:26pm
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We have the beginnings of a master maintenance manual here: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&PN=1&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&PN=1&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual It includes a full checklist for winterization. Welcome! ------------- 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: thadd
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2012 at 6:01am
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Hi all, I put the winterizing checklist from that link (actually merged from another winterizing list elsewhere on the forums) into digital form in an iPhone app. To use it, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iauditor-safety-audit-checklist/id499999532?mt=8 - download the free iAuditor app from the app store , then click cloud and search for "winterization". Just click the cloud icon next to the "R-Pod Winterization" checklist to download it to your device, click start new audit, and you'll be guided through the process on your phone. If you have an iPhone (or iPad), I'd appreciate some of the more seasoned R-Podders checking it for accuracy and let me know if there are other lists you'd like to see added. Any feedback in welcome!
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2012 at 6:28pm
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thadd, I updated that list yesterday due to input from Marwayne - turns out there is a drip cup behind the fridge which needs to be emptied.
------------- 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: thadd
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2012 at 6:34pm
Yup, I included that in the checklist:  |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2012 at 11:34am
========================= You don't really NEED a compressor ...but they come in handy for more than just winterizing. For $50 - 60 you can buy a 3 gallon "pancake" model that has an adjustable output (which is very important for doing the blow-out of your rv plumbing). They are so small and lightweight now that you can keep it in the trunk/truck bed and always have a source of air available for checking/filling tires on your tow vehicle and the Pod. If you are a project kind of guy like me ...you can also get a nail/staple gun that allows you to join wood together for framing etc. As far as a blow-out kit goes ...one of the best ones I've seen is a threaded adapter that screws right into your city water port and attaches to the quick connect fitting on the compressor hose. That way you don't have to stay outside and "hand hold" the compressor hose. You can go inside and sequentially open each faucet to evacuate the water. Works like a charm. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: wildflowerz
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2012 at 6:47pm
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I just downloaded the app to check it out. I like having it on the iPad! My husband is asking for a de-winterization one now. Thanks!
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Posted By: thadd
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2012 at 6:51pm
I'm planning on it. It's a little tedious to create the checklists, but if other people find them useful I'll definitely do it! Do you think it would be helpful to have pictures along with the steps or are things self-explanatory enough with the text-only descriptions?
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2012 at 7:44pm
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A note on using air to blow-out first. The last few years I always forgot how much extra RV antifreeze I had from the prior year, so I would come home with another gallon or two - to find I still had 1 or part of one. This year I thought I had 1 3/4 gallons left from last year but when it came time to winterize I found I only had 3/4. Usually I use at least 1. I decided to spend more time getting as much water out of the pipes using the air, and to leave the sink and shower traps for last. In the end I had exactly enough using that 3/4 gallon to clear the pipes - including my aftermarket outside shower - and then add enough to 1 of the 2 traps. I was amazed, but I know spending more time with the air helped. For now I added some winter-grade windshield washer fluid to the other trap (knowing it is plastic and rubber safe), but I've been warned that since it is mostly alcohol it will evaporate so I should replace it with RV antifreeze before the real hard freeze sets in. ------------- 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: Paige
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2012 at 8:35pm
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We have a 177 and have only located one low point drain...is that because it is a 177? ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2012 at 9:41pm
============================== There should be 2 and they should be right next to each other. One is colored blue and the other red. They should both have threaded caps on them. I have a 177 and I have 2. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: thadd
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2012 at 4:52am
What year is yours? My 2012 177 only has one drain too. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2012 at 6:19pm
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Odd, there like 'Slogger said there should be one for each side of the water system. However, mine only has gray caps and not blue/red.
------------- 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: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2012 at 6:25pm
======================== My caps are grey ...but there is blue and red tape on the bottom edges of the 2 drain lines. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2012 at 10:20pm
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Ah. Well, mine doesn't have color anywhere, even in tape form.
------------- 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: marwayne
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2012 at 11:00pm
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Well I have two low point tubes, both caps are black on my 172. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2012 at 12:41am
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My 177 HRE 2012 has two low point drains located behind slide out side tire with a blue and red cap. ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |