R-pod Owners Forum : Winterizing Newbie question http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Winterizing Newbie question Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:38:50 +0000 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 10:05:36 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3995 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Winterizing Newbie question : Originally posted by techntrekUsually... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40265#40265 Author: kymooses
Subject: 3995
Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 10:05am

Originally posted by techntrek

Usually the stub off the main line running to the city water connection is short, so there is a good chance that some of the water will have been mixed with some antifreeze as you were winterizing.  Also over time as it just sits there it will mix even more.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Worst case if you have damage it is easy to replace that stuff.


Adding to that.  Often times before I even push the little nub I've seen a drop or so of pink water surrounding it.  I don't think there would be much worry by not pushing it.  It's just a step in the process.  I'm pretty sure my first year I forgot to do it.
]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2013 10:05:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40265#40265 Winterizing Newbie question : Usually thestub off the main line... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40251#40251 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3995
Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 7:38am

Usually the stub off the main line running to the city water connection is short, so there is a good chance that some of the water will have been mixed with some antifreeze as you were winterizing.  Also over time as it just sits there it will mix even more.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Worst case if you have damage it is easy to replace that stuff.

]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2013 07:38:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40251#40251 Winterizing Newbie question : Re: furpod, hogone, SNO4ME, kymooses,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40244#40244 Author: ontheroadagain2
Subject: 3995
Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 2:02am

Re: furpod, hogone, SNO4ME, kymooses, I've always used the FW tank method over the past 35 years with the eight or nine travel trailers I've owned and am grateful for the new "suck tube" method I saw on the video the other nite and pointed out to me by all of you guys.  Thanks.

The FW method uses only two gallons as does the suck-tube method pointed out on the video.  It worked fine.  I was mainly concerned with the anti-freeze being thinned down with the 2-3 gallons of water still left in the FW tank, not with it freezing and hurting the tank.

Also, what was the answer from the four of you on the 'city water button not being pushed' on my fiver 200 miles to the north.  I've never done that over the past thirty-five years on the other vehicles.  Is it really gonna 'blow' or what?  Do I have to race back up there and push that button or is that button knew in the recent year/s?
]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2013 02:02:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40244#40244 Winterizing Newbie question : Originally posted by furpod Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40147#40147 Author: kymooses
Subject: 3995
Posted: 26 Oct 2013 at 6:22pm

Originally posted by furpod

Originally posted by hogone

wow furpod, didn't realize you posted and answered my questions before i posted!!!!!!!!!!!!thanks
Dog got me up early..LOL


Big smile
]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2013 18:22:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40147#40147 Winterizing Newbie question : Originally posted by hogonewow... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40135#40135 Author: furpod
Subject: 3995
Posted: 26 Oct 2013 at 10:14am

Originally posted by hogone

wow furpod, didn't realize you posted and answered my questions before i posted!!!!!!!!!!!!thanks
Dog got me up early..LOL]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2013 10:14:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40135#40135 Winterizing Newbie question : wow furpod, didn't realize... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40126#40126 Author: hogone
Subject: 3995
Posted: 26 Oct 2013 at 8:37am

wow furpod, didn't realize you posted and answered my questions before i posted!!!!!!!!!!!!thanks
]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2013 08:37:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40126#40126 Winterizing Newbie question : i am assuming the bulge in the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40125#40125 Author: hogone
Subject: 3995
Posted: 26 Oct 2013 at 8:34am

i am assuming the bulge in the tank is normal, mine is the same way.  i agree, the drain plug is definitely not attached to the lowest part of the tank, but i guess if a little water is left its not a big deal........others thoughts?  also the standard procedure for winterizing is not pouring the anti freeze in the tank, but hooking up to the hose by the pump which is inside the pod.  there is very good directions and even a video for doing so on the forum. 
]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2013 08:34:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40125#40125 Winterizing Newbie question : In order for frozen water to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40123#40123 Author: furpod
Subject: 3995
Posted: 26 Oct 2013 at 8:24am

In order for frozen water to damage a container.. say a holding tank, there has to be enough water in the tank that there is no room for the expanding water to fill.. a couple gallons in a 30 gallon tank is no worry.


ontheroadagain2: The tanks come with a bit of a bulge at the bottom, was there water left over after you drained the tank with the FW drain on the bottom of the tank?

Also, why were you pouring antifreeze into the FW tank? So far, we have found every pod has a winterization hose at the water pump, making it tons easier to pump in the antifreeze. There does appear to be at least 3 different types of hose/hook up combos.
]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2013 08:24:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40123#40123 Winterizing Newbie question : Originally posted by ontheroadagain2excellent... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40121#40121 Author: SNO4ME
Subject: 3995
Posted: 26 Oct 2013 at 7:46am

Originally posted by ontheroadagain2

excellent thought on the pin on the city water inlet.  I've never done that on all the travel trailers I've owned for the past 35 years.  I'll start with the R-pod this fall.  The real worry is the fiver I just winterized 200 miles farther north in Door County, WI.  Is it that serious an issue that I have to drive back up there and attend to it?

The real reason I'm checking back in is this.  I just winterized (except for this pin deal) the pod and after draining all the leftover water out of the fresh water tank and while on my knee pads noticed the tremendous bulge of this tank.  A bulge downward.  Probably from having water in it and it takes on a "set" to the knew shape.  The bulge hung/projected downward at least a good inch and a half below the drain point in the near corner.  This bulge obviously means/meant that there is going to still be more water that is below the drain point.  I took a plastic bucket, slid it as close to the center of the tank and using a 2 x 6 raised the bulge up to the level of the drain outlet.  I got probably an additional two plus gallons of water out of the tank.  When I poured in two gallons of potable antifreeze it wasn't enough to even pump with.  Rather than dump more in I re-setup the 2x6 arrangement and raised up on the tank again ( my smallest toolbox was able to hold the tank bottom to the level needed.  Back inside I turned on the water pump again and was able to flush all the water valves with a good amount of pink.

I think Forest River could put stiffening bar down the centerline of this tank.  I wonder how many out there poured in the 4 to 5 gallons to fill above the bulge to where the pump pickup is hanging.  This is a bit of extra income for the RV antifreeze industry for everybody that doesn't catch this bulge feature.


I'm missing something here on the city water inlet?????????

On the left over water in the freshwater tank:  I thought I noticed the same so I lowered my jack on the tongue as much as I could and drained more water out of the fresh tank.  Not sure how much, maybe a gallon or three.  I wasn't REAL worried because of the shape of the tank I didn't think it would have cause that big of a problem.


]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2013 07:46:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40121#40121 Winterizing Newbie question : excellent thought on the pin on... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40120#40120 Author: ontheroadagain2
Subject: 3995
Posted: 26 Oct 2013 at 3:38am

excellent thought on the pin on the city water inlet.  I've never done that on all the travel trailers I've owned for the past 35 years.  I'll start with the R-pod this fall.  The real worry is the fiver I just winterized 200 miles farther north in Door County, WI.  Is it that serious an issue that I have to drive back up there and attend to it?

The real reason I'm checking back in is this.  I just winterized (except for this pin deal) the pod and after draining all the leftover water out of the fresh water tank and while on my knee pads noticed the tremendous bulge of this tank.  A bulge downward.  Probably from having water in it and it takes on a "set" to the knew shape.  The bulge hung/projected downward at least a good inch and a half below the drain point in the near corner.  This bulge obviously means/meant that there is going to still be more water that is below the drain point.  I took a plastic bucket, slid it as close to the center of the tank and using a 2 x 6 raised the bulge up to the level of the drain outlet.  I got probably an additional two plus gallons of water out of the tank.  When I poured in two gallons of potable antifreeze it wasn't enough to even pump with.  Rather than dump more in I re-setup the 2x6 arrangement and raised up on the tank again ( my smallest toolbox was able to hold the tank bottom to the level needed.  Back inside I turned on the water pump again and was able to flush all the water valves with a good amount of pink.

I think Forest River could put stiffening bar down the centerline of this tank.  I wonder how many out there poured in the 4 to 5 gallons to fill above the bulge to where the pump pickup is hanging.  This is a bit of extra income for the RV antifreeze industry for everybody that doesn't catch this bulge feature.
]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2013 03:38:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40120#40120 Winterizing Newbie question : My first year I left my low point... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40013#40013 Author: kymooses
Subject: 3995
Posted: 23 Oct 2013 at 7:53pm

My first year I left my low point drains unscrewed, I used all the antifreeze I had to winterize my driveway really nicely!]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:53:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40013#40013 Winterizing Newbie question : No worries, its all a learning... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40012#40012 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3995
Posted: 23 Oct 2013 at 7:46pm

No worries, its all a learning experience.  Next year you'll use less than a gallon and do it in 15 minutes. Smile  ]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:46:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40012#40012 Winterizing Newbie question : Thanky all....yup, that's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40001#40001 Author: TrinityTurret
Subject: 3995
Posted: 23 Oct 2013 at 6:16pm

Thanky all....yup, that's what it was. I had put the screen back in BACKWARDS after pushing-the-button to drain the water out prior to the pink stuff.

Now we gotta drive 30 miles to get more anti freeze, hahahahha!!!!
]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2013 18:16:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=40001#40001 Winterizing Newbie question : Originally posted by furpodTurn... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39998#39998 Author: kymooses
Subject: 3995
Posted: 23 Oct 2013 at 5:58pm

Originally posted by furpod

Turn off the pump. Go to the city water inlet, pull the screen out carefully, jiggle the little buttony thing until it reseats. continue.

That'll do it!
]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2013 17:58:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39998#39998 Winterizing Newbie question : Turn off the pump. Go to the city... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39997#39997 Author: furpod
Subject: 3995
Posted: 23 Oct 2013 at 5:39pm

Turn off the pump. Go to the city water inlet, pull the screen out carefully, jiggle the little buttony thing until it reseats. continue.]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2013 17:39:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39997#39997 Winterizing Newbie question : HELP!!!Antifreeze is blowing out... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39996#39996 Author: TrinityTurret
Subject: 3995
Posted: 23 Oct 2013 at 5:29pm

HELP!!!

Antifreeze is blowing out the city water connection...none is going into the trailer's plumbing. I've already gone through a gallon and a half of pink stuff....... HELP!
]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2013 17:29:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39996#39996 Winterizing Newbie question : Do a Google search for "How... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39878#39878 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3995
Posted: 21 Oct 2013 at 1:16pm

Do a Google search for "How to winterize a RV water system" and you will find a page or two of You Tube videos on the subject.  I did not watch any of them, so you may have to watch a few until you find the one most appropriate.  Once you go through the process, it is a quick and easy process.


]]> Mon, 21 Oct 2013 13:16:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39878#39878 Winterizing Newbie question : Ok, I know this sounds like a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39876#39876 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3995
Posted: 21 Oct 2013 at 12:59pm

Ok, I know this sounds like a lot, but has anyone made a youtube video for the winterization process? I'm sure its overkill, but some of these steps could cause some problems if done incorrectly. I just want to use the anti-freeze. I dont have a blower, so I'm stuck unless I take it somewhere. I would be happy to do it if I could see it done first!]]> Mon, 21 Oct 2013 12:59:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39876#39876 Winterizing Newbie question : rog http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39780#39780 Author: hogone
Subject: 3995
Posted: 17 Oct 2013 at 8:19pm

rog]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2013 20:19:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39780#39780 Winterizing Newbie question : From what I've read, the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39762#39762 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3995
Posted: 17 Oct 2013 at 2:42pm

From what I've read, the pump can be run dry indefinitely.  Not that I would want to.]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2013 14:42:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39762#39762 Winterizing Newbie question : Just untill it blows air.. It... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39742#39742 Author: furpod
Subject: 3995
Posted: 17 Oct 2013 at 8:39am

Just untill it blows air.. It won't hurt it to run longer, but you just want to clear the line from the holding tank, and the pump head. If you are going to use pink stuff through the pump, then you don't have to worry about the pump head. ]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2013 08:39:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39742#39742 Winterizing Newbie question : furpod, you mentioned running... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39740#39740 Author: hogone
Subject: 3995
Posted: 17 Oct 2013 at 6:42am

furpod, you mentioned running the pump dry.  approximately how long can you safely run the pump in doing this?  like 30 seconds?  hogone
]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2013 06:42:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39740#39740 Winterizing Newbie question : Good adviceBob. I will definately... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39693#39693 Author: hogone
Subject: 3995
Posted: 16 Oct 2013 at 9:38am

Good advice Bob.  I will definately winterize before I pull out of Florida.  ]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2013 09:38:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39693#39693 Winterizing Newbie question : Many years ago we took our TT... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39691#39691 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3995
Posted: 16 Oct 2013 at 8:51am

Many years ago we took our TT to Florida from NW Indiana for a 2 week vacation.  No problems going down but coming back the weather suddenly turned cold.  We camped near Champaign IL and I had the water hose connected. Next morning, the hose was frozen solid and our dump valves were also frozen.  I spent over an hour with my wife's hair dryer, thawing the drain valves and the water hose connection. 

If there is any question about weather conditions, I would winterize, at least on your return trip.

Bob
]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2013 08:51:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39691#39691 Winterizing Newbie question : ya, this is my dilemma. reside... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39689#39689 Author: hogone
Subject: 3995
Posted: 16 Oct 2013 at 6:58am

ya, this is my dilemma.  reside in st louis and heading to florida in mid november.  really do not want to do the full blown winterizing either before i leave.  how long does one run the pump dry?  i think i will go with draining everything, run pump, and use a heater until then.  any thoughts?  hogone
]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2013 06:58:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39689#39689 Winterizing Newbie question : We're near Jonesboro....right... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39678#39678 Author: TrinityTurret
Subject: 3995
Posted: 15 Oct 2013 at 5:34pm

We're near Jonesboro....right where the Ozarks end and the rice fields begin. Yeah, I know, experience is the best teacher---already given me confidence in tank dumping, LOL

]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:34:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39678#39678 Winterizing Newbie question : We left one in the pod last... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39677#39677 Author: furpod
Subject: 3995
Posted: 15 Oct 2013 at 5:31pm

We left one in the pod last winter, set around 45 degrees, didn't notice a hit at all on the bill. it's a 1000 watts, running a couple hours a day max, here, that is literally 20 cents a day. We had winterized..

Don't know how northern AR you are, but when we lived in FT Smith, while we didn't have a TT then, I wouldn't be worried about winterizing before late November. Might be a little worried if you are in the Ozarks. But not a lot.

Oh, and you will get over most of these worries with experience.. don't sweat it.
]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:31:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39677#39677 Winterizing Newbie question : Starting from northern Arkansas,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39674#39674 Author: TrinityTurret
Subject: 3995
Posted: 15 Oct 2013 at 4:47pm

Starting from northern Arkansas, would head to Florida. Remember, I'm the one who didn't wanna run the propane fridge while driving, LOL . . . . 

Running a heater all winter would really jack up our electric bill Sleepy]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:47:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39674#39674 Winterizing Newbie question : Where are you starting from?If... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39672#39672 Author: furpod
Subject: 3995
Posted: 15 Oct 2013 at 4:44pm

Where are you starting from?

If you are starting out in a couple weeks, you may not need to winterize now. I wouldn't if I didn't have to. If it's "doable" just put a small ceramic heater in the pod to keep the lines in there from freezing. Drain the FW holding tank, and run the pump dry. Dump gray and black. Should be fine. If it's below freezing when you pull out.. turn on the propane and heater.

I have actually considered that if the holding tanks are all empty, and the water pump run dry, a heater keeping the pod warm will protect it all winter.. just like your home. I have not tested this theory.. but it should work.. lol
]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:44:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39672#39672 Winterizing Newbie question : Our "plan" is to winterize... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39670#39670 Author: TrinityTurret
Subject: 3995
Posted: 15 Oct 2013 at 4:33pm

Our "plan" is to winterize with pink stuff in a couple weeks...then take a 'southern' trip in early January, 'de-winterizing' somewhere along the way at a KOA, e.g. when the weather warms up...then after a nice little stay down south, return northward, and winterize once again before we get too far into the colder climate. Is this the 'general' idea when making a cold-weather trip southward? Suggestions, warnings, etc are most welcome!LOL

One of the big questions I do have is "how much water needs to run through the city water input to get rid of all the pink? Obviously, when the 'pink is gone', it may not be r-e-a-l-l-y outa there...so I'm curious...
]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:33:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3995&PID=39670#39670