Winterizing an RV's Plumbing Water System - How to winterize RV & Trailer Air & Antifreeze
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- This video shows how I winterize my RV’s plumbing water system. This method will work for most RV’s and trailers. I first fill and empty my black and gray holding tanks and freshwater holding tank to ensure they are clean. I empty the water heater then put it in bypass mode. I use compressed air to vacate any excess water in the plumbing lines. I follow up by pumping RV antifreeze into all the water lines using my RV’s winterizing kit that is attached to my water pump. Finally, I pour a cup of antifreeze down the drains to protect the P-traps. Make sure to check out my video on how to clean and flush the RV plumbing system • Cleaning Flushing and ...
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Thanks to everyone who watches this video and tells me it is one of the best winterizing videos out there. I do appreciate all your support.
I'm a newbie. This is so helpful and I WILL use air as we are not strangers to -40C. Very well done. Thank you.
Now that's cold. Good luck.
Best youtube video for how to winterize your RV. I looked at many. Really clear and no personality disorders to have to wade through. High recommend.
Hi Michael, Love your comment. Thanks so much.
Both air and anti freeze is best in harsh winter environments! You're doing it right! Thank you for your video!
Yes they are!
Best winterizing video i have seen yet , there is always a trick or two to learn no matter how long one has been glamping . This video i will send to my son and his GF who have recently started to go glamping . Your video is worth sharing , Thank you very much for taking the time to post it .
Hi Klaus, thanks for taking the time to comment. Glad you found it useful.
Very informative. I am responsible for our county's brand new mobile medical unit and i want to make sure we winterize it correctly after each use so that we don't ruin anything. This is all new to me so this was very helpful!
Excellent guide video for winterizing! Now I need a how to video to re-open the rig for travel. Thanks again.
Hi Angel, I have a video titled Dewinterizing the RV. Check it out.
@@RVHabit Thank you.
I've been watching videos for two days. Every single one had something worth watching. Yours is no exception. The things that set your video aside is
1. You use everything that's available to you to protect your vehicle. (Compressed air, antifreeze)
2. The clean clear step by step instructions are easy to follow and make sense of
3. Every single good tip I've seen on the other videos was included in your video.
(the water bottle in the filter resivoir is genius)
Thanks
Neil
Thank you so much. I have found that a thin plastic water bottle will tend to crush under pressure so I use a thick plastic bottle like a soda bottle. Thank you for taking time to comment.
I just finished it up. I probably should throw a gallon down the black and grey tanks just to keep the gate valves wet and safe from freezing. Everything else went as expected. Going to wash the roof tomorrow then let it dry good. The storage place is just a couple miles away. I'll cover it and call it a season. It was my first season. It went as well as I could have expected. No big foul ups, no accidents! I credit good research and taking my time. Thanks again.
I'm glad it went smoothly. I do add enough antifreeze down the drains to get some in the black and grey tanks.
This is by far the best RV winterizing video/instructional I've seen. The overall concept you've described can apply to many different RVs. I have a Minnie Winnie (24'), and a Suburban hot water heater, but as long as I can figure out how to bypass that unit the rest should go exactly the same. Thanks so much for your channel!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you very much for taking time to comment. Happy camping.
This video was a huge help for me having never prepped an RV for winter. My mother in law needed her new (slightly used) camper winterized for the season. It came with no manual and just by watching the concepts in this video a few days before, was able to figure everything out! Thank you again.
Hi Chris, Great to hear!
Excellent tutorial! You saved me hours of aggravation and gallons of wasted antifreeze. Printed up your diagram for the water heater and finally understand how it works. Cannot thank you enough.
Hi Darlene, Glad it helped!
New subscriber and winter camper newby here. My brother-in-law had been RV'ing for 45 years but do to disabilities connected with his military service his road finally came to an end. He sold his once used Flagstaff V-Lite to us along with his truck. As I had a window of opportunity to pick it up, we flew down Waco, Texas to haul it back to Southern Indiana. We familiarized ourselves with the rig with a couple of nights in warm Waco. We then moved on to Dallas two nights with temperatures getting down to an rare 18 degrees. Heated shore water hose and stand so no problem's. The 4 season trailer handled the cold really well. On to Edmond Oklahoma with temps in the low 60's. As we planned to pull away that morning winds in the mid 30 mph range. We stayed in Joplin, MO with temps dropping into the low teens again. We used our holding tank water rather than hook up to shore water with no issues. The next day, and this is where the real fun began, we moved on to Mt Vernon, IL. Polar Vortex and temps dropping to -6 degrees with winds blowing to 40 mph! Only hooked up shore electric. Due to weather conditions we stayed two nights. Both the gray and black tank pull valves were frozen shut with the heating cable I wrapped them with the night before not having an effect. I unhooked the slinky (a high quality $$ one to boot). As I unscrewed it...pop! The slinky broke. Due to the extreme cold the plastic was brittle and couldn't cope. Glad the tank valve was frozen in this case! Now we are home with temperatures ranging from 29 to 52. I'll winterize using your great video guide with one big addition. It will be a great opportunity to see if any of our systems have been damaged as a result of this adventurous first haul Thanks for producing such a terrific step by step guide. By the way while in Oklahoma the pump would not work. I entered the cabinet in the bathroom where it resides. Someone had tightened the water pump screen bowl too tight and it leaked about two gallons of water into the coach before we caught it. I bypassed it with a short length of hose until I replace the screen bowl. My brother in law said he had never used the pump. Factory issue apparently. Thanks again for you terrific video.
Hi Barry that sounds like quite a trip. I have never camped in those extremes. I would check everything once the weather thaws. Good luck and welcome to the channel.
Best video on TH-cam on how to winterize your RV. Last year was my first year. I watched hours of video. Yours was the most straightforward, clear and complete. Plan on referring to it every year. Nice job. Thank you.
Thank you so much I'm glad it helped.
Hi Lou, first time camper here. Been watching lots of winterizing videos and yours had a couple tips that nobody else mentioned: 1) Leaving the pressure relief valve open speeds up the hot water tank draining process and 2) wiping the antifreeze from around the drains keeps from staining. Thank you!
Hi Chase thank you for taking the time to comment. I have stained a plastic sink and toilet before so I always remember to wipe it out.
Hi Lou! Great video. I’m a first timer and really appreciated your video. Thanks!!
Hi Lorie, your welcome glad it helped.
I've had my camper trailer since 2017. I've always flushed the plumbing with compressed air and THOUGHT I'd run RV antifreeze throughout as well. While winterizing today I couldn't get antifreeze out of the hot water taps. I turned the compressor back on but still nothing. After an hour and 4 gallons of antifreeze I watched your video and the part about accessing the water heater bypass through the drawers. I looked and found mine. One more gallon and I was done!
Thanks for the lesson.
Being my 1st year of owning an rv trailer this helps me so much / awesome video thanks son much 👍
Your welcome I have lots of videos to help the first timer. Be sure to check out my video on dewinterizing and sanitizing the plumbing system in the spring.
@@RVHabit was subbing anyway but this responsiveness and attention to your three years old video makes me wanna make a new account and sub twice! Love it and your craft.
Thanks Bryan.
Nice tip on putting the empty bottle in the water filter canister. Thx
No problem 👍
I’ve winterized the same way as you for years and never had a problem yet . Thank you for good information .
Hi George, Good to hear!
My wife and I along with kids have camped since early 80’s and always hated to see camping season come to an end. I have always had a bone pick with the RV industry. Because the dealership goes through a quick walk through and most people are so overwhelmed with all the information. They just nod their heads that they understand everything and head out to camp. We’ve sat and watched a husband and wife walk around their camper with a confused look on their face not really sure what to do or how to get setup. I have had an idea since 8 tracks (lol) to make a generic tape now dvd on how to setup and what hooks up and to where. I feel first time campers would love to be able to watch and follow the instructions to feel more empowered with the knowledge. I’ve contacted a couple of dealerships and one RV manufacturer and received a response of that would cost to much or just no response at all. So maybe you could do the basic setup for a motor home and travel trailer to post on U Tube for the first timers . Thanks again for great information to campers. (George Coffman)
That is a great idea George. I will certainly do that.
Great info and delivery! Now let’s stop taking about the “hot water heater”. If you had hot water, you don’t need a heater!! LOL. Good RV’ing!
I see you posted this awhile ago. Been camping for years,but just wanted to touch up on procedure.
Very informative. Thank you,
Pat
Hi Pat, Our pleasure!
Thank you for a great video! I like that you use both air and antifreeze so you know 100% that your rig is fully protected and I'll do both too.
Hi, I have been using the air and antifreeze method for many years and have never had one issue.
The best video for winterizing. Thank you so much. I am doing this for the first time and now I can just follow step by step. Your video is perfect. Cheers!
Thanks Tanya, Once you actually do it you will be a pro. Good luck.
Best winterizing video I have seen. Clear, straightforward, easy to follow. This is the second year I have used it as my guide. Thanks!
Thanks so much John.
Well explained. I especially liked the diagram of how the hot water tank is bypassed. It made it very clear. Thanks so much!
Hi Gregg, thanks for taking time to comment. Glad it helped.
Hey! We have the same RV and that water filter canister is very difficult to access. Here is what we did. We took the larger black panel off (the one that the door is attached to.) I think it was four screws or so. Then we attached industrial strength velcro to the black panel instead of screws. Now when we have to get to the filter canister we just pull out the entire black panel. Makes it so much easier. Thanks for all the tips you have provided!
What a great idea i usually unscrew it each time. I will most certainly give this a try.
Thank you. Clear, concise, informative. Appreciate it.
Thanks for watching!
Question about plumbing systems: 1993 Georgie Boy Swinger. "Unwinterized" (ready to buy this old, used unit - trying to understand all the systems) to test plumbing... Everything seemed to work fine. Filled the tank, ran the pump. Great going! later realized that water was running out the back of the unit. "Owner's manual" said something about overflow hose, but this water kept coming! Turned off the pump. made sure the "city supply" was off , but the water kept coming. Checked under the bed in "master bedroom" to look at tank and it was nearly collapsed!! I found a plug at the top of the tank and opened it to let it vent. Eventually, the overflow water stopped flowing, but the tank was less than 1/3 by that time (and it has regained its original shape[mostly]). I cannot find any vent for the tank, nor a valve to shut off the overflow. Any hints? Ideas? Now that the overflow has stopped, everything works well - but I need to understand if there is something I did wrong, or if an overflow/vent system is not working properly.. (Yeah, Georgie Boy no longer makes RV's)
Thanks for any help/advice you can offer!!
Brian
Hi Brian, Without looking at it I really can't say how it is designed. With that said plumbing systems in general need a vent. It would be like turning a water bottle upside down and air needs to enter to allow it to drain. Older units can be tough as you never know what the person before you did. Check for any valves in the system that may be closed and/or open. Good luck.
thank you - you saved me a trip to the dealer
Great to hear!
Superb walkthrough. I salute you!
Thanks for taking the time to make such an informative video, I'm going to be more confident winterizing today. By the way you are a very good communicator too. Thanks again and take care.
Awesome, thank you!
I've never used air to evacuate the lines for fear of not getting all the water out and possibly causing damage so this year I thought I would try your method. After evacuating all the water with air I was surprised how much water remained when I pumped in the anti-freeze. Between the hot and cold lines about 1½ - 2 cups of clear water came out ahead the anti-freeze so it confirmed my suspicions. Depending on where the water was it may have not done any damage but I know when the system is full of anti-freeze I'm safe. Thanks for the video.
Yes, I agree it is tough to get all the water out with air. The air method though removes most water. This way when the anti-freeze is put into the lines it is less diluted. Thanks for watching.
Good presentation. Simple and efficient.
One of the best winterizing vids out there. Thanks..
Wow, thanks!
Thanks for the posting. Did not have to do that for the first 30 years of RVing as we lived in the Nevada desert. Last year was my first to do it. Basically the same way I do my '14 Itasca 35F except I don't put antifreeze in the lines as our winters are not that severe. I did pick up a couple of good pointers like blowing out the tank flush lines, that will make my winterizing a little easier. Glad to see I'm not the only one to put antifreeze in the drains. As I leave the tank valves closed, I usually put half gallon in both black tanks and the gray tanks.
Hi Stan, I also put some antifreeze in the black and gray tanks and keep the valves closed.
Hey Stan... you mentioned living in Nevada desert. We live in Las Vegas and are new RVer’s. Been wondering if we need to winterize. Temps once in a while hit below 32 degrees (F)... Should I be concerned? Looks fairly easy to put antifreeze in the pipes based on this great video. I don’t own a compressor.
Great job covering everything. Best video I have seen yet.
Thanks so much. I appreciate the comment.
DAMM GOOD PRESENTATION. THE BEST I HAVE SEEN. NEEDED A REFRESHER COURSE. THANKS
Hi Craig, I appreciate that!
Lou,
Thank you for the video. I had blown out my lines the last 3 years but never pumped the antifreeze in the lines because I was not told where to find or to locate the pump line. A couple years ago I did by accident found a open line with a valve in line to the pump.
I went to Walmart and got 3 gallons of Antifreeze and stuck to hose in and turn on the water pump. Guess what water pump was pumping out pink quickly.
Oh yes then I found the hot water heater shut off valve too before I turned on the water pump.
It was a 15 dollar listen learned.
I wish the dealership had told me all this. They just want money to do it for you and to upsell you anything they push.
Thank you.
Hi, Once you learn it you will be a pro. TH-cam is a big help to many new RV owners. Thanks for watching.
Great video, I'm a newb to the RV seen. Very instructional
Hi James, welcome to the RV ownership club. I have lots of videos to help people understand their RVs.
This was a very helpful video. Very much appreciated!
Hi Jennifer, your welcome.
thx for the winterizatiton rundown.
Thanks for watching.
Great idea about the winterizing kit , I use to quarter fill my water holding tank with about 2 gallons of antifreeze and then pump it through the system , , draining it in the spring was a real pain out of the water holding tank , and it would be pink all season , I feel like such a armature , thanks for setting me straight ..
Hi Jerry, Yes you do not want any antifreeze in the fresh water tank. Empty and leave dry for the winter. The winterizing kits are only $12 on Amazon and they make the job very easy. Thanks for watching and happy camping.
Thank you for the detailed demonstration on how to winterize the RV. I was able to do it easily by following your video. Your way is the BEST WAY. Thank you again. God bless you and your family.
Hi Denise, Great to hear! Thank you so much.
Well you took the mistery out of winterizing. Excellent video
Thank you
I'm glad it helped. Thanks for taking time to comment.
Wonderful, detailed walkthrough! You saved us because we never thought to blow out our tank spray plugs! Thanks!! 😀
Hi Kim, great to hear. Thanks for taking time to comment.
We had to winterize our RV twice last year, because of a surprise cold front late in the year. They were two sad days for us😔. It's surprising warm out here in Virginia it reached 80 today and were going to start moving further south next week. Great idea about using the plastic bottle to take up space in the house filter. Great video by the way Lou nice step by step and easy to follow.
Thanks Kenny. I figured 12 million RV winterization videos on TH-cam was just not enough and I needed to add one more lol. It was fairly warm here too today, about 65, but temp is dropping fast now. If you plan it right maybe you wont winterize at all this year. Stay safe, Lou
Hey Lou, Thanks for the help with the fridge question last night, I was drawing a complete blank on it lol. Oh and by the way we saw your comment on the blog post for Winnebagolife we appreciate you taking the time to check it out, they don't have a reply button for us to write comme t back on the blog but maybe they will in the future
A most excellent video. Thank you for caring and thank you for sharing.
HI Clifton, So nice of you
Thanks for the info much appreciated. Happy Holidays.
Very welcome and Happy Holidays.
Thank you SO much! This is the best detailed video I've found!! 😊 You've explained so much that I could never get a grasp on before.
Hi Jen, I appreciate the compliment. It isn't difficult once you understand how it all works. Happy camping.
Thanks for the fine video on winterizing and the helpful tips. This is our second year of winterizing. Last year it went without a hitch but this year I have encountered a problem with getting the antifreeze to more through the pipes. I have followed the directions for emptying the hot water tank, switching the valves near the water heater so that it is bypassed. I have opened and closed the low point drains. I have emptied the water heater and even taken out the anode to make sure that no antifreeze has been diverted to the tank. My problem is that I have had to introduce so much antifreeze into the system and I am still not seeing a steady stream of antifreeze coming out of the faucets, I can hear and feel air being pushed through the faucet and I have seen some antifreeze come out of the kitchen faucets at various times but not a steady stream as is demonstrated in your video. The shower shows evidence of antifreeze as to the outside shower and water hose near our outdoor grill. Nothing coming out of the bathroom faucets and the toilet when flushed did not show any antifreeze at all. It is possible there is an air leak somewhere which is not letting pump pressurize the line? I used 10 gallons (which is way too much!) and don't know where it has gone. Any suggestions? I apologize for the long post. Thanks.
Ten Gallons! It has to be going into the water heater or there is a broken pipe somewhere which obviously would be leaking. Double check the water heater. Good luck.
@@RVHabit I checked the water heater a couple of times and no antifreeze. I have turned on the bypass valve to avoid the hot water heater. Yes, I agree it is going somewhere but I don't see any leaks. Calling our dealer to get it looked at. We just finished our last camping trip of the season two weeks ago and there were not problems at the time with the water system. Thanks for responding so quickly to my comments.
Hi Curtis, double check how your adding antifreeze and make sure your not adding it to the fresh water holding tank. Also make sure your toilet valve is closed to prevent antifreeze from running into the black holding tank. Those are just two things I can think of.
Great Video, that's a great way to winterize an RV, But I like my way better. Drive the RV to a warmer area. LOL thanks for sharing.
Hi Daniel that's my goal for next year lol. Thanks for watching.
Great info. Thanks. How can I make a tube and connect it to my 18' camper for the antifreeze?
Save the trouble of making anything. The winterizing kit is under $15 for a permanent install. check it out here amzn.to/2S38I5P
We tried to winterise our RV this year.... then we decided it was easier just to use it throughout winter instead!! 😂 😂 Thanks for sharing. I've subscribed- look forward to checking out your other videos. 👍
Thanks so much for subscribing and commenting. You have the right idea about using your RV instead. I'm hoping next year to do the same.
Great video! I now feel that I can do this myself.
Hi Geoff, I am sure you can do it. After the first time it is very easy. Good luck.
Nice job Lou. Very detailed and well done video. Nice to have peace of mind over long cold winters. Thank you!
Hi Karol, your welcome and thank you for taking time to comment.
I'm new too rving and been watching a lot of video's on winterizing your rv, by far, I mean by far this was the best video I've seen, thanks brotha, you help me out a ton!!!!
Thank you so much I appreciate that. You will be a pro in no time.
Nice job Lou and down in Houston we don't do this normally, but good to know if cold winter hits us.
Oh I wish for the day I live in a climate where I never have to winterize the RV. Happy camping.
A very informative video. A trick question. How do you drain your fridge ice maker line? Just curious if it needs draining.
Hi, my unit does not have an ice maker. Most units that have an ice maker have a plug that is removed to drain the water. Each model is different and you would need to check the owners manual for its location.
This was tremendous, I agree this is the way to do it, your detail explanations were perfect thank you! Also agree it is sad to end the season!
Hi Gordon, glad you found it beneficial.
First, I love your accent, makes me feel like I'm home!
Great idea, putting the empty water bottle in the water filter to take up the space. Only recommendation I would make is to remove the label from the bottle just in case it is paper. Would not want it disintegrating in the water system.
Thanks so much! 😊. I have also found an empty bottle crushes quite a bit from the pressure. I now use an unopened full bottle of water. And accent? I don't hear it.....LOL. thanks for watching
Great video.. I don’t have a compressor but I will just run more pink antifreeze through the lines. Thanks for the tips .. a great checklist to ensure all the steps are taken.
Hi Ken, yes you can easily do this without a compressor. A little extra antifreeze and you should be fine. Thanks for watching.
Hello Lou just found your channel. I needed a lesson on winterizing my water system, and your video fit the bill. Excellent video, thank you sir.
Thanks for watching. I hoped it helped.
Thanks buddy. Very thorough. This will be my first year winterizing my rig. Your video will be very helpful!
Hi Daniel, thanks for watching. Winterizing is much easier than it sounds. You will be a pro after you do it once. Happy travels, Lou.
VERY thorough video! Thank you! As a newbie, I know it ill take me longer than you, but you set the gold standard!
It only takes one time and you will know it all. Thank you for watching.
Great Job. I've always leaned towards 'overkill' using both air pressure AND antifreeze. Anyone who has ever experienced a fractured supply line elbow deep in the belly of the beast - because residual water collected there after blowing out the lines - will wish they took the extra time and few dollars to pump antifreeze through the system. Thanks for the video.
I agree the prevention and using both methods is far easier than fixing a busted line where your arms don't reach. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the thorough video. I feel very confident for my first time winterizing this coming fall.
You can do it! Thanks for watching.
Great video Lou. Perfectly covered everything. We ended up buying the 2018 Forester 2431S.
Thank you Jimmy. You will love that rig. I couldn't be happier with my Forester.
Please do a video on de-winterizing your rig.
Hi Kent, I have a video on Dewinterization. Check it out here th-cam.com/video/_43Xcrb_P5Q/w-d-xo.html
i made the mistake of using Walmart wintergreen smelling RV antifreeze one year. The oil of wintergreen tainted and flavored the water pipes. Repeated flushing the tank and pipes did nothing. I got sick of tasting wintergreen flavored water. Finally I dumped a box of baking soda in the water tank. Added 3-4 gallons of water to the tank. Then ran the solution in all the water lines and let it set several days, then flushed. The baking soda absorbed the wintergreen from the pipes. Never again will I use Walmart RV antifreeze.
Good information you provided. Thanks.
That's terrible. The only antifreeze I know of that is safe for potable plumbing is specifically colored pink so the consumer can readily identify it regardless of brand.. Happy to hear your were able to get the pipes back to normal.
Put a couple cups int the black and grey tanks, it will pool at the valves and keep the from freezing and drying out.
Hi Daniel, Yes I agree. Good advice.
Very good explication,a good video quality,thanks👍
So nice of you
helpful video, well done and easy to understand! thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Love your video! Simple and down to earth. Thank you!
I hope I'd seen this sooner. My pipes unfortunately burst. It's fine now, but it was pretty expensive. I have an RV TH-cam channel also, so I'm super excited to see what the colleagues are up to. Subbed your channel.
Hi sorry to hear you had ruptured pipes. I always do the double air and antifreeze method as insurance. Glad to have you as a subscriber. Happy traveling, Lou.
Great video! Being a newbie, I did it last year by myself and worried about it all winter but had no problems in the spring. After one year down and the learning a few of your tricks I feel more confident with this year’s winter storage. I'm thinking of how to get it out of storage in mid to late winter when it’s still below freezing to maybe head south or southwest. Anybody have suggestions?
Great video thanks for doing this. Like your idea of doing both air and anti freeze!
Hi Jae, thank you glad it helped.
While I had always in the past done the blow and then antifreeze procedures.. I’ve got to share the problem that caused on my new 5th wheel this past year.. I blew out the lines with the 30 psi and adapter..just like I always had learned.. and 4 hours later I couldn’t get my antifreeze to inhale into or thru the pump.. thought maybe I had a bad pump? Or the inlet screen was reserved etc. tried different elevations and even a funnel to force feed gravity on trying to get the antifreezes to start feeding into the system. Five hours later no success.. packed up from the campground and pulled it home and to my RV repair shop..(they’ve been in business for over 30 years). Long story short... x dollars later.. they said Bill you blew out the lines TOO GOOD.. it wouldn’t prime the pump no matter what we tried!! We had to go back and add some fresh water into the system and then the pump would prime and then they could get the antifreeze into the system. They went on to say “ Bill, we never blow out any of the units we winterize..Just do everything else and then pump in the antifreeze.. it’s heavier then water and it will push the water out as you pump it thru each line.
I have never heard of that. I will have to do more research on it. Thanks for sharing for everyone.
Leaving the remaining water where? toilet last, in black? Do you blue out your hot water heater tho?
Great tip, thank you!
You're a great teacher. Thanks man. From Alberta Canada.
Hi Josh thank you and thanks for watching!
Great instructions. I did have a question..? You dumped your black and gray first. Then later you air bled the lines. That water went back into the gray tank? Do dump your gray tank again?
HI, I leave the black and grey tanks open till I am done with air bleeding the system. Then I close them before adding antifreeze to the drains.
You did a great job explaining the process. Overkill,, I don't think so. The last thing you want is a broken water line next spring when you're loading up for the first trip of the season.
I camp/live part time in my unit late in the season and keep an eye on the weather forecast. I even go as far as usually having 2-3 gallons of antifreeze on board during that last month or so before winter temps hit. Just incase we get a premature cold snap here in Colorado.
You did a great job and I applaud you for taking the extra steps to ensure proper winterization.
Thank you so much I appreciate you taking time to comment. I agree when camping in cold climates it is a good idea to keep some RV antifreeze with you. Thanks again and happy travels.
Does this liquid has a smell? Great video man thanks for sharing
I am not sensitive to smells. The smell to me is very little and not offensive.
I have to remember to do all this if ever in cold weather. I have always wondered what to do. I won’t remember so I will be back I am sure
I hope to move south so I never have to do it again lol.
I thought that you had a great idea for saving antifreeze by putting an empty water bottle inside the filter canister, so I tried it. When using the antifreeze port and the pump turned on, the pump stopped. I turned on the sink faucet and nothing came out. I looked at the filter canister and found a crushed water bottle. When I took it out, the top of the bottle was stuck in the top where the water is supposed to flow. I took out the bottle and let the canister fill with antifreeze as I did last year. I noticed that you have the same brand of filter as mine, but it uses a different size filter, so maybe that’s why it didn’t work for me.
Hi June, sorry it didn't work out. Try using a full unopened bottle of water next time that seems to work better. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.
thank you for this... the video was very informative and even if i have another type of RV camper... i still have the jist of how to winterize... but can u still use the RV during the winter months after doing all this ???
You can use the RV but not the water system.
@@RVHabit so how do u use it during rough cold weather??
Thank YOOOU.
Although my RV is capable, I personally do not use my RV in freezing cold weather. However if you own an RV that states you can use in sub temps, (heated holding tanks and water compartments), you can use it as long as you keep the heat on. You would then re-winterize when done with your trip.
My first year doing it myself, I will be doing it with air also. Thanks for making the video!
Good luck I hope the video helped.
I have a Viair compressor with "RV Attachments". The Viair is not adjustable, and is rated for up to 150psi - way more than the 30psi mentioned in the video. One of the attachments is a trigger style with a gauge. I read some comments about the Viair, and someone brought up this point. They mentioned to just put pressure on the water lines until the gauge hits 40 psi. I'm guessing just backing off while cycling the trigger. Otherwise, I'll need to get an adjustable air compressor. Which one are you using? Thanks - as mentioned before this is a great video!
A Viar can pump up to 150 psi. You need a compressor to deliver a constant pressure of about 30 psi. There is a difference. Any pancake type compressor will do. Here is the type on Amazon amzn.to/3lOs9rK You can really get whatever brand you like I use a Craftsman.
Great video! I'm just wondering if you have a problem with the antifreeze leaching into the plastic where the filter was, and then tasting it in your water in the spring? Is it better to bypass this with one of those rubber caps?
Hi Chad, After putting antifreeze in the system I remove the plastic housing of the filter and store it dry in the winter. With that said I sanitize the RV water system in the spring and have never had that issue with any of the plastic plumbing.
Great video. You mentioned that you leave all faucets in the open position after winterizing and that the antifreeze won't come out because the system is not pressurized. There must be some antifreeze that comes out, right? When I open the faucet, some antifreeze comes out into the sink before it stops flowing. Is that normal?
very little should come out. The pump must be off. You open the faucets to make sure no pressure remains in the system.
What pressure do you use on your air compressor. I have a small "Pancake" portable compressor, but I don't know if that has enough tank capacity for what you suggest. My 80 Gal Shop compressor runs at 150 PSI for all my tools, though I have an inline regulator for tools that are more pressure restricted. I don't want to cause any lines to explode!
Thanks for the great video. Been a tech for years, but my first RV!
Hi Jesse, a pancake compressor is fine. I typically use 30 to 35 psi. You are only trying to push excess water from the lines. Good luck.
Thank you for the common sense method, it works well
Hi John, Great to hear!
Great Job Lou, although TIMROVER set up is a little different on the valves and running air through the lines, I'll have to give it a try next year. Great idea on the plastic water bottle as a filler for the water filter reservoir.
+Tim Rover Hi Tim, yes motorhome's can have a different configuration on the bypass valves. I noticed on newer RV's and trailers many are going to the one valve system that use to only be found on high end motorhome's. Thanks for watching stay safe.
Lol.I did this with an empty Gatorade bottle and it just collapsed once the pressure was on the line. And yes, the bottle cap was on tight.
Yes fill the bottle with water and it won't crush. I have found most empty bottles will crush quite a bit.
Very clear and quite complete! Thanks.
Thanks Paul I appreciate the comment.
Great video. Just want to make sure I understood this - after your 1st step in dumping both gray and black tanks, you leave the valves open so whatever water you blow out will spill out of the camper and onto the driveway, catch basin or wherever? Thanks
Yes that is correct its just water at that point.
Thanks for this useful information, I’m in the process of storing a toy hauler and new at this. I will keep watching for future tips.
Hi Ronald, Glad it was helpful!
Love it! Thanks for the education!
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Straight forward and concise video, thank you!
Thank you very much. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and of course watch.
Thank you so much for this video! Got my camper ready for winter.
Glad I could help!
Nice Video. Exactly the way I did it...until this year Lou. We talked and you know I did it different this year. Hope it don't bite me Lou. LOL. Hey, Great Sweat shirt! Thumbs up given as always.
Thanks Bruce. If it starts getting too cold leave for Arizona sooner lol. Stay safe!
Wish I could Lou, Wife retires Jan 3.
Indeed it is the saddest day of the year for me as well !!! Do you have a video on flushing water system in the spring and cleaning grey and black water tanks ??? Thanks for great quality videos
Hi John, yes I do have a video on dewinterization at th-cam.com/video/_43Xcrb_P5Q/w-d-xo.html
Also check out the video on Descaling and cleaning the water heater. Thanks for watching.
Great video, just one question how do you hook up the winterizing hose, I’m a noobie when it come to RV stuff, is that hooked up to your water pump? Where is the water pump in most trailers? Thanks.
Hi Edward, the winterization hose is located between the fresh water hose and water pump inlet. Not all trailers come with them pre-installed. You can install one easily as the kit is sold on Amazon for $12. As for the location of the pump, all trailers are different. Turn the pump on and turn on a faucet and listen to where the sound is coming from. If you have a trailer most are inside under a cabinet somewhere. Good luck.
Thanks you, great video. When are you supposed to turn back the bypass and the in-and-out lines on the hot water tank? Do you have to wait to flush out the system when de-wintrising or can you switch them back to their original positions right after you're done winterizing?
hi you leave it in bypass till the Spring after you flush and sanatize the lines.
@@RVHabit Thank you I really appreciate it
Great Job! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching Brett.