Winterizing

mmocken · 11-04-2007, 04:01 PM

I was reading what to do...I drained all tanks, disconnected the pump out and pumped out all I can.

I still do not trust that all the water is out.

Any suggestions for filling the system with RV antifreeze? I was thinking of hooking up a small spray tank to the water in any pressurizing like a hook up.

jage · 11-04-2007, 04:27 PM

Apart from the propane hot water tank mine has a valve on the bottom of each line- for example the "city water" hookup has its own stopcock to drain the line. I'm not sure how much the previous owner changed and how much is SMB.

As for the hot water he used to drain by taking out the whole anode rod and according to SMB Texas they have anode rods with a stopcock built in (although somehow the old kind got put in my van when they replaced it)

So no antifreeze for me, just diligent draining.

**BroncoHauler** · 11-04-2007, 06:33 PM

Winterizing isn't a big deal for me, living in SoCal and about 7 miles from the Pacific, but some trips do involve travelling to the mountains in Winter.

On one of my trips to SMB West, I was talking with Alan about my 6 gallon fresh water tank (my only onboard fluids aside from drivetrain lubricants). Alan recommended using a cheap fifth of vodka when "winterizing". No toxic antifreeze that way, and it sanitizes. Of course, there's always vodka on tap...

Herb

Jeffrey · 11-04-2007, 08:38 PM

I'll drink to that.

mmocken · 11-05-2007, 07:55 AM

I assume you then manually fill the fresh tank and use the pump to pump out. I'm just not sure the line from the outside to the pump doesnt freeze

I'm going to put the antifreese manually into the fresh tank, turn pump on and then fill lines. The hot water tank is 2.5 gals, so i'm not going to try to fill it with vodka

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_hauler

Winterizing isn't a big deal for me, living in SoCal and about 7 miles from the Pacific, but some trips do involve travelling to the mountains in Winter.

On one of my trips to SMB West, I was talking with Alan about my 6 gallon fresh water tank (my only onboard fluids aside from drivetrain lubricants). Alan recommended using a cheap fifth of vodka when "winterizing". No toxic antifreeze that way, and it sanitizes. Of course, there's always vodka on tap...

Herb

**BroncoHauler** · 11-05-2007, 08:28 AM

It shouldn't have to be 100% vodka by any means. I couldn't tell you how much would be needed but I think a fifth in 2.5 galons would be more than enough. After filling the tank with Popov and water, you could drain some, and then capture some of the mixture iin the drain line.

Herb

Mahukaawe · 11-12-2009, 10:40 AM

So if I add bottle of vodka to a couple gallons of water in my 17 gl tank then make sure it has gotten into all the lines including shower, that would be good?

MikewTV · 11-12-2009, 11:59 AM

To be clear, whether you're using vodka or RV antifreeze I don't think you are supposed to put either into your hot water heater. Just your pump, lines and tanks. The hot water heater is to be emptied and bypassed is my understanding (and how I've always done it.)

jage · 11-12-2009, 10:53 PM

I used a shop vac with a small hose attachment this year on mine this year.

Took the shower head off and vacuumed out that line and also the HW tank through the annode hole.

At the end of last winter, I used vodka to steralize before refilling, not as antifreeze.

Mahukaawe · 11-13-2009, 10:55 AM

What is the best ratio used with vodka and water?
We dont have a water heater so it is a bit simpler.