On-the-road water winterizing - Page 2

**Gooseberry** · 10-24-2018, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctb

IFYOU HAVE A FLUSH TOILET...don't forget to hold flush handle open and blow out ALL WATER out of toilet piece...small tubes from line to toilet (in back) hold water and will burst..like me last winter...AND SHOP VAC THE WATER HEATER!!!! Use the release valve at bottom...have hose READY/Sucking b/c it will start to drain as soon as you open it!!

Ps Arctic...I am SURE you could drink the booze in the spring?!? Aged even...

When I purchased my van that’s what the previous owner did and it made great coffee.

dawgtnt · 10-28-2018, 10:57 AM

When we camp in cold weather, if it's going to be below freezing, we blow the hot water lines for the hydronic (We don't use hot water till next morning), but leave the cold lines as the lines are inside and we have heat going all night.

Kelly

basssears · 10-29-2018, 12:14 PM

Be careful with compressors as they can add oil into what they're blowing air into.

Also, have heard some comments (can't confirm myself) that the cheap vodka route can cause damage to some plastic water lines.

-- Bass

Komrade · 10-29-2018, 07:17 PM

How SMB winterizing different from an RV?

in RV we drain everything, including hot water tank, and put some RV antifreeze (or winshield washer fluid for winter) in the pipes and drains.

arctictraveller · 10-29-2018, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komrade

RV antifreeze (or winshield washer fluid for winter) in the pipes and drains.

Yikes, Windshield washer fluid? I doubt it's not toxic, not to mention what it might taste like. Or did you mean, just in the drains?

Komrade · 10-29-2018, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

Yikes, Windshield washer fluid? I doubt it's not toxic, not to mention what it might taste like. Or did you mean, just in the drains?

I think it's alcohol-based. Yes, we use it just in the drains.

We also have a bathhouse we maintain with 2 bathrooms/showers, and it's a cheap alternative for drains that is more readily available when needed.

As far as RV system.. We never drink that water anyway.. although I don't remember using it the last time I winterized. As others noted, if alcohol can do plastic damage, may not be a good idea in SMB or RV.

arctictraveller · 10-29-2018, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komrade

We also have a bathhouse we maintain with 2 bathrooms/showers, and it's a cheap alternative for drains that is more readily available when needed.

I never thought of that, it's brilliant. I would assume it has some soap like quality's too, perhaps it would clean the drains.

Komrade · 10-29-2018, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

I never thought of that, it's brilliant. I would assume it has some soap like quality's too, perhaps it would clean the drains.

Was a tip from a neighbor that maintains some cabins along the river (winterizing). Have to make sure to get the "winter" blend (summer blend may not contain alcohol)

marret · 10-30-2018, 05:25 AM

I have been using windshield washer fluid in my Thetford toilet during the winter too.

JOEL2125 · 11-08-2018, 08:32 PM

I am not a SMB owner but looking at van options. The Hymer Aktiv is super comfortable but the water tank is external and I definitely plan to camp in subfreezing weather. I thought that because the SMB water tanks are internal freezing would not be an issue as long as the interior of the van is not frozen, Not true? Thanks. J