Snowbirds Question

Please do NOT use windshield washer anti-freeze anywhere in your RV plumbing. This stuff is toxic to septic systems. Chances are when it comes time to dump your tanks you will be doing so in a campground likely using some type of septic system for sewage waste. Please have some consideration for campground owners.

If you winterize by blowing the lines out with air, drain the tanks and hot water heater and then add some antifreeze to the P traps = what's to freeze? Don't turn on the propane to the hot water tank until you get far enough south to use the CG water, use bottle water for drinking and the CG's facilities and you will be fine until you get far enough south. If using Walmarts in areas where there are no CGs open then use their facilities and take a washcloth shower.

Guess it would make a difference how long it took you to get to warm weather depending on WHERE in Canada you were starting out at. :C

Hey Don you and Wendy going to make room for us to come visit???

If you dewinterize yourself, as most do, if it's your first time you'll want to make sure that you change the valve settings on the water heater so you are not on bypass. You want water in that heater before you turn on the electric or gas. If you have an outside shower, run fresh water through it, too. If I'm forgetting something it's sure to be brought to our attention!

Thank you to everyone that responded.

We will dewinterize when we get to Bellingham, Washington. Then head down I 5. If we should run into cold weather before we get to Redding, Ca, dump windshield antifreeze into the gray and black tanks.
Not a big issue worrying about dewinterizing!

Hi,

I have made modifications to allow me to use my tanks in winter.

But, without those mods, I'd flush the toilet with windshield washer fluid, and use bottled water for potable and washing needs.

If you are concerned then go as nearly straight south as you can, and then once you are below the snow line go east or west to your destination.

Make sure the propane tank is full before you leave.

It may be wise to not start up the fridge until temperatures have warmed up to near the freezing mark.

I don't think you said where in Canada you are, but if you are travelling south on I-5 you can hook up with no freezing issues anywhere south of Redding, California. I travel from southern Oregon and hook up the first night out.

Fizz wrote:
Don't understand the problem?
De-Winterize?

After I fill the system with antefreeze I drain it, job done. No need to keep the pipes full all the water has been displaced. Drain the antefreeze then dump it down all the drains, now all the P traps are full.... Walk away, job done.
When heading south don't hook up the water till it's warm.
We carry a few large jugs of water to do dishes and flush the toilet.
Don't worry, nothing will freeze after day two.

Exactly what we do too. :C