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tnrv_er's avatar
tnrv_er
Explorer II
Oct 04, 2015

1st time winterizing

I didnt want to hi-jack the other 2 treads so I started another winterizing thread.....sorry fellas.

I've read through the other treads plus my owners manuel but I'm still not comprehending it!!

Other than my low point drain valves & FW tank drain valve under the camper the only other valves I have are 2 three way valves that go to the water heater.

This is the where I'm get lost.......in the owners manual they talk about a "by-pass" valve for the water heater, that would mean a 3rd valve correct?

So 1st question if I don't have a by-pass valve what do I do?
2nd question: theres no "kit" with a separate hose on the water pump, do I disconnect the water hose from the FW tank, that should be the suction side I assume??

Now the rest I think I understand but im gonna run it by you guys to make sure:
All tanks are drained
insert hose from water pump into antifreeze jug
turn on pump
open high point hot water faucet 1st,repeat on cold water faucet.
repeat above process on shower
then flush toilet until antifreeze appears in bowl
pour antifreeze into "p traps"
last drain water heater

Am I correct??

Theres no bathroom sink or outside shower.

Thanks
  • If you have a bypass on the hot water heater you will see this. Cold water enters tank at bottom and hot out the top. If you have a bypass on the water heater you will see a water line connecting top to bottom line. You will also see two or three valves. One at bottom between top to bottom line and tank. One on line between top and bottom lines. And possibly one at top line between tank and top to bottom line. If you do not see this valve there will be a check valve on top line hot outlet.
    Close lower valve, and top valve if you have one. Open valve on line between top and bottom lines. Then RV antifreeze will bypass tank. Take out drain plug at outside and open pressure release to drain tank.
    NOTE; On some newer RV's the bypass valves may be where the 'T' fitting would be at top and bottom lines. I think that you just turn valve in direction that you want antifreeze to go.

    I do not recommend compressed air unless you have a CLEAN air source, as there is rusty water and oil in compressor tanks that will get in your water lines.
  • Or....you could do like many of us have done forever without any freeze damage - and that's winterize by blowing out the lines with compressed air.
    Anti-freeze only in the traps.

    (Let the debate begin...again).