Questions about winterizing TT

thank barney and others for the replies-ordered my parts online tonight!

jbres wrote:
BarneyS-
after looking at my 3 options for the adaptors to blow out my system, I am a little confused.
On the two cheaper models I can see how it simply works like a bicycle air pump. Hook the connector up, get out your bicycle pump, and pump away. lol.
When it comes to the first option, I am confused how it will exactly work. I thread it into my air compressor, and how am I pulling the trigger to get the air to flow? Or will it continuously flow with this adaptor as soon as I turn the power on to my compressor?
Thanks!

I use the small brass adapter. I have my wife hold the air compressor hose to the adapter while I go around and operate the various hot/cold/toilet/shower etc water valves to get the water out.

You can purchase a clamp on chuck for the air hose which would eliminate someone having to stand outside and hold the air hose to the adapter. I think that is basically what that first more expensive one was but not sure as I have not seen it or used it. I suspect that one will flow just as soon as the compressor is turned on just like the others do.

If you do decide to use the air, make sure you open one faucet before closing another. This is just to avoid over pressurizing the lines. I know you can turn the compressor pressure down but usually don't mess with that and use it with full pressure.

Either way, it is just a matter of having an adapter to fit the air hose and thread into the side of the water fitting on the RV. What kind you use doesn't really matter - and all will work with a compressor. No need for a bicycle pump. :)
Barney

BarneyS-
after looking at my 3 options for the adaptors to blow out my system, I am a little confused.
On the two cheaper models I can see how it simply works like a bicycle air pump. Hook the connector up, get out your bicycle pump, and pump away. lol.
When it comes to the first option, I am confused how it will exactly work. I thread it into my air compressor, and how am I pulling the trigger to get the air to flow? Or will it continuously flow with this adaptor as soon as I turn the power on to my compressor?
Thanks!

jbres wrote:
When blowing out the sewer flush, do I simply put compressed air up to the hose connection piece and compress air through it?

Yes, that is exactly what you do. You need an adapter to connect the air hose to though.

If you want to get fancy, get one of these air hose adapters.
If you don't want to be quite so spendy, go to Walmart and pick up a Camco brass blow out plug that will do the same job.
They also sell a cheaper one made out of plastic.

I would definitely blow out the line though. I did that every fall for years and then failed to do that one year and have not been able to use my tank rinse system since. Evidently the ice burst the line somewhere or forced it off of the fitting because water will collect in the covering under the trailer if I try to use it. I have not bothered to take the bottom covering off yet and just use a "through the toilet wand" now instead.
Barney

jbres wrote:
Dutchman- thanks for the great explanation with pictures, that is the exact pump I have! and thanks to all others with the help so far.

The only problem I have is my unit did not come with the "hose and adaptor plug" that plugs in after removing the blue clips (unless its hidden somewhere where I cant find it). I am hoping to try and order one from Amazon, so I don't have to go chasing around town looking for the correct adaptor. Anyone know the name of the adaptor I need or have a online link to one?

Call your local RV dealer (wherever you purchased the camper from), if not look up a dealer that sells your brand and give the parts department a call. I had to buy the nipple and the hose separate, put it together myself. If you have a printer, copy one of the photos above and print it, take it to the dealer so he know exactly what you're looking for. If they sell the camper with the pump, then they'll have parts for it too.

FYI, they are called Quad Port Fitting. Click here to go to one of the Flojet's web site.

When blowing out the sewer flush, do I simply put compressed air up to the hose connection piece and compress air through it?

Dutchman- thanks for the great explanation with pictures, that is the exact pump I have! and thanks to all others with the help so far.

The only problem I have is my unit did not come with the "hose and adaptor plug" that plugs in after removing the blue clips (unless its hidden somewhere where I cant find it). I am hoping to try and order one from Amazon, so I don't have to go chasing around town looking for the correct adaptor. Anyone know the name of the adaptor I need or have a online link to one?

brirene wrote:

Bill & Kate wrote:

For your tank flush - it is EXTREMELY important to make sure it is winterized.

I've never done it and never had a problem. Not disagreeing with B&K, just never thought about since the connector is open. Just assumed it probably dries out. Might try to pump a little pink through there this year.

Hopefully, Jayco uses better hardware than some of the others, but check out this tread which is typical of problems others have had ...B&B Vacuum Breaker

Bill & Kate wrote:

For your tank flush - it is EXTREMELY important to make sure it is winterized.

I've never done it and never had a problem. Not disagreeing with B&K, just never thought about since the connector is open. Just assumed it probably dries out. Might try to pump a little pink through there this year.

Can't help you with the FloJet pump as I have never seen one, but worst case would be to install a tee with a valve or three way valve on the suction side of the pump and use a short piece of hose to suck up the pink stuff.

For your tank flush - it is EXTREMELY important to make sure it is winterized. There is a vacuum breaker/backflow preventor in that line that is very prone to freeze damage. Blowing it out with compressed air is probably adequate, but I fill a one foot piece of double ended hose with antifreeze, then use the compressor to blow that through the flush system ....