Fresh water tank drain.

I have put a little pink stuff in the fresh tank to protect the drain line and the line to the pump. It was not the end of the world to rinse it out. But talking 40 gal.

DrewE wrote:
What leads one to believe the seals on the drain valves need moisturizing and lubrication? And, in any case, what keeps the seals on the output side of the gate wet and lubricated if that were indeed necessary?

There's no harm in having antifreeze there, but it's not at all necessary.

Since you are asking... and no one said necessary. I will say, from experience, "helpful" in keeping seals from sticking. I have 3 tanks, all enclosed, with cable operated valve gates. I blow lines first, then run about 2 gals of Prestone RV through, catching what is mostly pure AF. I also drain, and catch AF from low points. I will dump about a gal in the black tank, rest in the gray tanks. Come Spring, all valves, especially the black, works very easily, better than during camping season.

I always cover the toilet seal with AF for Winter storage too. It will add longer life too! Necessary?? Maybe not, just good idea.

Thetford, and others, make a valve seal lube, to add to the tanks. Might be worth a try, if you have an issue.

Jerry

What leads one to believe the seals on the drain valves need moisturizing and lubrication? And, in any case, what keeps the seals on the output side of the gate wet and lubricated if that were indeed necessary?

There's no harm in having antifreeze there, but it's not at all necessary.

Lynnmor wrote:

Deb and Ed M wrote:
I always put about a quart of straight antifreeze in the black and gray tanks. The theory is that it keeps the seals on the gate valves lubricated and pliable

If you use the cheap stuff that contains ethyl alcohol, your theory may not hold water.

Yup..some antifreeze in the tank is good for lubricating the seals, and to keep any "stuff" on tank bottoms from drying, and turning to concrete.

Also agree, the cheap ethanol based, is not a best choice, and may evaporate, and dry out seals over time.

Jerry

On my Fleetwood Tioga the drain is attached to the water tank it looks like this,just turn the handle so it lines up with the pipe and it will drain. You may have to remove the plywood cover covering the tank to access it.

Deb and Ed M wrote:
I always put about a quart of straight antifreeze in the black and gray tanks. The theory is that it keeps the seals on the gate valves lubricated and pliable

If you use the cheap stuff that contains ethyl alcohol, your theory may not hold water.

From the 2009 Fleetwood Pulse Owners Manual (downloadable from fleetwoodrv.com):

“The main water tank "quick-drain" valve is located on the end of the water tank or on the sidewall adjacent to the water tank.”

Dave

I always put about a quart of straight antifreeze in the black and gray tanks. The theory is that it keeps the seals on the gate valves lubricated and pliable

There should be a plastic pipe coming down from the tank bottom. On most it's relatively small (1/2" pipe) Empty would be my preferred option.

If you don't drain it, you do want to put in antifreeze but it will take a good amount to dilute the water in the tank and then you will have to fill and drain several times in the spring to get the taste out.

Our current trailer has a really nice setup. They fit it from the factory with a 1.5inch blade valve (similar to the gray water drain but white and clearly labeled for fresh water use). A quick pull of the handle and the fresh water tank quickly drains with no tools needed.

Back when I drained our tanks for the winter years ago, I used the leveling jacks on the off side to tilt the tanks towards the drains.