Wanting to install winterizing kit--but have question

[Kansas_couple]

I'm wanting to install the Camco winterizing kit to get my rig ready for winter. However when I look at the water pump setup I see what looks to be a water filter off to the left side (in between the inlet line and the pump itself). I'm not sure if this will allow me to install the brass valve or give enough room for the tubing. I'm attaching a photo of my pump. Comments are welcome!

[wa8yxm]

That is called the inlet strainer.

Save your money. Get a Camco "Blow out" adapter and use an air compressor to blow the water out of the lines.. Do this like 5-10 times waiting a few mintues between blows (All faucets open on at least the initial blow) then use "Pink Stuff" in drains and toilets only.

Come spring.. Folks who use RV-Antifreeze in the fresh system have to get rid of all that **** and the taste it leaves behind.

Folks who use Air just sanatize (Everyone must do that)
One pass with Bleach water
One with Bicabornate of Soda (Baking soda)
One partial rinse
Job done.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I had more room in our Class C than you do, but IMO, it's more important to be able to winterize easily, than worry about the strainer. In other words, if you need the space, take the strainer out; because that Camco kit makes winterizing a piece of cake!

"Winterizing easily" became a deal-breaker for us: we were seriously looking at buying a small Class C last winter, and when we discovered how difficult it would be to access the pump equipment in many brands of RVs (Thor was THE WORST), we just gave up. And making this much-needed process difficult is stupid, since at least half of the USA needs to winterize their RVs

[Dave_H_M]

good info there mobee. :C

[mobeewan]

Disconnect the tubing coming from the FW tank at the strainer. Add one or the other of the two fittings below between the pump inlet and strainer.

Shurflo male x female elbow with hex nut

Shurflo male x female elbow with hex nut and finger tightening tabs

Then connect a 3 way valve to the tank tubing and 2 more hoses as needed.

As stated above turning the strainer will help.

[Johno02]

I really like the winterizing kit, but it does look like it will be a bit extreme to install. What is on the other side of the wall?? Do you have any excess slack in the intake line?? Seems like your best bet would be to put in a couple of 90 degree elbows, and bring the winterizing connections , valve and hose out in front.

[FLY_4_FUN]

What you are seeing is not a water filter per se but a debris/sediment filter designed to protect the pump. for sure a dedicated winterizing hose is a real time saver so I would take the time to replumb your OEM setup to have one. As indicated above there are also lots of nice ways to quiet the pump as its semi soft mounted to a plywood box (aka drum).

[SoundGuy]

Kansas couple wrote:
Comments are welcome!

Rather than install a siphon kit I'd just disconnect the intake hose / filter from the pump and connect a short length of hose using a Shurflo Fitting and stick the end of the hose in a jug of antifreeze. Better you spend your time isolating that ARTIS pump so it doesn't rattle so much, first by mounting it on a piece of plywood which in turn sits atop a chunk of foam. Further noise reduction can be achieved by lengthening the output hose, as I've done - 2 pics, 1 video start here. 🙂