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Old 10-09-2014, 04:21 PM   #1
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Winterizing help - Air Compressors

I am looking a purchasing an air compressor to allow me to do my own winterizing. Can anyone help me understand how much air compressor I need to buy be able to successfully blow out my system.
I understand that I should not exceed 35psi into the trailer but how much airflow do I need, how big a volume do I need to get the job done. Will one the 'cheaper' 20 gallon direct drive units work or should I look at the more expensive, 30 gallon, belt driven 2 cylinder systems? These units will put out ~4-6.5 cfm of air at 40psi.
Any advice you experts might be willing to share would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 10-09-2014, 04:31 PM   #2
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I have a couple air compressors, both for construction type work not running so tools. They work fine. Most any compressor will work, but just take a bit longer if it constantly has to run to hold or build pressure. I use a little twin cylinder (no more than 10 gallon) direct drive one that was about $100 from Napa for the camper. Actually, it lives in the fiver basement.
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Old 10-09-2014, 04:35 PM   #3
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You really do not need an air compressor, you can just buy a Winterizing Kit for under $20.
I do blow my lines but also use anti-freeze with the winterization kit that sucks anti-freeze straight from the gallon jugs on the inlet side of the water pump. My unit takes less than 3 gallons.
A small compressor like this is what I use.
The smaller pancake ones like this would work too.
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Old 10-09-2014, 04:38 PM   #4
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I use an air compressor now but in the past have used a hand pump like I use to use as a bicycle tire pump.
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Old 10-09-2014, 04:49 PM   #5
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Air Compressors

JT, Crunchman & Big Paul --
Thank you for the quick feedback, I already have a small 2 gallon compressor that use for my tires and other things around the house. I was assuming that the volume wouldn't be big enough to do the job. It is very similar to what Crunchman linked to. I already have the winterization kit and the hand pump to hit the black tank wash. Even if I do buy a slightly bigger compressor I now know that I do not need one of those monsters in my garage!
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Old 10-09-2014, 04:55 PM   #6
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Gilm2113,
It would seem what you have will be fine. Glad to help and feel free to ask additional questions if you run into issues.
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Old 10-09-2014, 05:07 PM   #7
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Be very careful using air pressure. I do not blow my lines out with air. Open all faucets and drain to low area drains. Isolate water heater (drained) and use water pump to fill water lines with RV antifreeze.
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Old 10-09-2014, 05:11 PM   #8
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Air compressors

Thanks Crunchman, I have always paid to have it done, but now that I have retired I thought I would give it a try. I have read all the threads on winterization and watched the videos.
We are getting our Lance trailer ready to trade in once our new Forester 2650S arrives mid next month. I am sure I will want to take the new unit out at least once when it comes so I will be prepared to do the new motorhome too once it arrives and before we put it to bed for the winter.
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Old 10-09-2014, 05:13 PM   #9
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Thanks Brother Les. I will probably start with very low pressure and work my way up but not exceed 30-35psi and then run the antifreeze in to the lines.
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Old 10-09-2014, 05:20 PM   #10
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You don't need a ton of volume, there's not that much volume to the piping system. If your compressor will blow up a tire at 30 PSI, you should be good. Just do one faucet at a time (don't forget the toilet and outside shower,) and finish with the low point drains. If you live in the South, many people feel that's all you need to do. If you're up North, then antifreeze is a good follow up to prevent any "spring camper opening" surprises.
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Old 10-09-2014, 05:28 PM   #11
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Thanks Tarawander. I am up here in Idaho so it does get cold!
I am aware of the low point drains on the Forest River products but I am not aware of any on my Lance trailer that I am getting rid of. Thanks for the advice and your time to reply. I may upgrade to a 6 gallon compressor only because it is a good opportunity to upgrade what I have!
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Old 10-09-2014, 06:52 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brother Les View Post
Be very careful using air pressure. I do not blow my lines out with air. Open all faucets and drain to low area drains. Isolate water heater (drained) and use water pump to fill water lines with RV antifreeze.
I do the same deal, no air just A/F.

Takes about 20 min by myself.
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Old 10-09-2014, 08:01 PM   #13
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Others will disagree, but I don't trust blowing the water out of the lines method. My fear is that water will somehow find a low spot at a tee fitting or something. My fear is the air will blow right by the low spot allowing the water to freeze over the winter.
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Old 10-09-2014, 08:37 PM   #14
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I'm a pink stuff fan. My buddy with a Four Winds he's had forever only uses air and an auto tire dc air compressor.
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Old 10-09-2014, 08:42 PM   #15
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r u need is one that you pump up your tire that what I use
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Old 10-09-2014, 08:53 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crunchman12001 View Post
You really do not need an air compressor, you can just buy a Winterizing Kit for under $20.
I do blow my lines but also use anti-freeze with the winterization kit that sucks anti-freeze straight from the gallon jugs on the inlet side of the water pump. My unit takes less than 3 gallons.
A small compressor like this is what I use.
The smaller pancake ones like this would work too.
crunchman
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Old 10-09-2014, 08:55 PM   #17
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It sounds like their three camps. Those who use air only, those who use the "pink stuff" and those who use both. My plan was to use air followed by pumping antifreeze.
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Old 10-09-2014, 09:26 PM   #18
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Wow, great info in here! I've always had my lines blown out by someone else because I never thought my puny 1-gallon compressor was big enough....I assumed you needed one of those huge ones.

And I'm one of those red antifreeze guys, too....it can get 20-below here at 7,000 in the Rockies so don't ever want frozen lines. It does rinse out real well...just put a little bleach into the water in the Spring when rinsing it all out.
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Old 10-09-2014, 09:36 PM   #19
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Just make sure to allow the air press to build up between blowing each faucet. Use 30-35 psi at the compressor. Blow from top, shower and sinks down to outside shower and drains. Leave drains open on completion.


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Old 10-10-2014, 08:47 AM   #20
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Blow all my lines out first and then pump in antifreeze.
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