2014 351DS Winterizing Procedures

[alparmer]

Maybe FR will send me a check for doing their work. I believe something like this should have been included with our new coach along with other operating procedures.

Hope it helps folks winterize their 351DS.

[mogman]

Great job.
Now I have to find the pump antifreeze suction line!!!

[cjd10]

Wow, great job! So nice to have detailed instructions with pics specifically for my model MH. Don't usually need it where we are located but you never know. Already have the file saved for future reference just in case.
Thanks again for taking the time to provide that.

[ChrisMSNT]

Very nice documentation!!! This is something that even I could follow! GREAT job! :-)

[zaine2451]

Yes it's amazing! Thanks

[zaine2451]

Should I turn off my water heater or is it automatic?

[43D18]

Fantastic job, Al. This is indeed something that Forest River should provide - they owe you one. I'll tell them so.

What you have outlined is a very thorough winterizing routine. You've done such a great job, I hate to be critical about any of it, although I'll offer just a couple thoughts from my experience.

If you plan on using antifreeze in the lines, it's not really necessary to blow out the lines w/ air pressure. Pulling the antifreeze through the lines will displace any water that was previously in the lines. Any water remaining in the low-point drain lines will drain out by gravity.

Alternately, if you *don't* plan on using antifreeze in the lines, thoroughly blowing out all water from the lines with air pressure will adequately winterize the unit.

Does it hurt to do both? Absolutely not, and both processes are quite easy, it's just a little extra time. I've done both over the years but usually opt for simply blowing the water out of all lines w/ compressed air. Kudos to Forest River for installing the antifreeze winterization line in the water compartment - a quick twist of the valve and you're on your way toward pulling antifreeze through the lines.

Again, great job putting this together!

[zaine2451]

Yep you really helped me out. Thanks. Another question though should I put the anode back in once I drain the tank for winterization? And should I turn off the propane tank? My MH is connected to a residential home at this moment. Thanks again!

[43D18]

Originally Posted by zaine2451

Yep you really helped me out. Thanks. Another question though should I put the anode back in once I drain the tank for winterization? And should I turn off the propane tank? My MH is connected to a residential home at this moment. Thanks again!

It's fine to replace the anode after the tank is drained. Unless you plan on using the furnace, it's a good idea to turn off the propane valve.

This reminds me - I always write myself a note, date it, and place it in a prominent place (like on the counter top) after various winterizing procedures, which includes things like:

Propane valve OFF
Antifreeze in all lines
House water filter - not installed, needs replaced
etc.

Then I know exactly where I left off when winterizing in the fall

[zaine2451]

Thanks! I'm starting out a notebook on how to be a better RVer! But just to make things straight, after draining the tank, place the anode back in right?

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by zaine2451

Thanks! I'm starting out a notebook on how to be a better RVer! But just to make things straight, after draining the tank, place the anode back in right?

Yep, and I always tighten mine to operational standards when I replace it. Afraid that if I just hand tighten it, I'll forget about it when it's time to de-winterize.

[sherman12]

Don't forget to put some Teflon tape on the anode threads before you re-install it. No spring leaks then.

[alparmer]

I should have mentioned the Teflon on the plug.

Glad to hear it was useful. In the spring I'm going to service the generator and probably do the same unless the owner's manual covers it.

[zaine2451]

Ok got it! Ohh I got a lot of reading to do! Thanks!

[cjd10]

You know if you get really bored maybe you can re-do one of those cables on the accuslide. Hope I never have to tackle that. Lol

[43D18]

What is an accuslide?

[alparmer]

It's the name for our slides:

BAL - Innovative Products for the RV Industry

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by 43D18

Fantastic job, Al. This is indeed something that Forest River should provide - they owe you one. I'll tell them so.

What you have outlined is a very thorough winterizing routine. You've done such a great job, I hate to be critical about any of it, although I'll offer just a couple thoughts from my experience.

If you plan on using antifreeze in the lines, it's not really necessary to blow out the lines w/ air pressure. Pulling the antifreeze through the lines will displace any water that was previously in the lines. Any water remaining in the low-point drain lines will drain out by gravity.

Alternately, if you *don't* plan on using antifreeze in the lines, thoroughly blowing out all water from the lines with air pressure will adequately winterize the unit.

Does it hurt to do both? Absolutely not, and both processes are quite easy, it's just a little extra time. I've done both over the years but usually opt for simply blowing the water out of all lines w/ compressed air. Kudos to Forest River for installing the antifreeze winterization line in the water compartment - a quick twist of the valve and you're on your way toward pulling antifreeze through the lines.

Again, great job putting this together!

I agree with this input and just blow out my lines. One other thing is I just use a foot operated bicycle tire pump and operate by hand to clear lines of water. Have never had issues.

[rvpezzano]

I know this is an older post, but don't forget to blow out the black tank flush system or else the one-way valve will freeze.

[alparmer]

Originally Posted by rvpezzano

I know this is an older post, but don't forget to blow out the black tank flush system or else the one-way valve will freeze.

I have to check, but I thought it was included in the procedures.