Low point drains/ adding antifreeze

[Atj123]

I have a 2015 272 rl using the low point drains does it just involves opening the taps and letting gravity do the work. Looking at the water pump there does not appear to be a way to add anti-freeze straight from the jug. I really do not want to add the anti-freeze to the freshwater tank and pump it through the system. Any input appreciated

TIA, Joe

[dmdrj5]

Hi Joe,

I am not familiar with your particular unit. Do you not have a valve for winterization that allows you to draw from an antifreeze bottle directly into the pump?

If not, you can easily add something like this: Camco Pump Converter Winterizing Kit - Walmart.com

You will use a lot less antifreeze if you blow out the lines first with a compressor. Some people don't even bother with the antifreeze after they blow out the lines.

Good luck,
Don

[Atj123]

Thanks for your reply Don I do use compressed air first and I was hoping that I wouldn't have to add one of these but it looks like I'm not going to have any choice it's just very tight in there. 😉

[Scotty]

Originally Posted by Atj123

I have a 2015 272 rl using the low point drains does it just involves opening the taps and letting gravity do the work. Looking at the water pump there does not appear to be a way to add anti-freeze straight from the jug. I really do not want to add the anti-freeze to the freshwater tank and pump it through the system. Any input appreciated

TIA, Joe

Just go to almost any RV store and purchase a Pump Converter Winterizing Kit. Camco makes them. $20.00. Easy job. You will need to raise the pump mounting about 1.5 inches to clear the drain pipe. I used some rubber stoppers and drilled them for the longer screws . I used 14 X 21/2 inch. Worked fine. Took me about 30 minutes and I'm 70.

[john5646]

I like the idea of this kit agreed. I'm just getting back into RVING. have a 272 RLIS on order, prior had a petminate site. That said I will likely install this for the option to use. However I've never had issuies with a good and complete blow out with air followed by antifreeze into traps.

[Atj123]

Thanks for the input guys I will be installing the pump kit, already ordered from Amazon comes Wednesday. While I agree that blowing out the lines is probably enough I'm in Ontario so for $10 -$15 worth of antifreeze I preferred to pump it through the lines. 😉

[Harkerr]

Don't forget to low out toilet and outside shower.

[Dave Lyon]

Joe - removing low point caps and opening the taps is just part of winterizing. In addition you need to winterize through the pump as others have indicated.

You don't want any pink in your FW tank or water heater.

[Bushbunch]

Other than having to thoroughly rinse the fresh water tank after adding antifreeze, is there any other reason why winterizing that way is not a good idea?

[Dave Lyon]

Increased cost and no need.

[dieselguy]

"Winterizing via the fresh water tank" ... the suction line in the tank is seldom the lowest point, so like said more antifreeze is needed to just get the pump to work than simply using a pump kit or the winterizing hose if factory installed. If you ever had one, a hose tee'd off the pump inlet is vastly easier, less expensive, and you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

[wamafi43]

Don't forget the water line to the pre - plummed cloth washer line (if you have one) also make sure the city water valve has the antifreeze in it ( take the screen out and push on the button (valve)) it is under pressure, remove some pressure by opening a cold water tap quickly.

[Kdz300]

I found that the hose for a handheld shower screws right onto the intake for the pump perfectly. I take off the fresh water tank intake to the pump, screw on the shower hose, dump the other end in a jug and kick on the pump.. Works well for me

[Flybob]

Don't forget to drain then bypass the water heater..

[SimchaSabre]

and outside shower if you have one...and also let some out each low point drain.

Also fill any P traps if they are used in your sinks. (Mine don't)

[Tonylmiller]

I just blow mine out with compressed air at about 20 psi. Then I put antifreeze in the drains. No problemo.

[Atj123]

Well I got the pump kit installed this weekend probably have to winterize the next month or so and yeah I've winterized before just wasn't sure about this without the conversion on the pump but she's already to go now.
Thanks for all the input everyone