Columbus 320rs - How do I Winterize this Thing???

LarryC · 09-26-2012, 01:40 PM

Hey all:

I took a big step up this year from my travel trailer to the 320rs. Winterization on the old trailer was easy - dump a bunch of antifreeze in the tank, turn on all the faucets, toilet, etc and let it run for a few seconds, shut everything off and I'm done.

The 320rs has winterization valves, hot water bypass, what looks like a connection for winterization, etc. Can someone give me a quick tutorial here on the easiest or best way to do this correctly? I'm also concerned about the built in filter. Any advise you guys have would be welcomed.

Thanx!

Larry C

TURBS · 09-26-2012, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryC

Hey all:

I took a big step up this year from my travel trailer to the 320rs. Winterization on the old trailer was easy - dump a bunch of antifreeze in the tank, turn on all the faucets, toilet, etc and let it run for a few seconds, shut everything off and I'm done.

The 320rs has winterization valves, hot water bypass, what looks like a connection for winterization, etc. Can someone give me a quick tutorial here on the easiest or best way to do this correctly? I'm also concerned about the built in filter. Any advise you guys have would be welcomed.

Thanx!

Larry C

Drain Hw heater
Then bypass it
Open all taps and faucets
Open low point drains close when empty.
Close all taps
Remove filter and reinstall canister
Turn winterization valve
Put hose into antifreeze jug from winterize port.
Turn pump on
Open furthest tap hot and cold separately until pink flows then work your way through the camper , toilet, shower , sinks etc etc.
Also do your outside shower if equipped.

3 gallons should suffice.

Turbs

LarryC · 09-26-2012, 08:43 PM

Thanx Turbs - so do I just use any hose from the winterize port? I am guessing when the pump goes on it just sucks it right from the jug then correct?

Thanx again!!

Larry C

TURBS · 09-26-2012, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryC

Thanx Turbs - so do I just use any hose from the winterize port? I am guessing when the pump goes on it just sucks it right from the jug then correct?

Thanx again!!

Larry C

would be nice to see a pic of your connection as many are different .

If I had to guess its a garden hose "type" of connection .
If so then a short hunk of garden hose would work just long enough to run to the bottom of the jug .
I normally buy 4 gallons as I have an outside kitchen . but whatever I have left get dumped into the drains to double make sure theres plenty
also make sure toilet seal is covered .

LarryC · 09-26-2012, 09:01 PM

I'm pretty sure I know what you mean. Great info and it appears easier then I thought.

Thanx again!

joelek · 09-26-2012, 09:29 PM

In the manual that came with a 320RS there is a section for winterizing via pink RV fluid as Turbo mentioned.

OR you drain water heater and lines first then blow out the lines with an air compressor and dump pink RV fluid into the drains. Blowing out lines is also covered in the manual.

amxpress · 09-26-2012, 10:34 PM

Don't forget to bleed the two lines running up to the washing machine in the front closet. When you're draining the other faucets, open these up, too.
Don't forget to close them!

LarryC · 09-27-2012, 10:25 AM

Good call amxpress - All I use that closet for is storage so would have forgotten about those connections.

dunebuggy · 10-02-2012, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Drain Hw heater
Then bypass it
Open all taps and faucets
Open low point drains close when empty.
Close all taps
Remove filter and reinstall canister
Turn winterization valve
Put hose into antifreeze jug from winterize port.
Turn pump on
Open furthest tap hot and cold separately until pink flows then work your way through the camper , toilet, shower , sinks etc etc.
Also do your outside shower if equipped.

3 gallons should suffice.

Turbs

We have a washer and dryer in our,s do you just run the washer on spin cycle to winterize.

TURBS · 10-02-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunebuggy

We have a washer and dryer in our,s do you just run the washer on spin cycle to winterize.

to be honest I am not sure how to winterize the washer .........
How to Winterize a Washing Machine | eHow.com

How to Winterize a Washing Machine | Home Guides | SF Gate

this should help !

TURBS

Earth Station · 10-02-2012, 08:40 PM

ok so call me silly............... we have ours professionally winterized. Paid enough for it....... once a year cost for peace of mind through the winter!!! Costs no more than a tank of gas!!! Won't be hauling much through the winter............so it kind of balances out we think.

LarryC · 10-03-2012, 01:44 PM

I winterized mine this morning and it was really easy and much simpler then my old camper. Thanx again for the help guys!

joelek · 10-03-2012, 07:04 PM

Paid a master tech that comes out to our RV resort - his rates are less expensive than dealer typically. It's the first year so no gamble with warranty claims later.

Next year, I will do it myself. It is pretty easy.

hotrodj125 · 10-03-2012, 07:43 PM

I've been doing my own winterizing for the last 10 years and now that I'm retired, I'm thinking of advertising to do this for others-- it's not all that hard to do and I have a generator, compressor and portable tank to put anti-freeze in and able to blow it thru the lines, so just might give it a shot.

joelek · 10-03-2012, 08:16 PM

Craigslist under services. click on title only search. Then type in RV. You will find an easy way to advertise and your competition.

Suprised me how many people at my place had the guy winterize their rigs. He charged 65 for labor and 4 bucks per gallon of pink RV juice. I swore he did a couple dozen in 2 weekends.

If I had a part time gig, it would be driving RV for seniors. They love the lifestyle but the older they get, the more scared they are of driving them. Kind of like driving your parents to Sunnyvale care home but different. LOL!