To winterize or not to???

[funseekers]

Hello everyone, got what some people may call a dumb question... We just bought a 2006 29' Flagstaff bhss and it came from the dealer winterized. We were thinking of taking a weekend trip and have heard different ideas from different local people about rewinterizing. Some say most definately get the winterizing liquid (type of anti-freeze?) and rewinterize, others say to get some kind of attachment and use compressed air to blow the lines/tanks out...... im so confused

[LadyWindrider]

Do a search on this forum, there as many opinions as people. A lot depends on where you live, where your camper is stored, and piece of mind. For me, a couple of gallons of antifreeze, RV antifreeze, and the hour to do the job is usually cheaper and less time than repairing plumbing. Take the time, and do a search, for antifreeze, winterize, etc.

[leencharlotte]

Originally Posted by funseekers

Hello everyone, got what some people may call a dumb question... We just bought a 2006 29' Flagstaff bhss and it came from the dealer winterized. We were thinking of taking a weekend trip and have heard different ideas from different local people about rewinterizing. Some say most definately get the winterizing liquid (type of anti-freeze?) and rewinterize, others say to get some kind of attachment and use compressed air to blow the lines/tanks out...... im so confused

Personally i use both. I live in NC sold it doenst stay below freezing for long periods. I have a quick connect fitting for my air compressor, which i dial down to 30-40 psi and hook to my city water connection. I also bought a small inline filter so no contamination from my compressor will enter the trailer. Bought both pieces on amazon for less than $10 each. I can post links if you would like. Compressor stays on while i open each faucet (1 at a time). Once water is out i pour the antifreeze into the sinks/shower/ toilet drains. Takes me 15 mins and a gallon jug of antifreeze lasts 3 or so winterizings.

2011 Heritage Glenn 312QBUD

[tentcamper1]

I would say "better safe then sorry". if there is a possibility of the tanks, low point drains, etc freezing then I would consider not using them. maybe take it out and not use water or sewer. there was a good thread on this subject awhile back, do a search on "cold weather camping" the thread was done by firedaniel.

[shabby]

Originally Posted by funseekers

Hello everyone, got what some people may call a dumb question... We just bought a 2006 29' Flagstaff bhss and it came from the dealer winterized. We were thinking of taking a weekend trip and have heard different ideas from different local people about rewinterizing. Some say most definately get the winterizing liquid (type of anti-freeze?) and rewinterize, others say to get some kind of attachment and use compressed air to blow the lines/tanks out...... im so confused

I myself use RVantifreeze, it is easy to do and you do not have the risk of blowing your fittings apart such as you do when you use compressed air to blow out your lines. Just make sure you close the hot water heater bypass off so you do not fill your hot water tank up with RVantifreeze. It is almost impossible to get every drop of water out of your tanks so don't let that be a worry to you, just open your low point drains until they stop dripping and that will be enough. Run the antifreeze through all of your lines hot and cold in kitchen, hot and cold in both faucet and shower in the bathroom, flush the toilet until antifreeze come out also leave some antifreeze in the bottom of the toilet just to keep the gasket moist. Turn on hot and cold taps for outside shower (if you have one) until antifreeze comes out. Also make sure to take off the screen on your city water hook-up and press the pressure valve until antifreeze comes out. If you are still not sure how to do this you can find many how to videos on youtube that will take you step by step through each step. Hope you enjoy your camping!!!!

[KyDan]

Hi Scott, first WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!!!

Here's a couple suggestions for ya, you didn't say where
you are from so I peeked at your profile and it says
you're from S Carolina.
When is your "average" last freeze?? You can look this
up online or call your local agricultural extension office.
You might be past the date this year???

I'm in the same boat as you. We're going camping next
week but our last average freeze is 6 weeks away so
I will re-winterize when I get home. A gallon of pink
RV antifreeze from Walmart is about 4 bucks.
Watch out, those turkeys have 2 brands. A "house"
brand and a name brand. The name brand is a buck
more per gallon and it's exactly the same stuff.
Just be sure it's RV/marine antifreeze and you'll be fine.

There is a continuous discussion about how to winterize.
Some say blow it out, some say use your RV water pump
to pump the system full of RV antifreeze.
I prefer the pump method because I can do that just
as fast or as easy as I can drag my compressor out
of the garage and blow it out. Also I'm pretty sure blowing
my trailer out does not get every drop out.

You may be fine either way, it's a judgment call.

Either way don't forget to drain your water heater
and Put it in Bypass when winterizing!!

And Be SURE your water heater is full of water
and out of bypass
before you plug in or fire it up.

Also we suggest making up a signature line here with
your location. Don't give us your full address but a city
state and preferred handle (name) would be great.
Also include your trailer model so we can be specific when
we offer all this free advice

Happy Camping!!!