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Old 10-13-2017, 09:13 PM   #1
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Winterizing, what would you do?

New camper and going to winterize fairly soon so I went to check things out. Removed the panel to get to my pump and low and behold no bypass to suck in the antifreeze. Not a big deal but I am not sure I can add a Tee in the limited space I have. The suction hose from my fresh tank is maybe 4" long before it heads south to the tank through the floor and to top it off the hose is banded/clamped on the pump like pex is installed so no threads. My plan this year is to add to the fresh tank and pump from there. I don't use the fresh tank except to fill the black tank when flushing the tank but for future reference what would you do the next year?

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Old 10-17-2017, 09:21 AM   #2
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Myself I would add a antifreeze connection like the cameo one (inexpensive) it doesn't have to be in that compartment check and see if you have room under the floor where the suction line runs to the tank. Let the forum know what you come up with so others can take advantage of your experience.
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Old 10-17-2017, 09:39 AM   #3
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If you have easy access, installing a bypass is the best way. It will save you time in the future, and they cost maybe $25.

It should be made mandatory that RVs come with these bypasses

https://www.amazon.ca/Camco-36543-X-.../dp/B0006JJ588

On a side note, I found one of these for rinsing out the hot water tank. Gets rid of all the pieces from the anode rod, and a cheap investment, maybe $10

https://www.amazon.ca/Camco-11691-Wa...044QT2KAS6MYF2
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Old 10-17-2017, 09:44 AM   #4
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Having an open underbelly helps in this situation. I was able to make up a connector that will hook on to suction line from the tank to the pump. Using a 5 gal bucket with 3 gals of antifreeze and will draw right from bucket. Any leftover will go back into jug for next year.
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Old 10-17-2017, 09:50 AM   #5
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I would add the bypass kit.
While you indicate you only have 4" to work with, you have lots of options to install the kit.

You could move the pump over some. (it's just screwed to the floor)
You could insert the tee add a short supply line that loops back around to the pump intake... and so on.

You'll need a few plumbing skills and possibly some tools but it can easily be added.

Adding antifreeze to the fresh tank to winterize is an option but not one recommended.
Sure, you say you don't use your fresh tank for anything but flushing the black tank, but someday you might want to use the fresh tank as intended. It will take lots of flushing if it's got antifreeze in it.
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Old 10-17-2017, 09:57 AM   #6
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What 5picker said. You're probably envisioning cutting the existing suction line to install the Tee. BUT: Don't cut the existing suction line. Just remove it from the pump, put your Tee on the end, and use another piece of hose to attach the Tee to the pump.

Also, the suction line doesn't need to be attached to one of the top Tee connections, as you may also be envisioning; it can be attached to any of the 3 connections. Attaching it to the bottom of the Tee might allow you to effectively install an "elbow" in the line. That might allow you to keep the pump where it is.
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Old 10-17-2017, 10:01 AM   #7
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I would add the Camco kit. It should not be a problem even with your set up. You may have to move the pump as mentioned , but there is room. Few problems with antifreeze in FW tank. Very hard to get out if you ever use it for FW. Also it is almost impossible to get all the water out so you will be diluting the antifreeze unless you add much more than needed. A one time 1hr job will be well worth it IMHO.
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Old 10-17-2017, 10:23 AM   #8
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Add your own!!

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Old 10-17-2017, 11:27 AM   #9
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I just unscrew the freshwater line into the pump attach a short line that goes to your anti freeze from the bottle. It would be a big waste to go through the fresh water tank.
You don't need a bypass kit.
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Old 10-17-2017, 07:14 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave53 View Post
I just unscrew the freshwater line into the pump attach a short line that goes to your anti freeze from the bottle. It would be a big waste to go through the fresh water tank.
You don't need a bypass kit.
That is how my last camper was. I just made up a hose and unscrewed the input to the pump. It was not too much work for once a year.
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