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Old 10-19-2020, 05:14 AM   #1
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Concern with winterizing

I have winterized my Freedom Express 248RBS by draining black and grey tank and adding antifreeze to them. I have bypassed the water heater and blew out the water lines. I dumped a little antifreeze down each drain, removed water from the heater and removed drain plug as well. The only step I left out was to run water pump during this. Should I be concerned about any water left in the pump itself?
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Old 10-19-2020, 05:38 AM   #2
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Yes, especially in the small sediment bowl. That is why even after blowing out the lines I still pump the antifreeze through the lines. I don't believe anyone can get all the water out of the camper. The antifreeze will ensure that any left will not freeze.
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Old 10-19-2020, 08:25 AM   #3
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If you are using air to winterize make sure you leave all the faucets open to allow any water droplets that didn't get expelled to drain out of the valves. Don't forget the outside shower if you have one or the low point drains.
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Old 10-19-2020, 08:31 AM   #4
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Did you run air through the toilet valve ???? I too recommend using RV antifreeze where you live. X 2 on the pump.

Hopefiully you do not have any surprises in the spring.

Good Luck !!!!!

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Old 10-19-2020, 08:35 AM   #5
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Don't dump AF into your FW tank to do this. Install a winterization kit if your TT doesn't already have one.
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Old 10-19-2020, 08:44 AM   #6
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Don't dump AF into your FW tank to do this. Install a winterization kit if your TT doesn't already have one.
He didn't sugest that he did this, nor has anyone else. I agree not a good idea but not the end of the world either.

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Old 10-19-2020, 09:33 AM   #7
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He didn't sugest that he did this, nor has anyone else. I agree not a good idea but not the end of the world either.

Without a winterization port, poring AF into the FW tank is really the only way to get AF into the pump.
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Old 10-19-2020, 09:48 AM   #8
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Actually, you can use a sump pump and pump the water into the city water port. That seems to work really well.
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Old 10-19-2020, 09:51 AM   #9
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Actually, you can use a sump pump and pump the water into the city water port. That seems to work really well.
That's what my parents do. My dad has a small submersible pump that he puts into a 5-gallon bucket filled with AF and just runs a hose to the city water inlet.
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Old 10-19-2020, 10:11 AM   #10
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That's what my parents do. My dad has a small submersible pump that he puts into a 5-gallon bucket filled with AF and just runs a hose to the city water inlet.

That doesn't get AF into the pump.
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Old 10-19-2020, 11:11 AM   #11
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That doesn't get AF into the pump.
That is true.

In their case they never use the freshwater tank or pump so it's not a problem.

I guess that doesn't help the OP though...
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Old 10-19-2020, 09:41 PM   #12
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Without a winterization port, poring AF into the FW tank is really the only way to get AF into the pump.
I made a hose from parts at the hardware store that connects to the input of the water pump. I suck right out of the gallon bottle through the system.
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Old 10-21-2020, 06:45 AM   #13
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Follow up

First thanks for all the ideas and suggestions. Upon your reply I am going to add antifreeze to the fresh water tank to ensure there is antifreeze in the pump to avoid problems. Just one thought, how much antifreeze would I have to add for the pump to pick it up and run through the lines? I do know that according to recommended procedures to run water pump for about 30 seconds to circulate antifreeze.
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Old 10-21-2020, 07:56 AM   #14
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I would use a pump kit before I would put the antifreeze in the fresh water tank. I would think depending upon how big your tank is and how level the trailer is, it would be quite a bit of antifreeze before the pump even picks it up.
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:15 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by Maple City Camper View Post
First thanks for all the ideas and suggestions. Upon your reply I am going to add antifreeze to the fresh water tank to ensure there is antifreeze in the pump to avoid problems. Just one thought, how much antifreeze would I have to add for the pump to pick it up and run through the lines? I do know that according to recommended procedures to run water pump for about 30 seconds to circulate antifreeze.

Not recommended. While RV antifreeze is non-toxic, your FW will have an antifreeze taste even after you rinse the tank. Install a winterization kit.
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:17 AM   #16
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:55 AM   #17
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I recommend the winterization kit like other have. in terms of volume not only do you have to put enough antifreeze in the potable water tank for the pump to get a suction you still have to add enough to pump thru the lines I would guess somewhere around six or so gallons instead of 2 or 2.5 when using the winterization kit. Good luck
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Old 10-21-2020, 10:03 AM   #18
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If you stop by your local RV dealership, who sells parts, they should be able to steer you in the correct direction. I have a hose with the correct fitting to screw on my pump. I'm told there are only two different fittings. I bought both since I did not want to run back to the RV place. If they do not have hose to go on the fitting, stop by HD or Lowes. Buy 3 ft of hose that will fit on the fitting and a clamp. Clamp hose to fitting. Take off the inbound hose, the one coming from the tank below. Screw on your fitting. Open a jug of RV antifreeze and insert the hose, you may need to trim a little hose so it sits in the jug. Turn on pump. It will pressurize. Watch the jug. If it gets low add a full jug. After it pressurizes run all the faucets, toilet, and outside shower. Keep an eye on the jug, when it gets low put a full one. I run more than needed. At $3 a gallon its a cheap insurance policy. I then leave the hose in the final jug until I dewinterize in the spring. I like to be sure antifreeze is in the pump to keep any seals or rubber parts lubricated during the winter.
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Old 10-24-2020, 06:44 AM   #19
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Mission accomplished, I did discover that previous original owner had installed the winterization kit. Made winterizing a breeze. Thanks to all.
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