1996 Pace Cold Weather Prep

[joneldbrat]

We are going to take a trip to TN the last week of October. In the past we had our 5th Wheel and if the weather turned cold prior to returning to Northwest Indiana it was a simple to drain and winterize our unit. Drain the Water Heater; pull 2 plugs on the water lines. I had installed the system to draw antifreeze from the container through the Pump. The 5th Wheel's drain lines were exposed. It seems that with our Pace everything is enclosed. And I'm thinking that I could just bring it home, drain, and prep for cold weather as long as I keep one or both furnaces on. Can anyone help me understand the best way to winterize our 96 Pace Arrow. As always I really appreciate the help that comes from all of you.

John

[joneldbrat]

We are going to take a trip to TN the last week of October. In the past we had our 5th Wheel and if the weather turned cold prior to returning to Northwest Indiana it was a simple to drain and winterize our unit. Drain the Water Heater; pull 2 plugs on the water lines. I had installed the system to draw antifreeze from the container through the Pump. The 5th Wheel's drain lines were exposed. It seems that with our Pace everything is enclosed. And I'm thinking that I could just bring it home, drain, and prep for cold weather as long as I keep one or both furnaces on. Can anyone help me understand the best way to winterize our 96 Pace Arrow. As always I really appreciate the help that comes from all of you.

John

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Depends on which way you winterize, and whether you are going to keep it stored all winter. Either by using RV Antifreeze or low pressure air to blow out the lines.

I personally use low pressure air. I just drain the water heater and open the hot and cold low point drains. Then I hook up the air adapter to the city water line connector and turn on the air at about 40 psi. I then go to each fawcet and open them one at a time. After I'm convinced I've blown out as much water as possible I leave all the fawcet's open. I pour a little RV antifreeze into each drain trap, and dump some into both the gray and black tanks.

In my case I also have a washer/dryer and refrigerator ice maker, so I have to go thru the extra effort of being sure they're both drained.

We go south for the winter, and depending on how soon we leave some years I don't winterize. I have an extra 7-gal propane tank and have the adapter to connect it into my on-board system. I use this to provide replaceable propane, so I don't have to move the rig, to run the rear furnace, which also heats the basement area. I just keep it turned down real low. Keeps the moho about 45 degrees or so even in the coldest weather.