Winterizing advise for units with ice makers, etc.

[Campnfools]

We purchased a new Winnebago Destination 36RL fifth wheel this year after owner travel trailers for many years. I always did the winterizing maintenance myself. I would empty the water heater, close the bypass valve, pour 5-6 gallons of antifreeze in the fresh water tank, run the water pump and ensure antifreeze was flowing through all water lines. Then I would pur a couple of gallons down the traps and toilet so the holding tanks were protected in freezing weather. We don't get a lot of it here but occasionally temps in the mid winter can drop below freezing and I never wanted to take a chance.

The new rig is a bit more complex as it has a residential fridge with ice maker, water filter and water dispenser, as well as a dishwasher. It also has, like most 5th wheels these days, washer and dryer hookup but, we haven't installed one. All this said, I am seeking advise from those with experience with similiar units.

My plan is to get a a blow out adapter for the city water hook-up. On this rig, this is also the water tank fill, utilizing a vale to change from one to the other. With the valve in the "city water" position I plan to blow out the faucets and toilet lines. This however, will not address the water lines going to the fridge, dishwasher or washer/dryer hook-ups.

As I did in the past, I plan on putting antifreeze in the fresh water tank. Once enough antifreeze for the pump to build pressure, I can only assume that I should run the dishwasher until antifreeze is evident as well as turn the fridge on and let the ice maker build up a pool of antifreeze. Then, as in the past, turn the pump off and open all the faucets.

Am I on the right track? Do you have a different approach? I have gone through all the manuals that came with the unit including the Winnebago owners manual. It does not address the exact unit. I have contacted them a number of time and, quite frankly, they are of little help. I expressed to them that I wondered if they were serious about the highend 5th wheel business and they all but admitted after sale service wasn't a high priority for them, that they prefer to rely on their dealer network. The experience I have had with our local dealer doesn't make me feel comfortable.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[BFlinn181]

I wouldn't run the RV antifreeze into the refrigerator. Instead, if you pressurize with about 35 psi of air, you can manually trigger the ice maker to 'try' to fill and in the process blow air through the plumbing right into the freezer compartment. No need to introduce the antifreeze if you're using air to purge the water from the system. Same for the dishwasher, once air in the lines, turn on the dishwasher to 'fill' and let the air push the water out of the lines. You could add a cup or so of the antifreeze to the tub in the dishwasher to protect any water left in the pump.

You can use the antifreeze in the sink traps rather than having to flush it out of the water system. The air, running through the system for enough time to clear the majority out, will do the rest.

[gbburgess]

I have used pink antifreeze in the refrigerator and ice maker for the last few years. Winterize as normal. Trip the ice maker switch until pure pink comes out. In the spring I hook up the water and trip the ice maker switch 5 or 6 times and never worry about it again.