How to access my water pump! HELP!!!

[olifer]

I have a 97 Fleetwood Storm. I am trying to winterize it and am desperately wanting to gain access to my water pump area and am totally puzzled. The pump and valves are right in the center of the coach with the ONLY access being through an exterior side door. The problem is that even though I'm not a big guy, I can't get my body in there far enough to reach the valves, disconnect fittings, etc. What am I missing? See pictures attached.

[puttin]

Ask yourself "why do I need to service this?" First- where do you live- it doesn't say in your profile? Unless there's a problem with your pump- why do you need to get in there? Just curious- Drew

[GaryKD]

Hi olifer,
If you need to winterize your water system (29 degrees or lower for over 5 hours) and there are no low point drains, consider pouring the pink RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank and let the pump, pump it through the water lines. Make sure you also pour RV antifreeze into each drain to fill the "P" traps. You should pump enough RV antifreeze through the lines until the pink stuff comes out of each faucet. This is for the cold water.

For the hot water lines, I hope your hot water heater has a by pass kit installed. If so, engage the kit to pump the RV antifreeze through the lines. If there is no by pass available, contact a RV service center and by a kit. Then take the drain out of the HWH to completely empty it.

[Good man]

Olifer,
Understanding that you stated there were no other access points... Is it possible there is a concealed hatch under carpeting in a hallway, closet or cabinet??

It seems very short-sighted that the manufacturer would not provide some sort of access... however convoluted it may be.

If you are lucky and the works are under a closet floor, cutting an access hole, then scabbing over it with a larger piece of carpeted plywood to fit the closet dimensions would be a workable solution.

It may also be time to have a skinny grandson crawl in there, cut everything loose, and extend all of the lines to the edge where you can reach them.

I hope you can find an easy solution to this.
Jim