The $325 winterization !!

[oakcreekeric]

So...

I'm entering my fourth winter owning our new rig.. for the past three years, I've elected to have my local RV repair shop do the winterizing on the rig.. It was new.. it had a second bathroom with a macerator and.. it was BRAND NEW... Plus, I had an "acquaintance" who worked at the RV shop and he always looked out for me (didn't hurt there was a case of his favorite beer in the fridge for him )... I figured the $100 to winterize it wasn't a big deal..

So.. this year.. I thought.. It's time.. I've got the lay of the land.. I can do this (after-all, I used to winterize my previous RV).. but... I figured I'd call and see what the current rate was... I figured if they were going to offer the $99 winterizing deal again.. I may just go that route again..

Well.... Let me tell you... That ain't gonna happen again... While on the phone with the service adviser... she even said.. "you're gonna get a little sticker shock" and proceeded to tell me it would cost $325 (PLUS antifreeze solution) to winterize my RV...

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME !?!?!?

To be honest.. I'm going to call back again today.. just to confirm the price AND what's included with this epic winterization fee... I can't imagine anything drastic has change in winterization techniques from last year.. but I was in such shock that I told her "thanks" and hung up the phone.. I didn't get a chance to ask what justified the large increase..

So.. to be curious.. if you're having someone else winterize your rig.. what are YOU paying ???

[R2Home]

We paid $189.00 to have our 2009 Diplomat winterized. While this might seem a little 'high' for some, it also includes de-winterizing in the spring, filling our 100 gallon water tank and best of all is that if there is damage from the winter, they will repair it 'on their dime'!

[Pepper2]

Went up $10 this year. Winterizing and de-winterizing was $99 + tax. Cheap insurance since they are responsible if there is any damage due to freezing in the water system.

[Mr_D]

Our winters are relatively mild here, the rig is stored beside the stick house so all I do is keep heat in it all year long.
Plus it's ready to use when we want.
I also wouldn't pay $325 for winterizing my RV.

[96 Wideglide]

I think they need a new air compressor to blow out the lines, and want you to pay for it !

[twogypsies]

Winterizing is no big deal to do it yourself.

[2500HD]

It cost me $15 for 3 jugs of antifreeze from Walmart. about 15 min worth of electricity for my air compressor and 1/2 hr of my time to winterize mine.

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by 2500HD

It cost me $15 for 3 jugs of antifreeze from Walmart. about 15 min worth of electricity for my air compressor and 1/2 hr of my time to winterize mine.

Only need 2 gal here. ;-)

FWIW If you check the jugs "good stuff" Dow name brand used to be pure whatever glycol (I can't keep them straight). This year it is premixed with water for you. When I priced the food grade glycol it was running around $30/gal. I see two issues. Part of it might be why the cost went up at the local shop because they might buy bulk barrels of the chemical. I preferred the straight stuff with the idea that any residual water gave me a blend that was still OK. With the pre blend I will be watching the dewatering more closely. I will also give some thought to the traps, black, and gray tanks. I usually do not worry if there is a bit of content in there...

[2500HD]

Originally Posted by nothermark

Only need 2 gal here. ;-)

FWIW If you check the jugs "good stuff" Dow name brand used to be pure whatever glycol (I can't keep them straight). This year it is premixed with water for you. When I priced the food grade glycol it was running around $30/gal. I see two issues. Part of it might be why the cost went up at the local shop because they might buy bulk barrels of the chemical. I preferred the straight stuff with the idea that any residual water gave me a blend that was still OK. With the pre blend I will be watching the dewatering more closely. I will also give some thought to the traps, black, and gray tanks. I usually do not worry if there is a bit of content in there...

The jugs says it's good down to -50 degrees. The way I figure it only gets down to -1 or -2 around here on the coldest of the cold night here. Rarely gets to 0 over night so I don't worry much about dilution after blowing the lines out with air. The black tank always has a few gallons and I've never had an issue

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by nothermark

Only need 2 gal here. ;-)

FWIW If you check the jugs "good stuff" Dow name brand used to be pure whatever glycol (I can't keep them straight). This year it is premixed with water for you. When I priced the food grade glycol it was running around $30/gal. I see two issues. Part of it might be why the cost went up at the local shop because they might buy bulk barrels of the chemical. I preferred the straight stuff with the idea that any residual water gave me a blend that was still OK. With the pre blend I will be watching the dewatering more closely. I will also give some thought to the traps, black, and gray tanks. I usually do not worry if there is a bit of content in there...

This statement does not make sense. Engine anti freeze is mixed with water to help with cooling. Anti freeze for water systems in RV's are never mixed with water. It would serve no purpose.

[ahicks]

1.5-2 gallons for us.

DOW South/Win RV Antifreeze with DOWFROST-147005 - The Home Depot

[pagosajoe]

Did it myself this afternoon with 3 jugs of RV antifreeze from Walmart for about $15. About an hour of my time, blew out the lines with my air compressor, added the antifreeze. Done.

[1mainiac]

325 is a bit high I guess it depends on what is needed to be done. We start at .7 hr plus antifreeze. So that is 87.50 plus antifreeze however we add for washer, dishwasher, ice makers and filter systems. So yes it could go over 200 bucks plus antifreeze.

[mrt_1111]

Rv antifreeze is onsale at my local ace hardware for 2 bucks a gallon.