Winterize or Freezorize

[GypsyYears]

Hi guys! This will be my first winter in the motorhome, I'm not quite lucky enough to travel away from the cold yet, so I'm going to tough it out.

I plan on insulating the windows and all that jazz, I have an awesome space heater and my furnace runs like a champ... But I've decided to winterize my plumbing systems. I have running water and bathing rooms where I am parked and would rather avoid any complications because of the cold weather.

I have read the owners manual on my Winnebago Brave and theres a paragraph within that kind of confused me (listed at the bottom of this post.)

1. Do I have to do a "blow out," or can I empty all the tanks, turn on the water heater diverter, and run the RV antifreeze through the lines until it comes out the sinks and toilet?

2. I would like to keep using my fridge - and I need to insulate from the outside, correct? Any suggestions on what to use?

3. Any other suggestions / Comments gladly welcomed. Thanks for helping a newbie out guys

Cheers

Paragraph:
As an alternative to totally draining
the plumbing system, you may winter-
ize tanks and lines by pumping non-
toxic RV antifreeze through the sys-
tem. This product is available from
your dealer and from most RV supply
stores. Follow directions on the con-
tainer to determine the correct
amount to use for your coach.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by GypsyYears

Hi guys! This will be my first winter in the motorhome, I'm not quite lucky enough to travel away from the cold yet, so I'm going to tough it out.

I plan on insulating the windows and all that jazz, I have an awesome space heater and my furnace runs like a champ... But I've decided to winterize my plumbing systems. I have running water and bathing rooms where I am parked and would rather avoid any complications because of the cold weather.

I have read the owners manual on my Winnebago Brave and theres a paragraph within that kind of confused me (listed at the bottom of this post.)

1. Do I have to do a "blow out," or can I empty all the tanks, turn on the water heater diverter, and run the RV antifreeze through the lines until it comes out the sinks and toilet?

2. I would like to keep using my fridge - and I need to insulate from the outside, correct? Any suggestions on what to use?

3. Any other suggestions / Comments gladly welcomed. Thanks for helping a newbie out guys

Cheers

Paragraph:
As an alternative to totally draining
the plumbing system, you may winter-
ize tanks and lines by pumping non-
toxic RV antifreeze through the sys-
tem. This product is available from
your dealer and from most RV supply
stores. Follow directions on the con-
tainer to determine the correct
amount to use for your coach.

Yes, you can just empty the tanks and put antifreeze in the fresh water tank and not blow out the lines.

However, there is a little kit that you can put into the inlet line at the water pump that allows you to pump directly from the gallon antifreeze bottles. Works pretty slick. It is not a bad idea to drain the water through the low point drains if you have them before you put the antifreeze through the system. Remember to do each spigot one at a time starting at the closest one to the pump and going downstream. AND when you are all done leave the spigots open and low point drains for awhile to get all the liquid out of the system.

I don't no nuting about the frig tho, maybe someone will chime in

[JFNM]

Hi Tasha!

Re: #1: Blowing out or antifreeze is a one or the other choice (no need to do both). Which is done is usually the owners preference. I suspect the antifreeze is a somewhat better option - especially if in an area with long, hard freezes. There are a couple of tricks to antifreeze. One is that you do not put the stuff in your fresh water tank. Instead, you disconnect your water pump and pump right out of the jug - thru your lines. The other(s) can vary depending on whether you have an ice maker and/or wash machine. In either case, best to follow the manufacturer recommendations on those.

Re. #2: I can't think of a reason that you could not continue to use your fridge/freezer (but not ice maker) on either electric or LP. I don't think any additional insulation is necessary.

In what part of the country are you located? Somewhere where it is below freezing for long periods?

Funny - my room mate is also named Buddy! (a cat)

[GypsyYears]

Originally Posted by JFNM

Hi Tasha!

Re: #1: Blowing out or antifreeze is a one or the other choice (no need to do both). Which is done is usually the owners preference. I suspect the antifreeze is a somewhat better option - especially if in an area with long, hard freezes. There are a couple of tricks to antifreeze. One is that you do not put the stuff in your fresh water tank. Instead, you disconnect your water pump and pump right out of the jug - thru your lines. The other(s) can vary depending on whether you have an ice maker and/or wash machine. In either case, best to follow the manufacturer 2:recommendations on those.

Re. #2: I can't think of a reason that you could not continue to use your fridge/freezer (but not ice maker) on either electric or LP. I don't think any additional insulation is necessary.

In what part of the country are you located? Somewhere where it is below freezing for long periods?

Funny - my room mate is also named Buddy! (a cat)

Aw ok! Thanks for clarifying, that makes a whole lot more sense haha. I am in Northern CO - it gets decently cold and below freezing some / most nights of the winter but will frequently be above freezing during the days.

Buddies are the best Buddies to have!! Haha (meow or woof!)

[beamisl]

GypsyYears,


I have a 2004 Itasca, so probably quite like yours. Do you have your manuals? If not, I can give you a website that you can get them from or at least view them. It will show you if you have a syphon hose for your winterizing. It will make it much easier.


RV Antifreeze is as follows. At a RV store usually around $5 a gallon. At Menard's. Home Depot, usually around $4 a gallon. Walmart, $3 a gallon.


They instruct to also pour some in your drains and toilet to keep those areas from freezing. My instructions say to do farthest faucet first, then go to closest to faucet to syphon. Don't forget your outside shower hose too.


Also make sure you drain your water heater or it will freeze. Just let e know if you want the website that will show you everything about your rig including if you want to replace curtains.


This is our first year to winterize too. A good friend showed us what to do and we feel we can handle it just fine. Sure don't want any broken pipes.


Good luck. Lynne

[GypsyYears]

Originally Posted by beamisl

GypsyYears,


I have a 2004 Itasca, so probably quite like yours. Do you have your manuals? If not, I can give you a website that you can get them from or at least view them. It will show you if you have a syphon hose for your winterizing. It will make it much easier.


RV Antifreeze is as follows. At a RV store usually around $5 a gallon. At Menard's. Home Depot, usually around $4 a gallon. Walmart, $3 a gallon.


They instruct to also pour some in your drains and toilet to keep those areas from freezing. My instructions say to do farthest faucet first, then go to closest to faucet to syphon. Don't forget your outside shower hose too.


Also make sure you drain your water heater or it will freeze. Just let e know if you want the website that will show you everything about your rig including if you want to replace curtains.


This is our first year to winterize too. A good friend showed us what to do and we feel we can handle it just fine. Sure don't want any broken pipes.


Good luck. Lynne

Hi Lynne!

Thanks for your advice - I have looked at the manual... I was just confused on some of the wording, which you all have clarified.

I will definitely make sure to drain the water heater.

Thanks! Happy camping