Community Forums

cinergi · 10-28-2019, 06:29 PM

Even if you'll have the heat in the coach on, the hot water line to the generator is exposed to the elements ... I'm about to have some 25-degree weather, so I needed to clear out that line to protect it -- so I naturally made a video

https://youtu.be/XDRd8pFmUlk

USMCRET · 10-29-2019, 07:43 AM

Perhaps this is covered in your vid (I’ll have to watch it later), but how is that hot water line used? What is its utility to the MH owner?

TJ · 10-29-2019, 08:35 AM

Windshield washing and front-cap bug removal during temporary stops.

The procedure shown in the video seems needlessly complex, however, just to clear that line. My coach has a shut-off valve in the forward cargo bay that I close and then use the drain valve at the faucet to drain the unheated portion of the line, Opening the faucet breaks any vacuum and allow for a complete drain. We have used that procedure successfully at our Montana place with overnight temps in the teens.

Now, if you want to completely blow out the coach water system for unheated storage, then follow the video steps.

TJ

cinergi · 10-29-2019, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

Windshield washing and front-cap bug removal during temporary stops.

The procedure shown in the video seems needlessly complex, however, just to clear that line. My coach has a shut-off valve in the forward cargo bay that I close and then use the drain valve at the faucet to drain the unheated portion of the line, Opening the faucet breaks any vacuum and allow for a complete drain. We have used that procedure successfully at our Montana place with overnight temps in the teens.

Now, if you want to completely blow out the coach water system for unheated storage, then follow the video steps.

TJ

For me I don’t seem to have a shut off (and many others don’t either). Regardless, isn’t the line uphill from the bay? I’m not sure how it could fully drain ...?

TJ · 10-29-2019, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinergi

For me I don’t seem to have a shut off (and many others don’t either). Regardless, isn’t the line uphill from the bay? I’m not sure how it could fully drain ...?

Mine is not; yours may be. On our MADP, the PEX line runs alongside the frame rail and the valve is in the forward, driver-side cargo bay.

With the 1/2" PEX, it would be an easy task to install a shut-off valve. I had to do that on the additional cold water line I had run up to the front. Newmar Parts had the valve in stock at a pretty reasonable cost. I already had the PEX cinch clamp crimping tool and clamps. It was a five-minute job to cut the PEX line, insert the shut-off valve and crimp the clamps.

TJ

RHoop · 10-29-2019, 04:38 PM

Thanks Neil. I can't find the cut-off valve on the gen area line on my NA. However, I don't have any water pressure at the spigot in front, so it must be there and be closed? I am going to get the Nappanee or NIRVC folks to help with that.

TJ · 10-29-2019, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHoop

Thanks Neil. I can't find the cut-off valve on the gen area line on my NA. However, I don't have any water pressure at the spigot in front, so it must be there and be closed? I am going to get the Nappanee or NIRVC folks to help with that.

I do hope someone on this thread is "Neil." Otherwise, NealC might think you have confused one of us here with him! Naw...he couldn't get that lucky.

TJ

RHoop · 10-29-2019, 06:01 PM

Oops

TJ · 10-29-2019, 06:07 PM

No worries!

TJ

willipaul · 10-29-2019, 06:19 PM

i remember some posts from NA owners that didn't have the shut off installed....

i too have the shut off on the line, inside the last bay closest to the battery compartment....shut that off, and then open the valve and the drain valve under the valve, and the vacuum breaks and the line totally evacuates....

i think some NA's from 2018 never got the shut off....

TJ · 10-29-2019, 07:19 PM

When we ordered our coach, we "specialed" a cold water line to be run to the generator compartment, alongside the optional hot water line. When I couldn't find a shut-off valve in the cold water line, I called Newmar and asked where it was. I was asked "did you ask for a shut-off valve?" Well, not specifically, but since Newmar installs one in the optional hot water line, I just assumed they would do the same for the cold water line. Silly me!

Sometimes, Newmar's logic is a little fuzzy!

TJ

redbaron73 · 10-29-2019, 07:24 PM

Adding a shutoff valve is very easy. I added a T and another valve in order to full drain my gen hot water line. I could never get it to fully siphon.

JMH · 10-29-2019, 07:54 PM

Tranquil Jim, you will now be know as NealC’s evil twin 🤣.

Disclaimer: no current, future, mythical or other possible poster was meant to be denigrated or besmirched during the generation of the post.

Love ya Jim. Moving on.

cinergi · 11-02-2019, 06:11 PM

Two updates ...

1) This does not work if you don't have a cutoff. I found water near my spigot today.

2) You can achieve the same thing by turning off your water, opening the low-point cold water drain (wet bay), and opening the valves by the generator. Water will naturally evacuate. Then you can cut off the line (wet bay), close your low point drain, and turn your water back on.

I opened up the wall and ceiling to search for a buried cutoff -- I simply do not have one. I'll have to add my own...