Question for anyone winterizing using the Viair compressor

[Dav L]

I installed a permanent air hose quick connect on the fresh water Input manifold (Pex connections). And a valve right after that (manual and soon electric).

Makes it very easy to just connect a regulated air hose and open the valve and start draining lines.

If you need to winterize more than once per season, highly recommended as it makes this so easy.

I also put 4 gallons antifreeze in a bucket and stick the winterizing line in it to make adding the antifreeze easy as well. More efficient that stop / put another gallon on the line / restart your winterizing (in and out of the coach multiple times).

And of course the electric valves I replace the manual ones with also makes this super easy.

Today I use my shop compressor with filtered / regulated air. The Vlair doesn't put out much CFM and would take many pump cycles to properly winterize. If thats all one has, then sure.

I purchased a small air compressor designed for permanent install in the RV just for winterizing to automate that process step to. Just haven't gotten around to installing it.

[Iceclimber]

Originally Posted by Dav L

I installed a permanent air hose quick connect on the fresh water Input manifold (Pex connections). And a valve right after that (manual and soon electric).

Makes it very easy to just connect a regulated air hose and open the valve and start draining lines.

If you need to winterize more than once per season, highly recommended as it makes this so easy.

I also put 4 gallons antifreeze in a bucket and stick the winterizing line in it to make adding the antifreeze easy as well. More efficient that stop / put another gallon on the line / restart your winterizing (in and out of the coach multiple times).

And of course the electric valves I replace the manual ones with also makes this super easy.

Today I use my shop compressor with filtered / regulated air. The Vlair doesn't put out much CFM and would take many pump cycles to properly winterize. If thats all one has, then sure.

I purchased a small air compressor designed for permanent install in the RV just for winterizing to automate that process step to. Just haven't gotten around to installing it.

hi could you share a link to the small air compressor you mention ? Thanks

[JonMN]

Thanks Dav L for the idea! I already had a threaded cap on the tube used for antifreeze. All I needed to do was buy a 1/4" NPT air attachment and a threaded adapter. Now I can just hook up my small compressor to the antifreeze tube.

[NMRVer]

I have a ViAir compressor and use the air method for winterizing. I have an tire air valve that connects to the water in that allows continuous air flow. I use my low point drain to prevent over pressurizing the lines and it allows me to walk inside and blow out the remaining water. It just takes a few seconds to regulate the pressure in the lines by adjusting the drain valves to the desired pressure. Easy and works well. 15 years and no problems winterizing. I tried the antifreeze in lines methods, but though I tasted it for a few months after spring opening. Just my opinion for whatever that means.

[JonMN]

Originally Posted by NMRVer

I have a ViAir compressor and use the air method for winterizing. I have an tire air valve that connects to the water in that allows continuous air flow. I use my low point drain to prevent over pressurizing the lines and it allows me to walk inside and blow out the remaining water. It just takes a few seconds to regulate the pressure in the lines by adjusting the drain valves to the desired pressure. Easy and works well. 15 years and no problems winterizing. I tried the antifreeze in lines methods, but though I tasted it for a few months after spring opening. Just my opinion for whatever that means.

That's great to hear! Just for a fun project, I am going to add a 12v plug in the cabin so I can hook up my Viair. I already have an adapter so I can push air in thru the hose used for antifreeze. It's on the input side of the pump, so I wil dry that out a little too.

[Ray,IN]

You have a high-pressure, low-volume Viair air compressor. What is needed is a high-volume, low-pressure compressor.

[rarebear.nm]

RVs are made very differently, including their plumbing systems. In my 5th wheeler my standard winterizing technique is run antifreeze though all lines and then blow the AF out with a high volume air source at about 45 PSI. I'd run the air until had just a bit of sputtering AF coming out of the facets.


Last time I dewinterized (last week) I watched how much AF came out when I started running fresh water through. If that had been water I would have worried about winterizing my rig with only air. Other RVs will behave differently. This RV is left setup in an RV park in Colorado and we use it every month. So I have winterized and dewinterized many times in a season.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Iceclimber

Never thought of using the water regulator, that's clever. I think my air adapter with regulator was less than 10 bucks. For the record PEX is rated for 160 lbs. If you can over pressure that well then, you are trying really hard. Plus just about every "normal" sub $100 compressor has a limit valve but OP says he doesn't want to use one of those.

The pex pipe might be rated for 160, the fittings and fixtures?

When winterizing my system with air I regulate it to 35 psi. I have had fittings blow apart at 50 psi.

Aaron

[JonMN]

Thanks again for all the replies. Interesting to see all the techniques that have been developed over the years. I have been blowing with air and then adding a little antifreeze here and there. Kind of the belt and suspenders approach I guess.

When I am home in the shop I have about 4 air compressors to choose from, ranging from small and very quiet to large and very noisy, so I'm covered.

What I plan to do with Viair is winterize at an RV park or driveway on the way from a warm climate to the frigid north this winter. The Viair is about as big as I am willing to carry. Think it will work great, but still will add a little AF.