Community Forums

Burtisha · 03-22-2016, 05:30 PM

All, A few weeks ago I took delivery of a 2015 Keystone Springdale 260LE. She's a beautie!! And a huge step up from my 1982 Sunline TT in which the only thing that worked was the AC. I didn't know much about the 1982, and didn't really need to know much considering that nothing worked LOL.

So, here are my questions...

Can I de-winterize my RV at home before taking it out on the road? I saw that someone, when they drained the tanks after getting all the pink out, they just emptied the black/grey water into a 5 gal bucket and said they flushed it down their home toilet. Is this a viable option?

This weekend I would love to de-winterize the TT, as next weekend I will be taking it to the campground that I will be parking it at. I'd like to go ahead and get it all de-winterized and mostly ready before I leave, rather then de-winterizing it there.

I still feel like there is a lot to learn, and a short period of time to learn it, but I will learn as I go I suppose. Thanks for you help in advance!

Englishman · 03-22-2016, 06:01 PM

That is an option as long as you know that both tanks are empty with the exception of the anti freeze. The other thing you can do is just flush the lines and dump the tanks at the campground. The hot water tank should be empty but you may need to turn the bypass valve for to fill it up.

Good luck.

daveRG · 03-22-2016, 08:40 PM

I've always been told the RV stuff is non toxic and environmentally "friendly", meaning you can flush down the toilet, or even empty it down your driveway or lawn.

RVGuy1966 · 03-23-2016, 04:53 AM

I believe the antifreeze is food grade or should be and is harmless if dumped. just dont dump black tank stuff outside, hold that for when you get to the campsite unless you have a cleanout st home to hook up to. just rinse out the clean tank and switch over the water heater and then cap the drains. thats all I do and never have a problem.

codgerbill · 03-23-2016, 05:31 AM

When I "winterize" I use the air compressor to blow out the lines and then I use the pink stuff in the "P" traps. At the last campout of the year I usually winterize and that includes fully emptying the black water, grey water, fresh water tanks and the water heater. In the spring to de winterize I stay at a local campground and sanitize the fresh water tank using a prescribed amount of bleach to water to fill the tank. I let that sit in the tank for several hours (5-6 hours). I have found a convenient sewer drain that I can park the coach over to drain the fresh water bleach combo and then its back to the campground to fill the tank to about half way and drive around to insure it is flushed. Once more I drain the tank in the sewer and it is good to go.

With regards to the pink stuff I will run all the faucets for a bit. You may notice when you start using the system that the water in the sink is kinda "foamy" and that is just the residual pink stuff. It is said that it is not harmful to your system. Once the system is dewinterized I then install the filters.

There may be an easier way but it is a system (for me) that has worked out well.

Burtisha · 03-23-2016, 06:26 AM

Thanks guys. This camper is brand New, so the tanks are clean and have not been used. This will be the first time it's been de-winterized. I'm still concerned about timing though. I take it toth campground on the 3rd, and was thinking I could de-winterize it before I go, but I might wait. I doubt I'll be staying in it right away after I drop it there, so I may just wait to de-winterize until I know I'll be staying in it more and the temps are optimal.