cedarcamper
Cedar City, UT
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Joined: 09/20/2007
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Do I need to do it? It says in the owner's manual to run "RV antifreeze" through the plumbing system, but I can't seem to find the stuff at Walmart or any auto parts store. Can I just use normal antifreeze if I flush it really well next spring?
Also, we live in an area that freezes this month but close to a much warmer area where we can likely camp into December. Can I just winterize the water lines and not use the water? Is there anything else I have to worry about (besides storing the battery)?
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hemlox
Western Illinois
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Joined: 05/21/2007
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No, you need to use the RV pink stuff. Automobile antifreeze is poisenous. Walmart usually has it, as well as any RV store. I would drain and blow out all the lines just to be safe until you can locate some. But it gets pretty cold where you are, you do need to winterize or you will have problems. And again, do NOT use the automobile stuff. And yes, you can winterize and still camp, just don't use the water, or use it and rewinterize. Good luck.
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CloudDriver
New Jersey Shore
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Do not put automobile radiator antifreeze in your RV piping. It is poisonous. RV antifreeze is a different chemistry and is non-toxic.
If there are any marine stores in the area, they will have it. Boats with plumbing systems need to winterize too. Try the WalMart again. They may have been sold out.
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catkins
Washington
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Joined: 10/27/2003
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Winterizing will be a MUST where you are. Any freeze with water in the lines can cause very costly broken water line breaks/hot water tank damage and significant loss of fun and money. RV antifreeze can be found at Walmarts/RV dealers/Fred Meyers and many other places. Be sure it is RV anntifreeze which is not dangerous. Auto antifreeze can be deadly, even in small amounts.
Now, once winterized............ YES you can use the rig. We do it often by simply carrying jugs of water for cooking, hand washing and even flushing. When we are done, I simply drain the tanks and add the pink RV antifreeze back into all the P-traps and some in the toilet to keep that seal moist. I put some antifreeze down the black tank to keep the solids that may remain from becoming cementlike.
Good luck but DO winterize all water lines!!
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ButteBumBob
Albuquerque,New Mexico, USA
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This might help...
Before you get started there are a few items you will need to have. These items can be found in most RV parts stores:
Non-toxic RV antifreeze (The amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. Two to three gallons will normally do).
A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.
A wand to clean out holding tanks.
A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.
Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.
Now we can winterize the RV water system to protect it from freezing. Be sure to read your owners manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines. Follow the steps below that apply to your RV.
If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass before starting.
Drain the fresh water holding tank.
Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. If your RV doesn’t have a built in tank flushing system clean the black tank out with a wand, or use a product like Flush King that allows you to clean both the black and gray tanks. Lubricate the termination valves with WD 40.
Drain the water heater. Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. CAUTION (never drain the water heater when it is hot or under pressure)
Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
Locate and open the low point drain lines. There will be one for the hot and cold water lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
Recap all drains and close all faucets.
By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze.
Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank). Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of non-toxic RV antifreeze.
Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required.
Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.
Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.
Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
If your water heater has an electric heating element make sure it is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
Make sure all the faucets are closed.
Consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines.
The unit is winterized
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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You need to winterize, but DO NOT USE REGULAR ANTIFREEZE! You should be able to find RV Antifreeze at Wal Mart either in the RV section or the automotive. Winterizing doesn't take long, so I would be safe and do it inbetween trips.
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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I am compelled to say it again Do Not Use Automotive Antifreeze.
I suggest you have your dealer or a near-by dealer winterize it for you for the first time if you are uncomfortable with the proceedure.
Most dealers around here charge about $60-$75. You could make an appointment, watch them and learn for next year.
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Turd Herder
A strange place
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Regular automotive antifreeze won't hurt your drain pipes (traps).
2006 GMC LBZ Crewcab
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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RV antifreeze is Pink. Wall-mart carries it, so does Tractor Supply, Every RV store and camping world from here to there and back, Even some super markets, Pep boys and more.. Very easy to find. Look for a PINK bottle and it will say RV on it
DO NOT USE automotive Both kinds are not healthy to consume but where as the RV type is safe if diluted enough... The automotive kind will kill you much faster
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
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Mi.
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lowe's, menards and home depot also carry the rv antifreeze. NEVER USE ANY TYPE OF AUTOMOTIVE ANTIFREEZE you will never flush the poison from the lines. And just a few drops are toxic.
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