Question about winterizing

[Bigr]

My first RV Coachman Pursuit 29SS. Is it best to blow out water lines or add safe anti freeze? Thank you.

 

[Neemer]

Hi Bigr, and welcome! That is one of those questions that spawn never-ending wars. I’ll just tell you that I have always used antifreeze.

 

[L884593]

Hi Bigr, and welcome! That is one of those questions that spawn never-ending wars. I’ll just tell you that I have always used antifreeze.

you said a 'mouthful'! I asked 4-5 friends-got 3 different answers, 1# blow out only, #2 blow out antifreeze pee trap, and # 3 antifreeze only...so I guess it's what anyone feels comfortable with. I suspect since I live in east Texas, and much lower that upper 20's in winter, most folks around here haven't been put to the maximized test a lot of our northern friends have .

 

[Bigr]

Thank you. It is complicated and probably depends on which rig you have. In my case I could only rely on sparse at best info from the manufacturer. Blow out sounds initially like something that should be done however there are many warnings about damaging the lines. It would be easier if all manufacturers would simply have a low point value to just drain all water even the water heater which then one would only have to put antifreeze in the gray and black tanks. I would think that the company that would build in a simple system to drain would sell more. You guys rock! Great forum

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Actually, its not really that complicated. Either way works. The idea is to displace water that will freeze with something that won't; air or antifreeze. I've used both methods and tend to prefer blowing out the lines with air. Less trouble when reactivating the water system in the spring, but the choice is yours. And, there's really no danger using the compressed air method as long as you adjust the compressor pressure to 40 PSI or so. RV water lines should easily handle 55-60 PSI, but the lower 40 PSI is plenty to effectively blow out the lines.

What is important when using either method is to put a cup or two of antifreeze down each drain to prevent freezing in the p-traps. No antifreeze for the water heater tank or fresh/gray/black tanks; just drain them. And, be sure to turn off the electric element in the water heater before draining. Most electric and combo gas/electric water heaters have a secondary safety switch in the WH cabinet to prevent accidental activation when the tank is empty.

TJ