How to Winterize your RV

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  • Опубликовано: 27 ноя 2024

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  • @TroyD-vo1bz
    @TroyD-vo1bz Год назад +4

    Here is an amusing little anecdote for you: I have a small tiny house and I poured this RV antifreeze into the dishwasher and drains. I had 2 gallons, but I left one gallon sitting on the countertop as I did not need to use both gallons. For whatever the reason I had to get something out of the cabin and temperature was something like 25 below zero. I walked into the cabin and noticed the brand-new container of RV antifreeze was totally Frozen! Ha!! It's supposed to be good to 50 below zero and it was half that temperature and it was a solid rock. The bottom line is don't trust the label on this stuff.

    • @Programtimeconsuming
      @Programtimeconsuming 8 месяцев назад

      That's actually normal. The difference is that the antifreeze doesn't expand when frozen and cause pipes to burst.

    • @TroyD-vo1bz
      @TroyD-vo1bz 8 месяцев назад

      Thanks. I learned about this after writing as well.

  • @candaceanderson2384
    @candaceanderson2384 Год назад +5

    The Furrion Tankless hot water system requires you run the RV antifreeze through it as well. While it is not a difficult thing to do, it is very confusing at first. That might be a good thing to address as more and more RV's have the tankless water heaters.

  • @niceatrya3477
    @niceatrya3477 2 года назад +8

    One other I think gets missed on just about every rig. The check valve on the city water hookup. When you are all said and done, turn off the pump, open up the cold water on any faucet for a second to relieve pressure, and then pull that little gasket out on the fresh water hookup with the screen, and press the button behind it until pink stuff starts flowing out.

  • @jeffcooper5508
    @jeffcooper5508 Год назад +8

    Great video. The only thing I have to add to draining the hot water tank, I will loosely thread in a plug where the anode rod goes in to keep bugs or rodents out of the hot water tank over the winter

  • @FredAbels
    @FredAbels Год назад +1

    As a builder if I was leaving a house with no heat for the winter I would just hook up a heavy duty industrial vacuum cleaner in basement… turn on the vacuum and let it run a few hours…and antifreeze in all the traps and toilets…Never had a problem

  • @frankmitzen2008
    @frankmitzen2008 2 года назад +10

    Easy way to treat the black tank flush is to connect the outside shower to the flush connection and run antifreeze through it

    • @Joker45678
      @Joker45678 2 года назад

      If you have it hooked up that way, it's a good way to get rid of the hot water from the water heater tank. Just use the hot water to flush the black tank.

  • @erinreynolds494
    @erinreynolds494 Год назад +8

    You mentioned instructions for doing the black tank clean out but I can’t find it? Where was it?

  • @mosszaphod
    @mosszaphod Месяц назад

    Very helpful! Thanks for the great info. I love how detailed and easy to follow you explain things.

  • @dkharris111
    @dkharris111 Год назад +3

    Any suggestions for people who camp through once a month or so through the winter? RV AF is great for long periods but to deal with it multiple times per year is expensive and time consuming. We live in Western NC and see freezing temps on and off from Late October through Feb. Thanks

  • @williambeams1110
    @williambeams1110 Год назад +2

    When do you need to winterize your RV, in regard to air temperature? Thanks

  • @kellyandmarkteplitsky7597
    @kellyandmarkteplitsky7597 Год назад +1

    Thank you for the great video. Very succinct and very helpful.

  • @msheron
    @msheron 2 года назад

    Great video Todd! We just winterized our GD fiver and we use the air compressor to get as much residual water out of the lines we can from our last camp of the year and after all tanks were emptied at the campground. Then since we have a Nautilus water system, which makes things so much easier, we pump in the antifreeze. We also since we have a tankless water heater leave the drain plug out for precaution only even after draining the residual from the tankless water heater. I even pack R value insulation into the water heater area to assist in keeping it a bit more protected.

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад

      That's great.

    • @msheron
      @msheron 2 года назад

      @@NationalRVTrainingAcademy Are there any plans of ever rolling out your technician course in other parts of the United States?

  • @michaelmetzger3849
    @michaelmetzger3849 Год назад +1

    I buy a couple cheap bottles of Vodka and put them in the fresh water tank, then come spring I use the pump and the Vodka pumps the pink antifreeze out and sanitizes the water lines.

  • @BottleJackBuddy
    @BottleJackBuddy 10 месяцев назад

    Love it! Thanks for putting this together!

  • @mattwilson3634
    @mattwilson3634 25 дней назад

    Oh crap. I dumped out all my water and blew it out with compressed air. Also drained the water heater.
    Then I poured 4gallons of pink antifreeze in the fresh tank and used the pump to run it through the system. Including the hot water tank. Did I mess up!? Did I damage anything or can I just wash it all out and start over?

  • @BillEdwards4
    @BillEdwards4 Год назад

    Yikes! I always forget the black tank flush. Thanks for the reminder 🙂

  • @Intwodeep902
    @Intwodeep902 Год назад

    Great video do I need by pass my fresh water tank when using the pump when filling the pink stuff up?

  • @marleneambrister8669
    @marleneambrister8669 Месяц назад

    Can you do an instruction video for winterizing a tankless water heater? We use "the pink stuff" not compressed air. We are in NH, so we get COLD!!!! There are differing opinions about putting antifreeze in the water heater. Speak to me my RV Guru!!!!! Thanks in advance....now to go book a cruise!!

  • @casualcarpsman9200
    @casualcarpsman9200 2 месяца назад

    love the video and it will be my guide. I do hope i can ask a question tho? I have a fullsize toilet and wondering if i let the tank fill a little then flush or lift the trap? TIA

  • @NYVET48TFW
    @NYVET48TFW Год назад +1

    You forgot to mention running the antifreeze through the Power-Fill for those who have the wet bay panel.

  • @betterwithrum
    @betterwithrum Месяц назад

    Really feel like this needs to be demonstrated.

  • @Eightball2516
    @Eightball2516 2 года назад +2

    I’ve been using air for years never had a problem.

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад

      A lot of people have without issue. There's nothing wrong with your method. Thanks for sharing.

  • @bertkelly7650
    @bertkelly7650 2 года назад

    Thanks Tuesday Todd!

  • @gr8705
    @gr8705 Год назад

    I refuse to put that pink antifreeze in my water lines (I do put in in the drains). I blow mine out opening each faucet one at a time with the low point drains open. I disconnect the shower hose and outdoor shower hose. I also dump any water in the inside water filter. No issues in 7 years with temps as low as -2 degrees. Like Todd says, every RV model plumbing is different and your results may vary!

  • @DonJen2478
    @DonJen2478 10 месяцев назад

    I'm sure this video on winterizing is on point. I've followed his directions to the T and for some reason I don't see the pink stuff coming out. My pump is constantly running trying to push the antifreeze through. Once I open the valve on either the cold water or hot water side, there is only air coming out. No pinky Stuff. Newbie mistake or is it operators headspace? Help

  • @brianholmes8701
    @brianholmes8701 9 месяцев назад

    I've been told that when I store my travel trailer I should lower the front end as far as possible so that water and snow won't pool on the roof. What's your expert opinion?

  • @contentofcharacter
    @contentofcharacter 2 года назад +1

    This one is timely🙏

  • @tonymirabelli7031
    @tonymirabelli7031 Год назад

    Great informative video. You mentioned for RV's with Nautilus system to just pump antifreeze thru plumbing (& tankless heater?) using the Nautilus "Winterize" setting on panel. In that setting I believe antifreeze bypasses the tankless heater. Would it not be advisable to have antifreeze go thru water heater as well? I have previously run air thru"City Water" panel setting, so would tankless heater be safe without antifreeze in it, or best to have antifreeze in it? Not sure which way to go here. Your thoughts?

  • @allensteinkamp542
    @allensteinkamp542 Месяц назад

    What about a Suburban tankless water heater? It only has a pressure valve

  • @joelincolnlincoln6315
    @joelincolnlincoln6315 Год назад

    This is alot work.i bought my 1st rv n camped 4 months straight till even using water or bathroom. Of course they said itbwas wintetized but bathroom leaking water so ibdont even use tbe water or bathroom

  • @jamespichichero6025
    @jamespichichero6025 Год назад

    What s the best way to winterize a travel trailer with a tankless water heater iwe have a 2023 27rb jayco white hawk ?

  • @wonderingBadger
    @wonderingBadger 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for this video!

  • @TheKissarmygeneral
    @TheKissarmygeneral Год назад

    What a helpful video

  • @f600stuff
    @f600stuff Год назад

    I have a tankless water heater. Instant water heater. I put antifreeze in the water heater and do not by pass it.

  • @Busterdmj1057
    @Busterdmj1057 Год назад

    Excellent. Thanks!

  • @frankd8180
    @frankd8180 2 года назад

    Great video - thanks for including the method using the water pump.
    My TT pump with a by-pass open hose on the inlet side of the pump. I am assuming this will be the suction side for the anti-freeze how ever the filter is on the water pump after the bypass..
    Should I disconnect the filter and reconnect the "bypass" side ?
    Thanks in advance.

  • @katherinelalicker8894
    @katherinelalicker8894 Год назад

    We have a 42' safari, its the water pump isn't working we're trying to winterize it. It's not going to well!

  • @clyderanger
    @clyderanger Год назад

    you suggested dump black tanks ,water would freeze an bust tank, but in another video if RV is going to be parked a long time you need to put half tank of water an pour unique treatment for bacteria control .thinking I will just leave them DRY,,LOL

  • @jasonbrazel607
    @jasonbrazel607 Год назад +1

    Hey Todd, should one leave their faucets dripping if they have a heated underbelly?
    Or will leaving the cabinet doors open be sufficient?

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  Год назад +1

      So dripping faucet water goes into the gray tank. You can easily overfill the gray tank. No need to drip. Open the cabinets so the heat can get to the lines.

    • @jasonbrazel607
      @jasonbrazel607 Год назад

      @@NationalRVTrainingAcademy thank you sir.
      I'm looking forward to taking the course y'all offer after the Holidays. Thanks for all you do too help.

  • @agems56
    @agems56 Год назад

    When pumping antifreeze through the lines, isn't it important to open the closest taps to the pump first and work your way to the far ones? Or does it matter?

  • @randomspirit
    @randomspirit 2 года назад +1

    Is any of this stuff explained in the owner's manual that comes with the RV?

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад +1

      Since every RV is unique they usually have winterization steps included. look at the water bay systems manuals.

  • @0707moto
    @0707moto 2 года назад +2

    Air is the only way for me

  • @elaine5667
    @elaine5667 Год назад

    Todd, what did you connect that hose to?

  • @johnlynch5221
    @johnlynch5221 2 года назад +2

    After doing ALL the plumbing. I take the leftover pink stuff and pour about a cup down each drain for extra insurance. Where the p-traps are is next to impossible to replace.

  • @patricep1987
    @patricep1987 2 года назад +1

    So, I’ve seen videos with using a hand pump to pump the antifreeze into the city water outlet and thru the lines. Can this be done instead of connecting directly to the water pump? These two steps are confusing me

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад +1

      The hand pump and the water pump both serve the same purpose. however you can get the antifreeze fluid into your water lines is fine.

  • @liltaz1225
    @liltaz1225 Год назад

    Hey guys this is my first winter with a camper. I was wondering if it is ok to apply the antifreeze through the holding tank. just pour 2-3 gallons in and turn on pump? I have a travel trailer non wet system. Or is it not recommended because it'll likely require more wasted antifreeze? I could also do this then at the end use the holding tank drain plug to run the antifreeze back into a bucket for next year haha. Just wondering if this is actually not a good idea. Thanks!

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  Год назад +1

      Yes you can. Add at least 1 gallon more as there will be some still in the holding tank.

  • @sparks701
    @sparks701 Год назад

    Instead of doing the siphon method could I just pour antifreeze in the freshwater tank and run pump to get to all faucets?

  • @darinmangrich6182
    @darinmangrich6182 Год назад

    Do I leave to drain valves open?

  • @bryonnewby5474
    @bryonnewby5474 2 года назад

    We are wintering in Washington State and wanted to know if we are supposed to cover our ACs on top of the trailer, or do something on the inside? We have the Coleman Mach.

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад

      You can put some insulation into the intake of your AC's. that will help slow down the warm air from escaping.

  • @chrisw6785
    @chrisw6785 Год назад

    getting an rv motorhome next week. i think it might be easier to take this guy with me, first couple trips, i just have to run it by the wife

  • @johnr5545
    @johnr5545 Год назад

    Thanks god bless

  • @landrews8966
    @landrews8966 Год назад

    My low point drain isn’t assessable without removing the cover from the underbelly. Manufacturer didn’t bother to cut a spot to expose them. Is it imperative that those lines be cleared?

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  Год назад

      That's sad that they didn't do that. If you ever need to get all the water out of your lines then you'll want them exposed under the underbelly. I would make a small cut to allow them to come through the underbelly and then you can use spray foam to seal up the hole.

  • @mikewatkins978
    @mikewatkins978 Год назад

    I guess I got lucky, my house system only has a low point drain and no direct tank drain. I don't have a by-pass valve for the hot water tank but I didn't want to fill the hot water tank with antifreeze so I removed both lines from it after draining the tank and made a line to go from one to the other line.
    From there I put about 5gal of antifreeze into the fresh water tank and ran the pump going from each faucet, shower, and toilet flush. the system would pressurize while I went from faucet to faucet.
    Once I had solid pink water to all points I shut off the pump and opened the low point drain and ran the pump again until only drips came out of the drain pipe. My low point drain is after the pump so I don't have much choice on emptying the system other than to run the pump with the low point drain open, now your asking how did I get lucky?
    I totally forgot about the city water hook up, well while I was pressurizing the house system to get antifreeze to everything else the city water hook up was leaking past the one-way valve in the fitting and there was antifreeze dripping down the side of my RV.
    I tried to fix the leak a while back by just pushing on the valve from the outside and hoping it just needed to reseat, but it's an old RV and it didn't reseal;, I have a new city water fill unit on the side of my RV now but it felt good to know I got pink water coming out of every water outlet.

  • @audiomxr
    @audiomxr 2 года назад +1

    My wife is worried that the pink RV will leave a taste in the pipes? - Is that a thing to be concerned about?

    • @concreteguyjd
      @concreteguyjd 2 года назад +1

      No, just flush it good.

    • @kevincameron8437
      @kevincameron8437 2 года назад +1

      Nothing to worry about. A good flush and all is good.

    • @gardnetbush9768
      @gardnetbush9768 2 года назад +1

      No and it's a good thing to clean the fresh water tank and the lines when dewinterize

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад +1

      Just flush the lines. It'll be good. You can also sanitize your water lines before using next season.

  • @Lolaandcassidyadventures
    @Lolaandcassidyadventures Год назад

    Amazes me how many people don’t winterize my brother included! He says it’s under warranty. 😂

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  Год назад

      Should be done even if under warranty.

    • @malibusbc
      @malibusbc Год назад +1

      Its not covered under most warranty if caused by freeze damage...even i. The south lol.

  • @dennishuntington8102
    @dennishuntington8102 2 года назад +1

    Black tank flush procedure?

    • @Good-Life34010
      @Good-Life34010 2 года назад

      I would say blow out with low air pressure.

    • @joinrjourney2589
      @joinrjourney2589 2 года назад +1

      If you don't have a black tank flush inlet here's the easiest process...1) empty black tank...2) fill up 5 gallon buckets, add whatever cleaner you like 3) pour down your toilet 4) take a quick drive to slosh the water around 5) empty black tank ------ no real rocket science to it ---- it's a real shitty job!

    • @bradb712
      @bradb712 2 года назад +4

      I think he was asking how to get pink stuff through black tank flush line.

    • @denniskwasnycia1950
      @denniskwasnycia1950 2 года назад +1

      You can use a manual hand pump screwed to the opening where the hose would attach and pump in the any-freeze that way. You could also just clear that line with air and leave it.

    • @joinrjourney2589
      @joinrjourney2589 2 года назад +1

      @@bradb712 Gotcha...missed that, thanks! lol but again, this isn't brain surgery...many people overthink this stuff!

  • @migdaliaryan8935
    @migdaliaryan8935 Год назад

    Can we put pink in the fresh water tank to winterized it?

  • @lelandplume6889
    @lelandplume6889 Год назад

    My brother in law is a newbie and he unwittingly used auto antifreeze to winterize his RV! Obviously he needs to get it out. Has he ruined his system? What can he do?

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  Год назад

      let's ask Todd.

    • @lelandplume6889
      @lelandplume6889 Год назад

      @@NationalRVTrainingAcademy You’re making a video on my question! Awesome! I’ll be watching!

    • @lelandplume6889
      @lelandplume6889 Год назад

      @@NationalRVTrainingAcademy thanks guys! When I sent you that question I sent it out far and wide to all the sources I could find. The most positive and reliable feedback I got was from a dealership RV Tech who has seen this before. He provided the following instructions (and by the way, my brother in law used 50/50 antifreeze so it was 50% diluted). The Tech’s instructions were:
      1. Flush the 50/50 out of the system with water
      2. Using Dawn dish detergent, add 1 cup of Dawn to 5 gallons of water and mix.
      3. Run the Dawn into the system until foam comes out of all faucets and toilet.
      4. Let stand for 30 minutes and repeat this process 5 times.
      5. Flush the Dawn out of the system and winterize using RV antifreeze.
      6. At the end of the season, flush the rv antifreeze out of the system and repeat step 2 thru 4.
      According to the Tech, after this process glycol levels will be in the .005ppm range and we’ll within safety limits.
      But I also agree about never drinking out of that system… ever!
      Thanks again for the video!

    • @sparks701
      @sparks701 Год назад

      Instead of the siphon method. Can I just pour antifreeze in the fresh water tank and run through the the system with the pump?

  • @markreynolds9570
    @markreynolds9570 2 года назад +1

    What about on demand water heaters?

    • @msheron
      @msheron 2 года назад +1

      We just did this a few weeks ago. I put that in my reply to this tech tip episode.

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад +2

      Those usually require a procedure that is spelled out in your user manual. It's also different between brands of on demands.

    • @markreynolds9570
      @markreynolds9570 2 года назад

      @@NationalRVTrainingAcademy High percentage of RV's have them now. I would have added it to the discussion. Missed a lot of people.
      Basically add a gallon for the heater since it needs to be filled and not bypassed.

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад

      I agree. Pretend like it’s not there and let the fluid pass into it. First reply wasn’t Todd. This one is.
      Although I could have sworn I went over that in the video, maybe it didn’t make the cut.
      Todd

    • @markreynolds9570
      @markreynolds9570 2 года назад +1

      @@NationalRVTrainingAcademy Still love your show Todd.
      Thanks

  • @darinmahlke3296
    @darinmahlke3296 2 года назад +1

    I’m leaving for the holiday and work for two weeks and temps will remain below freezing while I’m gone. I want to turn off city water as I have some small drip leaks in storage bay housing plumbing systems which I’ve been unable to stop, and they only drip with pressure of city water when on. I assume my hot h2o tank and other water lines stay full even with city water off? And, If so, I can safely leave propane and electric heater on? The storage bay with plumbing is insulated and I’ll leave furnace on set at 50 so warm air will still cycle through the bay preventing any freezing. I’d rather not winterize for two weeks away when I’ll be coming back to continue living in rig. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад

      That's a hard one. Winterizing is probably best option. Keeping the furnace on and electrical heat on can present some problems if there isn't anyone there to monitor. Even if you turn off the water there is still water in the lines. you can use the low point drains and empty as much water out of the lines. There's no real easy answer.

  • @62kevinde
    @62kevinde Год назад +4

    How do I get antifreeze into the Black Tank Flush line?

  • @jamesmccormick6072
    @jamesmccormick6072 2 года назад

    Do I need to worry about the city water connection on my TT? It is at the back of the TT and the after pump is up towards the front.

    • @niceatrya3477
      @niceatrya3477 2 года назад +4

      Yes. Last step is to open up the cold water on any faucet for like a second to relieve *some* pressure in the system, then go to your city water hookup, remove the black gasket with the screen on it with a small tool such as a flat head screw driver, and press the relief button behind it. You will see water come out, and then pink stuff. Make sure to bleed the line a bit as mentioned first or you could blow an o-ring. There shouldn't be much resistance when trying the press the relief button. If there is, open your faucet a little more for a half second or so.

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад +1

      that's a great idea Nicea. thanks for commenting.

  • @RalphWalton
    @RalphWalton 2 года назад +1

    Bloopers 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @t.w.fields8871
    @t.w.fields8871 2 года назад +1

    How much Pink Stuff do you need to put in the gay and black water tanks?

    • @concreteguyjd
      @concreteguyjd 2 года назад

      If they’re empty, none.

    • @aaronwalton8467
      @aaronwalton8467 2 года назад +1

      I do a gallon in each of my "empty" holding tanks. Anti-freeze is cheap; repairs are expensive.

    • @gardnetbush9768
      @gardnetbush9768 2 года назад

      Remember your holding tanks are going to automatically get in them tanks you don't need much to keep it from freezing as long you empty these tanks before you winterize it will be fine

    • @NationalRVTrainingAcademy
      @NationalRVTrainingAcademy  2 года назад +1

      if you have a little in those tanks that should be fine. as long as your holding tanks are mostly empty. If they are empty then you will be fine without adding anything. either way.

  • @brianschindler1511
    @brianschindler1511 Год назад

    👍👍👍👍👍

  • @katherinelalicker8894
    @katherinelalicker8894 Год назад

    Our water pump is not working!

  • @stevebeede
    @stevebeede 2 года назад

    Thanks for the details, Todd! Any suggestion on the antifreeze formulation? I'm reading that Propylene Glycol based antifreeze is best, but I'm having a heck of a time finding one that's in-stock. Would I damage anything by using an Ethanol based formulation, or a blend?

  • @GatorsRock0219
    @GatorsRock0219 2 года назад +3

    Or just go somewhere warm!