Rv antifreeze vs using compressed air

[bat119]

Originally Posted by anthony5

Took most of the summer to get the RV antifreeze flavor to go away.

I only use my tank water for utility purposes washing and dishes we only use drinking water from a known source 5 gallons of bottled water lasts for days. Filling up your tank at campgrounds of possibly potable is like rolling the dice and who knows what could be growing in your tanks from unchlorinated water.

[YYC338]

Originally Posted by bat119

I only use my tank water for utility purposes washing and dishes we only use drinking water from a known source 5 gallons of bottled water lasts for days. Filling up your tank at campgrounds of possibly potable is like rolling the dice and who knows what could be growing in your tanks from unchlorinated water.

Yup, me too. There's better sources of drinking water than my "fresh water" tank and RV lines. One stay at at a full hook up site to run pressurized water from the "city" hook up through all taps etc. and out the grey tank. Or do it in your own back yard with a drinking water quality hose hooked to your outdoor tap. All done in a matter of minutes.

I also make sure I never pressure up the water system with RV anti freeze in the lines in the fall. That may help reduce the odor/taste, but it's never been a problem the next season.

[boosterjuice]

So how long do you think I can leave it before winterizing? I was hoping for an October heat wave to do some fall camping but I see the temp going down to -5 this weekend.

[bat119]

Originally Posted by boosterjuice

So how long do you think I can leave it before winterizing? I was hoping for an October heat wave to do some fall camping but I see the temp going down to -5 this weekend.

Antifreeze is cheap takes a short time to remove and replace better safe than sorry for 10 bucks why not.

[boosterjuice]

Originally Posted by bat119

Antifreeze is cheap takes a short time to remove and replace better safe than sorry for 10 bucks why not.

You're right, but my trailer is 2hr drive away. I guess I better make time.

[bat119]

Originally Posted by boosterjuice

You're right, but my trailer is 2hr drive away. I guess I better make time.

I'm in the same boat I usually do it in Oct. last weekend it went down to -5 overnight I drove out and did it just to be on the safe side, my outside shower water line had some ice took a while for the antifreeze to go through. I saw a water heater at the dealership that looked like a basketball it had froze over a winter it was enough to spook me.

[anthony5]

Originally Posted by bat119

I only use my tank water for utility purposes washing and dishes we only use drinking water from a known source 5 gallons of bottled water lasts for days. Filling up your tank at campgrounds of possibly potable is like rolling the dice and who knows what could be growing in your tanks from unchlorinated water.

Fill up my tank at home and head to the mountains for 3 weeks where there are no services other than an outhouse and a water pump, if the pump works. Never fill the water tank from an unknown source. Pump water is used for dishes, showers, putting campfire out.

[brightons]

I've used both methods and both have worked. And yes, there is a chance that "some lines will not get completely blown out and might freeze". If done properly, this shouldn't happen but then ..using both methods pretty much guarantees success. Air is free and the antifreeze is cheap.

Doesn't matter which method you use, as along as you don't forget about the black tank flush, the outside shower, and the ........, you'll be fine

[mooseknuckle]

Been doing it every year for nearly 20 years. I just go the antifreeze route. Bypass the hot water tank. last fall I forgot to pull the plug on the tank. $250 later and about an hour I had it swapped out but an expensive lesson nevertheless.

[scesfiremedic]

Originally Posted by YYC338

Also, wedge the toilet valve in the bowl open with a piece of wood or something. It helps make sure it's fully drained.

That’s what the vent stack is for!

[YYC338]

Originally Posted by scesfiremedic

That’s what the vent stack is for!

Ahh, not really. The vent stack has no bearing on whether there is pressure and maybe water at the toilet.

Holding the flush valve open also means the water line to the toilet is left open, the line has no residual pressure on it and there shouldn't be any water or antifreeze for that matter at the valve in the toilet under pressure.

[liar]

Originally Posted by anthony5

Took most of the summer to get the RV antifreeze flavor to go away.

fair enough . we always bring a five gallon jug and pump for drinking water so i have never noticed this .