Winterizing -Is blowing out necessary?

[BoulderKJ]

We owned a Lance for 10 years and I simply drained tanks and the ran antifreeze through the lines. I didn’t blow out the lines.

We now own a 2024 303 RLS. Is using compressed air necessary or is it possible to just run antifreeze through the lines? I don’t own a compressor.



Thanks

 

[JKellerJr]

We owned a Lance for 10 years and I simply drained tanks and the ran antifreeze through the lines. I didn’t blow out the lines.

We now own a 2024 303 RLS. Is using compressed air necessary or is it possible to just run antifreeze through the lines? I don’t own a compressor.



Thanks

I don’t do it. Never did it back in the day. I tried it once or twice when I got our previous 377 because it was in the instructions. I quit doing it 4/5 years ago and haven’t had any issues. Don’t really understand the purpose when the antifreeze pushes the water out anyway.

Possibly they’re worried about dilution but I run plenty through anyway.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I've never blown out any lines. I don't want to drag out the necessary equipment to do it. And running antifreeze through it has served well for 20 years or so. I can't see that it does any harm to blow out the lines, but it's just an additional step that I don't do. Just boils down to personal preference I guess.

 

[triplethreat]

Yep, dilution of the AF is the main concern. I use about 35psi and blow out the lines first, as they are listed in the Winterization section of the Nautilus panel. I usually go through about 3 to 3 1/2 gallons of AF when winterizing and blowing the lines out ahead of adding the AF probably has the benefit of using a little less AF and no worries about it being diluted.

 

[Skilletface]

We owned a Lance for 10 years and I simply drained tanks and the ran antifreeze through the lines. I didn’t blow out the lines.

We now own a 2024 303 RLS. Is using compressed air necessary or is it possible to just run antifreeze through the lines? I don’t own a compressor.

Since you don’t own a compressor, I’d say open every drain plug low point drains etc for a day or two before pushing the antifreeze into your system.

When you get a compressor fallow triplethreats advice.

Thanks

 

[JKellerJr]

Yep, dilution of the AF is the main concern. I use about 35psi and blow out the lines first, as they are listed in the Winterization section of the Nautilus panel. I usually go through about 3 to 3 1/2 gallons of AF when winterizing and blowing the lines out ahead of adding the AF probably has the benefit of using a little less AF and no worries about it being diluted.

That's what I figured, I couldn't figure out any other reason for the air.

I probably use 4 1/2 to 5 gallons. I don't mind running a bit more through the faucets, just more it the traps and tanks. I doubt i would use less even if I did still blow them out.

If some is good, more doesn't hurt anything. RV antifreeze is cheap

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I just did mine yesterday, and used a total of 3 1/5 gallons. Kitchen, front and rear bathrooms including toilets, and outside shower. Ran antifreeze through all the lines, and poured some down all the drains and the toilets. Same way I've done it for years, with nary an issue. They all work, just personal preference.

 

[Second Chance]

We do things a bit differently - we drain the HWH, blow the lines and don't use antifreeze except in the P-traps, the toilet, and the bottom of the washing machine. We have a Viair portable RV compressor that does a great job of blowing the lines.

Rob

 

[Oldcow]

I have never used air here in eastern Canada where we do get very cold temps. I do use lots of antifreeze but it's cheap.

Winterized yesterday

Oldcow

 

[SGT ROC]

I started using air a couple of years ago, prior to that - never, just anti-freeze. I just take my pancake compressor down to the trailer and blow the lines out at 45 lbs pressure. It's only a short 60 feet to the trailer, and the carport has power, so no issue. I then add, at most, 1.5 gallons of anti-freeze, which is way more than I need to finish the job.

 

[BoredWeasel]

The furrion tankless water heater says you need to use compressed air first and then use antifreeze. My guess is this is due to the mixing bowl, the one you see freezing and cracking in all the complaint videos.

I used air with a follow up of antifreeze last year and it worked with no leaks in the spring.

 

[PeterInNH]

We do things a bit differently - we drain the HWH, blow the lines and don't use antifreeze except in the P-traps, the toilet, and the bottom of the washing machine. We have a Viair portable RV compressor that does a great job of blowing the lines.

Rob

Hi,

I'm looking at all kinds of models (way too many options !) trying to determine the best portable that will do (variable pressure) for both blowing the lines and filling tires. Which model do you have ?

Also, I understand it's (fairly ?) critical that you get some AF into the water pump. Do you do that ? If so, how ?

I hope to use my new camper for semi-frequent (and irregular) trips to ski areas here in the NE and am very interested in a quick and easy winterizing method that involves the absolute minimum of AF....

Thanks !

 

[Second Chance]

Hi,

I'm looking at all kinds of models (way too many options !) trying to determine the best portable that will do (variable pressure) for both blowing the lines and filling tires. Which model do you have ?

Also, I understand it's (fairly ?) critical that you get some AF into the water pump. Do you do that ? If so, how ?

I hope to use my new camper for semi-frequent (and irregular) trips to ski areas here in the NE and am very interested in a quick and easy winterizing method that involves the absolute minimum of AF....

Thanks !

I have a Viair (model 400, I believe) compressor. I do not put antifreeze in the water pump - just pump it dry after the fresh tank is empty.

Rob

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

We owned a Lance for 10 years and I simply drained tanks and the ran antifreeze through the lines. I didn’t blow out the lines.

We now own a 2024 303 RLS. Is using compressed air necessary or is it possible to just run antifreeze through the lines? I don’t own a compressor.



Thanks

One or the other is sufficient. I do the same as Second Chance. After blowing out, I think filling mostly empty water lines with antifreeze is overkill.
FYI, I have heard if you don't blow out the lines your pump will have an easier time pulling in the AF. It doesn't start the operation air-bound.

 

[BoredWeasel]

I blow it out then refill with antifreeze......

the cost and effort is worth it as the hassle of cracked pipes or damaged water heater is huge