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Bob662 · 11-17-2017, 09:19 AM

I just treated the slide valve with silicone grease; I did not put antifreeze in the bowl for the reason you mentioned.

gypsydad · 11-17-2017, 10:35 AM

Here in TX, I have not used any sort of winterization such as antifreeze in the lines, since we use the AS sometimes in winter here. But last winter, I had my first "freezing" problem, when it dipped in low 20's for a couple of days. I had always been "lucky" with my electric heater running in past winters, but not last year. This time I broke 2 connections in the wall behind the shower, and also the toilet inlet valve cracked. Was not terrible, but it was annoying to fix these.

While at Alumalina few weeks ago discussing winterizing the AS's,; they said in milder climates, to set the thermostate as low as possible with the furnace on when it gets real cold, if you plan to use in winter to help avoid freezing. Electric heaters are not blowing warm air as efficiently as the furnace does, plus it circulates in the belly pan when you use the AS furnace. I have also heard in very cold climates, to leave the cupboard doors open helps if your using the furnace method.

A few folks I spoke with suggested draining the low point drains, as mentioned, blowing out the lines, then adding some vodka with a little food coloring in it (red) to the lines instead of antifreeze. Logic was it was not poisonous, would not freeze, and coloring would indicate it was still in lines.

Another possible benefit if there was still some vodka in the lines next time you use the AS, it might make you "feel pretty good" while de-winterizing

Airhead2018 · 11-17-2017, 11:07 AM

OK, called Airstream (JC) about putting antifreeze in fresh water holding tank and they do not recommend it. Simply because getting it out may take some doing in the spring. So I will follow there direction and feed antifreeze through the pump. I will not be bypassing Alde water heater jacket to make sure it will not freeze. This will be a first for me putting antifreeze in the hot water tank/jacket of anything we have now or have owned previously. So THANKS to all of you for the great info and detailed instructions!

pfcardwell · 11-17-2017, 06:15 PM

Reading airstream manual they do not mention anti-freeze on the toilet flapper. So should I leave it dry?

paiceman · 11-18-2017, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfcardwell

Reading airstream manual they do not mention anti-freeze on the toilet flapper. So should I leave it dry?

What is the toilet flapper? If you mean the toilet itself YES, run the anti-freeze thru it until pure "red" comes out into the toilet bowel. Otherwise that will freeze and you'll have to replace the toilet.

Bud

switz · 11-18-2017, 04:52 AM

One can get toilet sealing silicone grease at a hardware store.

One should wipe it on all exposed sides of the rubber/silicon ring at the bottom of the toilet bowl that the toilet ball seals against. This keeps it from "drying" out during the off season.

Also suggest having a spare toilet bowl ball seal in your spare parts box in the trailer just in case. They are not available everywhere.

pfcardwell · 11-18-2017, 06:49 AM

In reading the manual I notice it recommends tilting trailer with jack to the max and to the lowest point. Yep got more water out.

uncle_bob · 11-18-2017, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfcardwell

In reading the manual I notice it recommends tilting trailer with jack to the max and to the lowest point. Yep got more water out.

Hi

Another approach is to hitch up and drive around town.... it's raining right now ... who's going to notice a drip?

Bob

gypsydad · 11-18-2017, 10:36 AM

I still like the "vodka vs antifreeze" suggestion for winterizing the fresh water system after using airpressure to blow out all the excess water in the system!

uncle_bob · 11-18-2017, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I still like the "vodka vs antifreeze" suggestion for winterizing the fresh water system after using airpressure to blow out all the excess water in the system!

Hi

As mentioned earlier, it'll work to about -17F. That may be fine or not so fine depending on your location. It also will start to distill as it gets below 0F, that may or may not create issues.

Bob

gypsydad · 11-19-2017, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

As mentioned earlier, it'll work to about -17F. That may be fine or not so fine depending on your location. It also will start to distill as it gets below 0F, that may or may not create issues.

Bob

Well, that's a good point! If it gets that cold here in TX, I am going back to MT for the winter!

ROBERT CROSS · 10-18-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paiceman

What is the toilet flapper? If you mean the toilet itself YES, run the anti-freeze thru it until pure "red" comes out into the toilet bowel. Otherwise that will freeze and you'll have to replace the toilet.

Bud

WHAT?...if there is nothing that will freeze in the bowl nothing will freeze.
The cheep pink stuff will ruin the seals. AMHIK. 👎
Never leave anything in the bowl...cep't maybe seal grease on the flapper seal or I use 1/4 cup Crisco.
I've seen others recommend leaving the valve wedged open...yuk.🤢

Bob
🇺🇸

uncle_bob · 10-18-2018, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

WHAT?...if there is nothing that will freeze in the bowl nothing will freeze.
The cheep pink stuff will ruin the seals. AMHIK. 👎
Never leave anything in the bowl...cep't maybe seal grease on the flapper seal or I use 1/4 cup Crisco.
I've seen others recommend leaving the valve wedged open...yuk.🤢

Bob
🇺🇸

Hi

You *do* realize this is a year old thread and most of those involved now have different ideas about what to do .....

Bob

ROBERT CROSS · 10-18-2018, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

You *do* realize this is a year old thread and most of those involved now have different ideas about what to do .....

Bob

Of course Bob...it happens every year this time, we must keep it up-to-date after all...👍😂👍

Bob
🇺🇸

uncle_bob · 10-19-2018, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Of course Bob...it happens every year this time, we must keep it up-to-date after all...👍😂👍

Bob
🇺🇸

Hi

Based on how crazy everybody goes about winterizing .... are you sure it's happened before? ...hmmm .... maybe this thread is evidence that it has ....

Bob

ROBERT CROSS · 10-19-2018, 05:39 PM

...noticed at this years Winterization.

Drained the FW tank when level...

Proceed to the curb side, jack up to remove tires...

Continues to drain for 1/2hr...😳
Makes sense but never occurred to me, nor has it ever caused a problem.
Are we hav'n fun yet...😂

Bob
🇺🇸

switz · 10-20-2018, 12:05 AM

Does make one wonder if there was an "error" installing the tank so the low side for the drain is in reality the high side of the tank for the drain..

uncle_bob · 10-20-2018, 07:56 AM

Hi

When I pulled up to the not so level street in front of the house, there was about 20% left in the fresh water tank. I opened the valve and 12 hours later it was still dumping. I waited another 6 hours and ... still coming out. Next day ... still. My guess is I have some crud in the low point valve on the tank.

After I drove around for a while with the valve open, it stoped dripping ...

As long as you don't have water up into the pump, and the valve is open, I can't see any real risk in a bit of water in the bottom of the tank. It's not confined enough to be a major threat for damage.

Bob