How the heck to install a camco winterizing kit

[doughpat]

I understand that the Camco winterizing three-way valve needs to be installed on the inlet side of the pump. I also understand these are popular upgrades amongst those living in the frozen north/interior.

What I don’t understand is how in the world people access and install these valves. See pic of my pump, which seems to be buried deeply under the refrigerator and accessed from under the closet. Sandwiched among the ducting and wiring rats nest (Sport 22FB).



Perhaps there is a trick or access panel I’m not aware of?

Also, is there a simple way to know which side of the pump is the inlet (vs the outlet?). I’m used to inlet being centered in the axis of the main body, and outlet being perpendicular and “above”.

[CRH]

That looks nearly impossible to put a kit on.
Mine is in a tight spot, but not that tight .... I just unscrew the inlet water line and screw on a short hose with a free end that I put in the antifreeze jug.

[A W Warn]

The filter screen should be on the inlet side, between the FW tank and pump.
When I installed the three way valve I also added flexible lines, which allowed me to move the plumbing a bit. I removed the screws that hold the pump to the floor so I could adjust the pump's position. After I got it all connected the pump was in a slightly different position, but that did not affect function.

ps:
The 3way valve should be located between the water tank and the filter screen so that antifreeze will be drawn into the filter screen housing when winterizing.

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchT...+line+flexible

[doughpat]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

The filter screen should be on the inlet side, between the FW tank and pump.
When I installed the three way valve I also added flexible lines, which allowed me to move the plumbing a bit. I removed the screws that hold the pump to the floor so I could adjust the pump's position. After I got it all connected the pump was in a slightly different position, but that did not affect function.
ps:
The 3way valve should be located between the water tank and the filter screen so that antifreeze will be drawn into the filter screen housing when winterizing.

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchT...+line+flexible

Good idea on the flex tubing.

And thanks for pointing out the water filter...might not have done that.

[drbrick]

Yep, the PEX piping makes it a challange alright ... I swear the factory attached the PEX to the pump then screwed the pump to the floor. I refuse to spend $30.00cdn for the camco kit and spent $5.00 for the clear tubing and connector take 2 minutes to attach. This spring I am thinking about adding Accumulator Tank with flex tubing both sides of the pump just to cut down on the noise. At that time I will add a three-way valve for winterization

[Presitla99]

I paid the dealer $80 to install mine because it is in the same confined space as yours.

[jeffmc306]

Doughpat, I had the same issue with our FC23FB and just used the flexible tube from the kit connected to the pump. Our new Globetrotter came with a winterizer valve pre-installed but it’s backwards!

I took that as a sign and bought a blow-out hose and valve from Amazon. I’ll use my portable compressor to blow out all the water and just put antifreeze down the toilet, shower and sink traps. Plus, since I’ll have this with me all the time, I can quickly “winterize” when on the road should we get caught in a cold snap. Bonus, no more flushing before we can use it again.

Happy Camping!

[Antique Pedaler]

That’s why I just carefully Drain and blow out the plumbing with compressed air, put some antifreeze down the drains and call it good. It’s worked thru 21 Wyoming winters and 4 Airstreams so far.

[pcskier]

Pro Tip: Don't install it backwards! On the valve body, the end that has a 'C' stamped on it attaches on the pump inlet side. It's easy to install it backwards, and you won't have suction in that case.

Not necessary to install the kit 'before' the inlet filter, if doing so is more difficult. Just unscrew the filter cover and make sure it's empty of water.

[jeffmc306]

I couldn't find room to install the Camco kit on our previous FC23FB so I just took the input fitting off the pump and used the plastic fitting and hose from the kit and a funnel.

I tried putting the tube directly in the bottle but couldn't get it to draw so the funnel solved that problem. Worked like a charm! As mentioned in the previous post, make sure there's no water in the filter before the pump.