Backwards Valve?

[Tyler2you]

Can someone verify that my valve is installed properly. This is how I found it and everything was working properly. Haven't tried to add Antifreeze yet.

https://postimg.cc/q66b20Lv

[Mach5]

If the handle is pointing towards the pump and not the freshwater tank, then you should be OK. When you rotate the handle to the vertical position, the pump should draw antifreeze from your bottle and distribute it throughout your trailer’s PEX lines.

If it does not and instead it ends up in your tank instead, the valve is installed backwards. I should know, mine was installed incorrectly at the factory and I deposited a full gallon of antifreeze into my freshwater tank before figuring it out. Do a search on my posts for details if you need more info.

[jeffmc306]

Yep, yours looks correct with the handle pointing towards the pump. Mine was also installed backwards. You’ll be fine.

Here’s what mine looked like before JC fixed it.

[Tyler2you]

Awesome--thanks for the verification!

[jimla]

I discovered my antifreeze valve was installed backwards also.

[Tyler2you]

After fighting to get the panel under the refrigerator out for 20 minutes, I decided I didn't want to do it again. I cut an opening and put on some hinges and a lock. It's not perfect looking, but it's functional . . .

[jeffmc306]

Nice job on the access door Tyler2you! Make improvements, not changes

[Tyler2you]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Nice job on the access door Tyler2you! Make improvements, not changes

Thanks! I also stole your implementation of mounting the Victron Smart Shunt in a waterproof box outside the battery box I struggled a bit with finding just the right spots for everything, but it's working out great.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Tyler2you

Thanks! I also stole your implementation of mounting the Victron Smart Shunt in a waterproof box outside the battery box I struggled a bit with finding just the right spots for everything, but it's working out great.

That’s great! I’m glad you found the shunt mounting helpful.

I’ve gotten so many ideas from others here that I would not have on my own. GOUSC shared several interior mods like his twin bed storage drawers, two-tiered silverware drawer. That’s what sharing on the forum is all about.

[BCleveland]

Originally Posted by Tyler2you

After fighting to get the panel under the refrigerator out for 20 minutes, I decided I didn't want to do it again. I cut an opening and put on some hinges and a lock. It's not perfect looking, but it's functional . . .

Send that pic to Airstream. Maybe they will get the hint

[mrcocoa]

Not sure if this is the correct thread to ask this but has anybody ever had an issue with the antifreeze hose collapsing while winterizing? I have a 2019 25 Ft FB International I went to winterize back in October or so and but the hose in a bottle of antifreeze and the hose collapsed and the pump screamed in pain! I had to get my wife to turn the pump on an off while I lay on the floor and manipulated the hose to get it to open enough to suck antifreeze into the system. I was hoping to replace the crappy hose with reinforced hose of the same ID to make sure that doesn't happen again and I can get in there and do it in the 20 or so minutes is should take. Ideas or experiences anyone?

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by mrcocoa

Not sure if this is the correct thread to ask this but has anybody ever had an issue with the antifreeze hose collapsing while winterizing? I have a 2019 25 Ft FB International I went to winterize back in October or so and but the hose in a bottle of antifreeze and the hose collapsed and the pump screamed in pain! I had to get my wife to turn the pump on an off while I lay on the floor and manipulated the hose to get it to open enough to suck antifreeze into the system. I was hoping to replace the crappy hose with reinforced hose of the same ID to make sure that doesn't happen again and I can get in there and do it in the 20 or so minutes is should take. Ideas or experiences anyone?

mrcocoa, did you confirm your winterizing valve is correctly installed (valve handle pointing towards the pump when in normal mode)? See my post above for a photo.

I did notice the plastic tubing does collapse when bent. I didn’t have any trouble with our 2019 GT last fall but was careful to keep the tubing straightened out.

Also, make sure the tube isn’t bottomed out in the bottle or it could get stuck to the bottom of the bottle, like putting your hand over a vacuum cleaner hose.

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by BCleveland

Send that pic to Airstream. Maybe they will get the hint

I wish I ran across this before I did my winterization. It took me quite a while as well. A trim piece was wedged in and I had to take the door hinges off to get the panel out. I cut a little off the trim so it's a little easier, but this looks like the superior solution.

Alas, Tyler sold his camper so he left the building.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Here’s what mine looked like before JC fixed it.

Although most manufacturers do it, the PEX crimp should not be used with flexible tubing, like yours, or even the reinforced flexible tubing.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Although most manufacturers do it, the PEX crimp should not be used with flexible tubing, like yours, or even the reinforced flexible tubing.

And according to the pump manufacturer PEX (or any rigid tubing) should not be connected directly to the pump.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Although most manufacturers do it, the PEX crimp should not be used with flexible tubing, like yours, or even the reinforced flexible tubing.

I agree! I wish Airstream used a different type of tubing for the winterizing suction tube when they installed it. Now that I own a PEX crimp tool I can change it before next fall.

And like Wazbro pointed out, isolate the pump from the rigid PEX.