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10-14-2014, 12:19 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2005 19' Safari
ishpeming
, Michigan
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 63
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Dumb winterizing question
I noticed several folks blow out their lines and then pump in anti freeze. Why both? I've always just blown out the lines on my sailboat but, now living in the UP of Mich (read REALLY cold temps), I've started pumping in antifreeze just to be sure. Ethyl alcohol is good to -50F so even if a little water remains after draining the system I would think the small amount of dilution would still offer plenty of protection. What am I missing? Thanks, Woody.............
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10-14-2014, 12:30 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2009 23' FB Flying Cloud
Canmore
, Alberta
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,762
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Woody: I don't think you're missing anything. Blow-out AND antifreeze provides extra protection, in case a wee bit of water remains.
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10-14-2014, 12:32 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2000 19' Bambi
mt. Prospect
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 829
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I don't think it matters if you are in the U.P. or Florida, when water falls below the freezing mark, it expands, and then you have problems. I guess extreme cold might drive the low temps further into the trailer, but once you're below freezing that's as bad as it gets.
If you blow the water out of the lines, empty the tanks, and put some anti-freeze in the traps, and do it all well, you should be good. The trick is in the details (like emptying the spray hoses in the shower, kitchen sink, and any others). My trailer is pretty simple - I imagine that the more bells and whistles you have, the more there is to do.
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10-14-2014, 12:54 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
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If you have water in the lines when you pump in the anti freeze there is a greater chance of diluting the antifreeze. Thus raising the freeze point.
Blowing out as much water as possible before pumping in the anti freeze reduces the chance of dilution.
You also don't need a big compressor to accomplish the task. One with a 2 gallon or so tank will suffice. After all most trailers are winterized with about 2 gallons of antifreeze.
Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums
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10-14-2014, 01:51 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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In theory blowing out the lines should be sufficient (assuming you don't miss any of the little things like your outdoor shower, toilet spay, etc...) But why take a chance to save five dollars of antifreeze? I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Also, don't forget to blow out your black tank flush if you have one. This is one place where running the antifreeze through the water pump can't reach.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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10-14-2014, 01:53 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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By the way, when it comes to winterizing, there are NO dumb questions. Only very disappointed owners who failed to ask the right question in the first place.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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10-14-2014, 02:42 PM
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#7
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Master of Universe
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,711
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Be sure to use RV antifreeze, not the car kind which is poisonous. There is a kit available to suck antifreeze out of the container and into the water pump. This forces most of any remaining water out of the lines. I blow out the system (another kit is available that screws onto the city water inlet and has an attachment to a compressor line to blow out the water). That makes it easy.
Gene
__________________
Gene
The Airstream is sold; a 2016 Nash 24M replaced it.
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10-14-2014, 02:47 PM
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#8
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amazingwoody
I noticed several folks blow out their lines and then pump in anti freeze. Why both? I've always just blown out the lines on my sailboat but, now living in the UP of Mich (read REALLY cold temps), I've started pumping in antifreeze just to be sure. Ethyl alcohol is good to -50F so even if a little water remains after draining the system I would think the small amount of dilution would still offer plenty of protection. What am I missing? Thanks, Woody.............
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Because there are some components which, due to their shape, accumulate water and don't necessarily release it when compressed air is blown through. Valves, shower heads, faucets, other expensive bits. Plus, it odoriferous to remove the water from the drain traps, so you at least need antifreeeze for those.
I ended up replacing a toilet because its valve froze and cracked even though I blew it out with compressed air.
__________________
To learn to see below the surface, you must adjust your altitude
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10-14-2014, 03:42 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gene
Be sure to use RV antifreeze, not the car kind which is poisonous. There is a kit available to suck antifreeze out of the container and into the water pump. This forces most of any remaining water out of the lines. I blow out the system (another kit is available that screws onto the city water inlet and has an attachment to a compressor line to blow out the water). That makes it easy.
Gene
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Oh, yes! Absolutely use RV or Marine antifreeze (food grade) and NOT auto antifreeze. At this time of the year RV/Marine antifreeze is available at most national retailers such as Camping World, Walmart, and anywhere you would expect to find RV or Marine stuff.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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