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Silvr_Bullet · 03-20-2021, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeeSag

Here is one suggestion:

Totally forget all about CFM.

Get the Viair 450. You will be rewarded for years to come.

Get a cheap garden sprayer. Replace the spray tip with an air-chuck quick connect. (photo below)

Use the Viair 450 to get out as much water as reasonable.

Then put antifreeze in the garden sprayer, connect to the city water inlet, and let it pump antifreeze through all the lines.

Works great for all the lines except the water pump related plumbing.

Here is a better suggestion:

One of those suction winterizing taps designed specifically to be added to the pump inlet is probably the best way to go. Then forget all about CFM, and any residual water left in low spots for lack of complete blow out.

The only possible issue I can see here with this method is if the one way valve from the on board fresh water tank was to fail, it would be possible then to introduce pink there. I assume you also are bypassing the water heater.

ROBERT CROSS · 03-20-2021, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Both the 400P and the 450P can produce a high pressure.
The 450P actually produces a lower VOLUME of air/min. than the 400P.
The advantage of the 450 (if it is an advantage) is it can run continuously, whereas the 400P has a duty cycle of 20 minutes. I don't think I've ever run my 400 over five minutes.

Yep true...but it's all moot.
It still won't do what I require. 20-40min constant @ 45psi, blowing one circuit at a time.
Volume works much better with a container to store it.

Bob
🇺🇸

Silvr_Bullet · 03-20-2021, 10:35 AM

So, Airstream writes about two methods of winterizing, one method air expelling only, one using air and suitable pink antifreeze called the ‘belt and suspender’ method. In the method of ‘belt and suspender’ if some molecules of water remain after blowing out the water lines it will be diluted and displaced with pink for the most total protection, this works for others like myself that do not desire to have garage service grade equipment, most air compressors are sufficient. Personally I have 450 RV.

JBBeaubeaux · 03-21-2021, 10:50 AM

Here is our review of the one we use:

https://livinginbeauty.net/product/v...ompressor-kit/

CareyJ · 03-21-2021, 11:27 AM

I have a few compressors - but my favorite to winterized my Airstream 26RB is a cordless Ryobi compressor I bought from Home Depot. I am planning on taking it along our travels because it is very compact and versatile. In addition to using it for blowing out my water mines, I have used it in construction and wood working. It doesn’t have the capacity nor recovery rate of my larger Rigid model, but I don’t need it for a compressor on the road. And big advantage in my mind is the ability to operate the compressor without needing a 110v hookup. If I had a blow-out, I would change the tire and get the flat repaired when I’m near a tire repair shop. The Ryobi will handle topping up tire pressures just fine - it just may take a minute or more. But in my mind it’s a good trade off given it’s small size and portability. I’ve been really impressed with this little compressor. I just need to remember to recharge my batteries when they are low. Here is the model I have: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-1-Gal-Air-Compressor-Kit-with-2-0-Ah-Battery-and-18-Volt-Dual-Chemistry-Charger-P739-P163/306003773

cesaro · 03-21-2021, 12:10 PM

I highly recommend a portable compressor with a brand name. I use it to winterize and to ensure proper tire inflation on the Rig and the Tow Vehicle.

O Ferrell · 03-21-2021, 04:34 PM

Pancake is fine.

pontzdav · 03-21-2021, 06:35 PM

I’ve been dragging one of these around for many years. Good for all compressed air needs including water system blow out.

pontzdav · 03-21-2021, 06:35 PM

California Air Tools 2010A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 HP 2.0-Gallon Aluminum Tank Air Compressor,Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TDNKBMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ASCTP6PS8HBGCCFBXVQJ

Markhambryan · 03-22-2021, 09:58 AM

I used a $50 harbor freight compressor to winterize mine just 2 weeks ago and it worked fine. I’ve had it about a year now and seems to be holding up quite well. It’s also used a good bit for wood working projects so spend the money if you want or save it for something else.

ToBoldlyRoll · 03-22-2021, 11:08 AM

When we picked up our new FC this past December from Airstream of NM, we asked Andrew from the service department to give us a lesson in compressed-air winterizing. He used a commercial-grade air compressor and was done in about 10-15 minutes, which included stopping multiple times to explain the process.

We winterized the FC ourselves in February after a month long-trip using the Viair 450 with the winterizing valve accessory. I searched YouTube for videos on how to use the Viair for winterizing but found nothing helpful. Anyway, it took at least an hour to winterize. We are 98% certain that we cleared enough water from the lines. (We'll find out this spring I suppose). Perhaps I am missing something, but in my unprofessional opinion, the Viair doesn't seem to supply the constant volume of pressure needed to winterize effectively. It can be used in a pinch, but I purchased a $99 6-gallon Porter Cable oil-free pancake compressor to use next time. (BTW, filling the fresh water lines with anti-freeze is not an option).

OTRA15 · 03-22-2021, 11:16 AM

The Viair 450 does a fine job of winterizing, but you are correct that it does not supply the same volume of air as a shop compressor. That is why you have to go around and do individual faucets etc., including low-point drains, more than once -- usually one-at-a-time. This takes longer and is . . .

. . . completely normal.

The right tool for a very specific job -- on-the-road-winterizing, with no 120-volt shore power. [IMO]

PS -- Did you winterize your pump and pre-filter carefully? Compressed air won't do this manual job. How about winterizing the separate water intake for the black water flush system? Many folks forget this. Air OK for this last task . . . but not to err.

Travel safe . . . and . . .

Adiredneck · 03-22-2021, 10:24 PM

We also live in upstate NY, and have one of the larger ViAir portable compressors that we use in conjunction with a portable air can and hose to top off tires and our AirSafe hitch. I do *not* recommend it for winterization. Getting the water out of the lines is all about volume, not pressure. 50 psi, max. But lots of it. The ViAir has good pressure, but totally lacks volume. I use my big compressor with a 20 tank to winterize. Note: if you use an oiled compressor, make sure you have a particulate and coalescing filter in the discharge air line, or your potable water will have a sheen and oily taste. See the pics on my "images"...