Where do you put the Antifreeze?

[LAWBC]

Yes I know where it goes ,and nobody talks about (How To )into the system .
I have a 2012 FC 23 , and it is a rats nest under the closet of hoses etc and behind all of that I see the pump .
What do you use and could someone post pics ?
Would like to see what kind of fitting , something permanent ,you use to get the antifreeze through.
Why AS does not have that Antifreesze inlet installed is beyond cheap.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by LAWBC

Yes I know where it goes ,and nobody talks about (How To )into the system .
I have a 2012 FC 23 , and it is a rats nest under the closet of hoses etc and behind all of that I see the pump .
What do you use and could someone post pics ?
Would like to see what kind of fitting , something permanent ,you use to get the antifreeze through.
Why AS does not have that Antifreesze inlet installed is beyond cheap.

I imagine Airstream doesn't install it, because their recommended procedure outlined in the manual does not call for putting antifreeze in the water lines. Their procedure only uses antifreeze in the drain traps and holding tanks. I have good success using their procedure which is blowing the lines out thoroughly. However many here do use antifreeze. You have to disconnect the inlet hose from the water pump and replace it with a hose long enough to reach the bottom of an antifreeze bottle. If you want something permanent, you will have to cut the inlet hose and install a valve to select either the water tank or a hose to use in the antifreeze bottle.

Ken

[monkeypants]

The whole job will be easier if you remove the bottom of the closet. Trying to work through that little access panel just wasn't happening. I agree that it's awkward. But it is doable.

[Aage]

LawBC,

Take a moment and use the Search function and try the word "winterize".

You will see that there are volumes posted about the subject. Once you have a better idea of how it is done, your surprise at the lack of a special input for antifreeze will disappear.

Welcome to Airforums, by the way!

[Bill M.]

I drain the freshwater tank and then put the antifreeze in there. Takes about 2 gallon if you use the water heater bypass. I use the pump to push it though the system. I buy 3 gallons at West Marine for $5.00/gal and have enough to do the traps too. I usually buy a 4th gallon to leave in the shower in case we decide to go winter traveling. Can use it the next year if not. I do not see how putting the intake in the closet under the floor would be easier. I bought one of the kits, looked at where it would go, and tossed it. I would rather put 1/2 gallon extra in the FW tank than to spill it in the hallway or in the closet.
Some dealers use a pump and put it in at the hose inlet for the system. I have put it in that way using a pressure paint tank. I bought a HF al 1/2 gallon pressure feed paint tank ($40) and dedicated it to RV antifreeze. (at the time that trailer had a leaky fresh water tank and a bad pump). I can blow out the lines and add antifreeze with one hookup. I add a little with the paint tank rig now to be sure the plumbing between the check valve and the inlet has antifreeze in it. You would still have to do that even if you had another inlet for the antifreeze behind the pump. I do not blame airstream for leaving a fill valve out. I think it has 2 places that are okay to add antifreeze without it.

[Kosm1o]

Putting antifreeze into the fresh water tank is not what I do because I dont want the chore of getting it all out in the spring. If you do use air only, you still need to disconnect the pump hoses because water won't get blown out of the pump using the external city water connector as the air input location. The check valve prevents it.

[Aage]

Personally, I see no reason to put antifreeze in the fresh water tank. It is easily emptied, and therefore poses no risk of freezing.

Similarly, a 2012 Flying Cloud will have the bypass connection on the hot water tank and there is absolutely no reason to put water in it,either. The bulk of the water it holds can be released with the large white plastic nut on the outside of the trailer.

The main focus on pumping in antifreeze is the protection of the water supply plumbing pipes. The drains are easily protected, and all the tanks can be drained. Focus on the pipes, plus be certain to follow the instructions regarding the toilet: it has a couple of tricky points.

The Owner's Manual is the best place to start reading up on what to do...