Posted 2014-04-15 7:49 AM (#158651) Subject: winterizing question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
Location: Penrose, Colorado
I have always drained all the water and used rv anti freeze, those of you out there that use AIR with a fresh water fitting how do you do it and have you had good luck doing it. I am looking for an easier way to drain when you have un expected weather come in during the early spring months.
Posted 2014-04-15 8:56 AM (#158654 - in reply to #158651) Subject: RE: winterizing question
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Screw this adapter into the water supply port of your LQ. Attach an air compressor with the pressure set at a max of ~ 35 psi. Open your drain valves and faucets one at a time, until the water is replaced with air. Once you have clear air present, the line is air purged and ready for storage.
Posted 2014-04-15 9:44 AM (#158656 - in reply to #158651) Subject: RE: winterizing question
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
The air purging will work on all your water supply lines. You will still have to use a small amount of antifreeze in the drain traps, shower, sink(s) etc. The hot water heater should be bypassed and drained separately.
The air purging is much faster and less expensive than purging with antifreeze. It is a commonly used maintenance in aircraft and marine applications and used by some RV dealers/owners. It works especially well for those who continuously use their LQs during the winter months, weekend to weekend.
Posted 2014-04-15 10:39 AM (#158660 - in reply to #158651) Subject: RE: winterizing question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
Location: Penrose, Colorado
thanks all,, we use our LQ off and on all winter but when it has really been cold for days and are only gone a day or so we just do not even bother with the trailer water system but I think I may invest in a small compressor to carry in the trailer and in the future blow the water out before we travel home, the not worry about freezing things up.
Posted 2014-04-15 2:10 PM (#158667 - in reply to #158660) Subject: RE: winterizing question
Veteran
Posts: 113
Location: Wi
Gard- While doing would you have the water pump on? If so, any issue running the pump dry for that period of time? If not, any repercussion running air thru it at 35lbs? Done this method with sprinkler lines but never thought of doing it on the trailer.
Posted 2014-04-15 10:50 PM (#158678 - in reply to #158651) Subject: RE: winterizing question
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Some brands of pumps can be run dry for a time, Shurflo and Flojet are two.
35 psi is less than a typical RV water system's operating pressure. Most electric pumps run in the 40 - 50 PSI range, and the optional RV water pressure regulators that monitor and adjust city water supplies for RVs, are also set in the 40 -50 PSI range. 35 PSI is a safe pressure to use for purging, that won't damage the water systems.