Winterizing/Hose Adapters

chesaka · 09-11-2022, 11:53 AM

Hi: I watched the Dave "How to Winterize" video. On the instructions on how to use a compressor he talks about getting a length of garden hose and attaching stuff to both ends, allowing a person to do this by themselves. Does anyone know what I should get as far as adapters? Dave lost me on that part of the video. Thanks in advance.

Ron in BC · 09-11-2022, 12:12 PM

That looses me too. All I do is open a tap, go outside and blast with air, doesn't take very long then repeat for all taps and toilet. I then do it a second time. Quick and simple. I don't know why anyone would need a garden hose to do it "single handed".

Ron

cpaharley2008 · 09-11-2022, 01:23 PM

My air compressor has a "quick connect" similar to the water type ones......

Bill_75 · 09-11-2022, 01:28 PM

Not sure why he(Dave) goes through those gyrations with the extra hose either. Possibly to limit air pressure ?
With my weak air compressor, I just attach the blow out valve to the city water connection and attach my compressor chuck to it, open a faucet and turn the compressor on then open faucets/connections one by one to blow them out.:

DanandDaphne · 09-11-2022, 03:21 PM

I bought one of these, https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's a very reasonable price and it lets me connect the air compressor to the city water inlet then go around and open taps one at a time. much better than the little plastic adaptor that was provided with the start up kit.

2Travelers · 09-11-2022, 03:24 PM

Does any one know the minimum compressor size needed to blow out the lines of an E19? My 12v portable Viair is rated at just over 1.0 CFM. Will that be enough?

DanandDaphne · 09-11-2022, 03:57 PM

I think you really need a compressor with an air tank. I wouldn't recommend a small portable.

Ron in BC · 09-11-2022, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Travelers

Does any one know the minimum compressor size needed to blow out the lines of an E19? My 12v portable Viair is rated at just over 1.0 CFM. Will that be enough?

Easy way to tell. Have someone inside by an open tap. Give it a blast. Unless they see a slug of water followed by hissing and spitting mist, then just air the answer is you need more volume.

If your small compressor is otherwise suitable for the things that you do you have the option of buying a small portable air tank. I made one from an outdated propane tank. Fill it up and blast away. Lots of volume for blowing out water lines.

Ron

2Travelers · 09-12-2022, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

If your small compressor is otherwise suitable for the things that you do you have the option of buying a small portable air tank. I made one from an outdated propane tank. Fill it up and blast away. Lots of volume for blowing out water lines.

Ron

Great suggestion. Thanks.

Perry Butler · 09-12-2022, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Travelers

Does any one know the minimum compressor size needed to blow out the lines of an E19? My 12v portable Viair is rated at just over 1.0 CFM. Will that be enough?

Been using small air compressors since the early 90’s in Minnesota to winterize. If it can pump up a tire to 80 psi it can blow your lines clear.

I prefer the ones that shut off at a psi you set, and currently use a Black and Decker portable.

In addition, as your lines become fluid-free they become an air tank.

Enjoy,

Perry

2Travelers · 09-12-2022, 09:35 AM

Interesting and valuable insight on water line behavior, Perry. Thanks for sharing your experience. It seems I have a couple options using my current compressor and some added confidence that it can get the job done.

After two uneventful seasons of winterizing with RV antifreeze by way of the T-valve, this last round left a persistent taste and odor of antifreeze for most of the camping season. Probably caused by my switching to a "premium" brand. Concerns about the adequacy of my smaller compressor have kept me from trying the air method but those are minimized now. And, if it turns out not to work as well as I would like, there's always the pink stuff to fall back on.

Thanks again.

Bobbie54 · 09-12-2022, 10:12 AM

I use a small portable tire inflator with a Schrader valve on the water inlet. Works just fine on my 17.

dstreight · 09-12-2022, 10:13 AM

FWIW/FYI: I have an ARB compressor mounted in the bed of my Chevy Silverado and it does a perfect job of purging water out of our little 15A...

I use an inline pressure regulator set to 35psi (even though I don't have an air tank on my OBA set-up for this truck) and it typically takes 20-30 minutes to fully flush the water out of the lines, water heater & accumulator.

mfschu · 09-12-2022, 10:26 AM

I use a small 12V Walmart compressor. It's very small, weighs only a couple of pounds, and is stored in the front storage box when not in use. It also inflates the tires if needed. We winterized a few times during cool spells in the middle of our Texas trip last February and once again as we were heading back to sub freezing temps at home. Just pulled off the road and blew out the lines. Probably took 10-15 minutes tops.

Ooshkaboo · 09-12-2022, 10:52 AM

This is on amazon

mfschu · 09-12-2022, 11:51 AM

Here's my nice little Walmart 12V compressor. Works well for me. Nice and compact/lightweight and fits in this nice little bag.

Ooshkaboo · 09-12-2022, 01:10 PM

Nice, what I wouldn’t mind having is a way to safely use the compressors at gas stations.
Only carry the adapter, pressure regulator, shutoff…

**Donna D.** · 09-12-2022, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ooshkaboo

Nice, what I wouldn’t mind having is a way to safely use the compressors at gas stations.
Only carry the adapter, pressure regulator, shutoff…

I'd worry about the amount of oil that's in some of the air of those compressors. And I'd wonder when was the last time the air filters were changed. I suppose if you never consumed any water from your water system, it might be okay. It's just not for me.

Ooshkaboo · 09-12-2022, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I'd worry about the amount of oil that's in some of the air of those compressors. And I'd wonder when was the last time the air filters were changed. I suppose if you never consumed any water from your water system, it might be okay. It's just not for me.

I’m fortunate where I live there’s a major beer brewery connected to the same water system as I am, good water is a must for them.

I try and fill up enough containers with water from here when going on a trip, I don’t drink from the camper system. The RV antifreeze might come in pink, but its still antifreeze.

I can see why in many areas plastic water bottles are needed, for whatever reason good drinking water isn’t a priority. I’ve noticed when in California things like straws and plastic bags are enemies of the state, but the water bottle gets a pass.

So much plastic waste could be avoided simply by addressing the water issues.

Keith3 · 09-13-2022, 04:12 AM

I’ve only had two problems with rv antifreeze:

1. Splashed some on the shower floor and left it for several weeks. My wife got the stain out but was not happy.

2. Ruined a water filter trying to run antifreeze through it by accident. The filter did a good job. Added a note to my winterizing hose to remove filters.

Still, I prefer the air method. May try some cheap vodka for the drains. Less staining, but the smell may get to me. Not sure.

I try to keep my water system clean and use it to provide most of my drinking water. It’s already there, I don’t see a reason to duplicate the effort.

We do carry a coupe of gallons of emergency water in case the park water is so hard it won’t allow my wife to dissolve her powdered nondairy creamer in her coffee. Has happened a couple of times.

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