Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Winterizing  (Read 918 times) previous topic - next topic

Winterizing

I have read the FT manual on winterizing a coach optioned with an Aqua-Hot system and a Washing machine.  It suggests a method to fill all lines and water holding tanks with a non-toxic antifreeze; and to disconnect the INLET and OUTLET and tie them together at the Aqua Hot unit instead of the water manifold.  My questions for the group are as follows:
 
1.  How much non-toxic antifreeze will be needed in the holding tank to sufficiently fill the water lines throughout the coach?

2.  Where are the Aqua-Hot INLET and OUTLET connections referenced above?

3.  Any tips on performing this process will be welcomed with pleasure.
Fiddler
1959 Parris Island grad
40' 2001 U320 Build 5875
1999 Suburban K1500 toad
1986 Corvette Pacecar
ssoftail@comcast.net

Re: Winterizing

Reply #1 –
Fiddler,

Regarding your Aqua Hot unit in real freezing weather, you absolutely positively must put pink RV antifreeze (different from pink Camco boiler antifreeze) into the fresh water loop of the Aqua Hot.  Blowing the water out of the Aqua Hot will never ever protect it from freezing.  Allowing the fresh water loop to freeze and split the line is only fixed by a new unit.

I have been called by two persons this month that have leaks in their units and $9,000 to $10,000+ for parts and labor is knocking them for a loop.  One has been turned down by his extended warranty and is really unhappy.

You can get a drill pump or other water pump.  Connect the outlet to your coach fresh water inlet.  Put the pick up into RV antifreeze gallons until when you turn on all the water faucets including the washing machine pink antifreeze comes out.  All your hot water faucets go through the Aqua Hot first so this will take care of it too.

Another solution is to leave the Aqua Hot on with the thermostats set low and it will keep the whole coach warm as long as you have diesel and charged batteries.  So long term, not plugged in storage would not work with this solution.

Once the plumping is loaded with RV antifreeze, the Aqua Hot can be run at any time you visit the coach to warm it up for your visit.

I have read other members posts in the past that may very well offer even better ideas but the one I remember is the external pump I offer above.

Hope this helps.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Winterizing

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Fiddler –
I have read the FT manual on winterizing a coach optioned with an Aqua-Hot system and a Washing machine.  It suggests a method to fill all lines and water holding tanks with a non-toxic antifreeze
 
1.  How much non-toxic antifreeze will be needed in the holding tank to sufficiently fill the water lines throughout the coach?


We winterized today.  Roughly 5 1/2 gallons did the whole coach, including 2 toilet flushes and the washing machine.  We used all 6 gallons, giving each faucet an extra run.

We don't put it in the tank; Steve has an adapter he uses to suck the pink antifreeze out of a bucket using the fresh water pump (but then, we don't have an accumulator tank in our coach).

Tip on the washing machine - we start a cycle with the water on "warm", and watch for pink to appear inside the machine, maybe an inch or two deep.  Then press and hold "start" to reset.  Then turn the dial to "drain" and start it again.  This empties the washer so that the pink stuff gets through its drain pump and drain lines as well. 

The 5 1/2 gallons is with a Splendide 2100XC.  The older Splendide 2000S took more antifreeze (maybe 1/2 gallon) before you'd see it in the drum.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320