[VAC] Winterizing

["randy unter" <runter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Message Number: 18 
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 09:50:45 -0600 
From: Michael Matheny <michael@nufsaid.com> 
Subject: Winterizing? 

Michael: Since your just "up stream" from me, here are my suggestions 
for winterizing which have worked well for my Overlander:
If you have access to an air compressor, locate a schraeder value cap 
for your water inlet. If you don't have one, they are available at 
Camping World or WalMart and inexpensive. I bought an inexpensive 
collection of air hose adaptor heads which includes the schraeder valve 
threaded valve head. Connect your fresh water hose to your FC's water 
inlet and the valve cap to the other end. Connect the air hose valve 
head to the the fresh water hose valve cap. Now make sure all water 
drain valves, faucets, etc are closed. Pull the connected fresh water 
and air hoses into your FC, pressuring the hose for a few seconds as you 
walk around the FC, opening and closing faucets, spray hoses, showers 
and don't forget the toilet valve. Keep blowing out the pipes until they 
no longer drip water. Don't over-pressurize or you'll have another job 
to fix ( try to limit pressure to 20 lbs if you have a gauge). Now pour 
some RV antifreeze, also available at Camping World or WalMart, down the 
drains-about a cup each, unless you have drain valves which can be 
drained. Clean and drain your black tank, tipping your trailer to allow 
all to drain out. Pour another cup of RV antifreeze down the toilet, 
opening the valve draining into the black tank. Leave the intifreeze in 
the black tank.. If you don't have access to an air compressor, give me 
a ring back off line and I'll blow out your pipes, so to speak...  
Another option is to use a water pump bypass kit, also available at CW, 
and pump RV antifreeze throughout your FC's water system. I found, 
however that my Overlander took 13 gallons to fill so have gone the 
blow-out routine. 
Take out all freezeable items. Also insure all windows/hatches are 
closed and any leaks discovered (at the RM rally monsoon) are repaired 
with Fulcon. Open the 'frig and cabinets for air circulation. Remove 
batteries from clocks, etc. Your done. 
Others may add to this.
Randy Unter
'66 Overlander
Lakewood, CO