When is it too early to start packing?

[bjschil]

Last year when we headed south for spring break there was snow on the ground in northern Illinois and the storm was coming. We hit the rain in southern Illinois and at home they got 2 inches of snow. It had melted by the time we got back, but another late cold snap force us to re-winterize it. This year I hope to only do it once. I don't want to take anti-freeze with me, but it sure would be nice to winterize when it is 70, not 30.

We are leaving Dec 28 from SW Wisconsin, and am trying to decide it if we brave and blow the lines out in mid to late November, travel, and then winterize before we trudge home, late January. Our locations appear to be close, so weather the same. Have you ever ventured to only blow out your lines and not used anti-freeze for the winter. We would pour it down the drains, toilet, etc., but blow out rest of the lines. We are anxious for your thoughts and opinions. Thanks you.

 

[peg110]

We are leaving Dec 28 from SW Wisconsin, and am trying to decide it if we brave and blow the lines out in mid to late November, travel, and then winterize before we trudge home, late January. Our locations appear to be close, so weather the same. Have you ever ventured to only blow out your lines and not used anti-freeze for the winter. We would pour it down the drains, toilet, etc., but blow out rest of the lines. We are anxious for your thoughts and opinions. Thanks you.

We have traveled in November/December time frame. I blow the lines out when I get back home. I try to make sure the tanks are low (fresh) or empty (black and grey), but I do keep fresh water in the tank so we can use it (if necessary) on the way home to flush the toilet. I then do a final drain at home and blow the lines out.

I also put Anti-freeze in the drains, but there really is no need to put it in the toilet. We just put the deodorizer/treatment pack in the toilet (with a requisite amount of water). The tank is large enough that if there is a couple of gallons of liquid in the tank, it won't be an issue even if it does freeze.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Start packing the day you return from the previous trip.
2) But, I would leave packing the mayonnaise and any fish until the day you leave.

 

[jaredjohn4]

I always use antifreeze. I'm afraid that blowing the lines out might loosen a connection somewhere I can't see until it is too late. My uncle had a Jayco popup with a hot water heater. I helped him winterize it. Inside in a 2ft x 2ft box there must have been a dozen connections with the bypass and syphon hoses. I'm sure all the factory connections are great, just don't want to take a chance. Early predictions here are for a cold winter this year.

 

[rally]

Never too early to pack.

 

[peg110]

I'm afraid that blowing the lines out might loosen a connection somewhere I can't see until it is too late.

I had a brief concern about that too until I realized that the water pressure could do the same thing. As long as you keep your air compressor down to about the 30 PSI range or so, there should be no issue. That said, you should go with what you are comfortable with and what works for you.

 

[Kidatheart2010]

Starting tonight.........


16 days 23 hours and 9 minutes. till the Fort.........