Winterizing - Blow out or Antifreeze?

[Widows Son]

We just finished de-winterizing our 5er. We used the RV antifreeze last winter. I'm not sure I want to do that this coming winter. So in your wealth of experience and knowledge, what are the advantages or disadvantages of blowing out the entire system with regulated compressed air vs. using antifreeze?
Thanks!

[JFlightRisk]

Here in Western NY, I blow out the lines first, and then pump antifreeze through it. Probably the only reason I do both, is I can't be 100% sure that ALL the water has been evacuated. For the price of antifreeze, and the time it takes for the extra step, I consider it to be insurance that it won't freeze and split a line(s) somewhere, when it gets to below 0 degrees. Just something that lets me sleep better at night.

[mtdawg]

My process is pretty much the same as Jflights. My trailer has a residential refrigerator with a water and ice dispenser. I didn't want to run antifreeze through the refrigerator and then have to replace a $40.00 filter. I blew out the lines until I was satisfied that the line to the refrigerator had no water in it. Then I shut off the valves to the refrigerator and ran antifreeze through the rest of the trailer. Checking it out this Spring, it seems to have survived the winter successfully.

Jim

[Bearles]

I have always used antifreeze, no fail. The problem i see with blowing out the lines is that if some settles back into a low spot you run the risk of freeze and a hole in the line. The extra effort o run the antifreeze is well worth it IMHO.

[Tunce the traveler]

It only takes 20 minutes-30 at most to completely winterize the TT so you might as well do it the correct way and never worry about a broken line or fitting that could take hours to repair and cost a lot more than a gallon of antifreeze.
On the last trip of the year I open my low point drains before I leave the campground then when I arrive home all I have to do is add the antifreeze and I'm done.

[North of 49°]

I do both. Blow out, pump antifreeze through, then blow out again. It's extra steps, but winters around here get below -30* for extended periods of time, so the time and effort I put into it in the fall will save time, effort, money and aggravation in the spring. Kind of a "belt and suspenders" solution.

[Flapper]

I have to buy 12 gallons just to winterize the pool, so another gallon or two for the RV is not such a much.....

[ALJO]

Always use 40 psi high volume air to blow out lines and drain traps. Use on the traps only RV antifreeze. Never had a broken line or trap. Be sure to let the air go for at least 15 minutes on the last farthest tap. I think air is less messy than RV antifreeze.

[TWP723]

I use antifreeze. But, if you do it correctly, blowing out the lines are just as effective. There should never be any water pooled in the lines if it's done right. You need to open the LP drains then blow it out. This should keep excess water from pooling up and freezing. The forced air pushes just about all the water out. Even if you may have a little water in the lines, there's room for expansion. I've done it both ways and have had success both ways. I think it's pretty much preference.

[NVGun40]

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

Here in Western NY, I blow out the lines first, and then pump antifreeze through it. Probably the only reason I do both, is I can't be 100% sure that ALL the water has been evacuated. For the price of antifreeze, and the time it takes for the extra step, I consider it to be insurance that it won't freeze and split a line(s) somewhere, when it gets to below 0 degrees. Just something that lets me sleep better at night.

x2
Living in Alaska I like having the peace of mind so I can sleep better at night. After all, whats a little extra time and pain in the a$$, twice per year compared to saving myself the time and trouble could result in leaks, the trouble to track them down and the time and cost of repairing those leaks.

[hoppers4]

My preference has always been air. I don't want to have to flush the system when the time comes to use it. IMO a little water here and there in the system won't hurt anything. I only use antifreeze in the traps.

[Widows Son]

Thanks one and all!