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My first MH guys and maybe I'm a numpty but after reading the Autosleeper manual that came with it I'm not willing to risk just opening taps and the manual is very specific about removing hoses from pumps etc to be sure of removing all water. That involves tools and time and refitting. I just checked the instructions again because you lot had me doubting myself (i.e. opening drain taps is adequate) and the manual says hoses off to be certain. On a separate page it actually states and I quote from an official Autosleepers manual provided at point of sale in 2001 "If available non toxic antifreeze may be used"
That was 11 years ago ! Is everybody in the world of MH's telling me only me and Autosleepers are worried about water being left in heaters and pump impellers from a quick drain down.
In detail
Winterizing Page 4.11
Section 5.4
5.4.1 The best guarantee against damage is to completely drain the water system. However, if available, non toxic antifreeze for fresh water may be used.
5.4.2 Explains not to use automotive a/freeze
5.4.3 Open all taps and use pump to purge the water
5.4.4 Using a pan to catch the remaining water remove the plumbing at the pump inlet and outlet.Use pump to expel remaining water. DO NOT reconnect pump plumbing. Make a note at tank filler as a reminder "plumbing disconnected"
5.4.5 All taps must be left open to guard against damage
I stood in the van with a jug and pressed the pump switch.
Nuff said. Plus my toilet is filled and ready to go at any time.
I'm out of free posts with this one so if you lot carry on it'll cost me to sub and reply. Not decided about that yet. Post has been viewed going on 170 times and I reckon it's given food for thought to a fair percentage of the 165 who viewed without getting involved in debating it...............Enjoy your vans and your travels and if you spot a 51 plate Topaz with a bloke sat having a pony and trap in sub zero temps it'll be me.
John
Do you really think the dealers go to all that trouble with the vans on their forecourts?
Draining down got everybody who did it properly through last winter, so it seems to work. I doubt if many people disconnected the pipework either.
I have to query why you asked for suggestions and advice from more experienced motorhomers if you already knew best, and intended to give them a lesson in how they should be doing it.
dolcefarniente wrote:
I'm out of free posts with this one so if you lot carry on it'll cost me to sub and reply. Not decided about that yet.
dolcefarniente wrote:
I log on here and elsewhere regularly but havn't bothered to register because I generally just use forums to pick up tips.
Maybe best if you don't break the habit of a lifetime!
Oh dear,it didn't take long to remind me why I don't register and get involved with forums. The posts from Zebedee say it all. If anyone could just trawl through my posts and post back to me where it was I asked for any "suggestions or advice from experienced motorhomers" I'd be grateful (dolcefarniente by the way - I'm not about to subscribe if this is how it goes. Just used another name to leave a note for pm's I've had) For anyone who asked I just searched propylene glycol or non toxic antifreeze and fortunately found a supplier in my home town but I don't want to plug anybody in particular. I don't need any help or advice for what I'm doing. I've kept myself self employed as a vehicle tech for 26 yrs. Running a MH isn't rocket science if your technically minded and I was hoping I might have been some use to non techs but no matter.
Anyway, back to the purpose of the original post. I was asking if anybody had used non toxic long term and I was asking why it's unknown in the trade. Just puzzled me that's all. Several pm's expressed interest in a source of supply (see above) and reported bursts from uncleared water and push fit plumbing popping apart. Hope it was of some use to somebody but views are now up to 350 or so in 2 days so there is interest.
I'll stick to just picking up tips in future
As for "I don't think dealers go to all that trouble draining and so on" I'll guarantee they don't because if anything gets damaged it goes on the price of the van unlike you and I. There is no frost damage warranty on MH's. Make your choice. Lazy drain down or do it correctly or run some non toxic through it. Mix it 50/50 - run it through everything and collect it all back if you want to store your van dry because the residual you leave in the lines will protect it anyway. Thorough flush in spring. Thanks for reading. John.
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