Trying to winterise my RV

[Camping John]

I have a 2010 Montana Mountaineer and the pump will not pull up the fluid

[DarMar]

Two things come to mind that might help you. First make sure there is a rubber washer making a good seal at the point where the suction hose meets the inlet valve to your rv. If any air leaks at that point your pump simply won't prime. The other thing you might have is an air lock somewhere and you should try opening one of your low point drain valves, for 2 or 3 seconds, at the same time your pump is on and attempting to draw antifreeze.

[DQDick]

Also, it can't pull from a long distance so you have to use a fairly short hose.

[dieselguy]

Try 2 hose washers at the connection and have one faucet open ... this has solved your issue for many.

[Bill-N-Donna]

I had the same problem. It seems to be fairly common. I dumped the pink stuff in the fresh water tank and once I open the valves it started pumping. I went ahead and winterized it from the fresh water tank. Used to work on the SOB’s I had and it still works that way.

[hookman]

I pour some antifreeze into the hose before I turn on the pump as my water pump is on the opposite side from the inlet hose.

[Hiller]

Wow, Just winterized yesterday and had exactly the same issue as Camping John. I ended up winterized the old fashioned way from the fresh water tank like Bill did. One winterizing question do folks leave their anode out of the hot water heater or reinstall after they drain tank. Not sure it makes any difference but I left mine out.

[DQDick]

I always put mine back in, not sure it matters, but that way I didn't forget where I put it in the shop and have to buy another one.

[Irlpguy]

I just winterized my 3402RL and both my daughters TT and HorseT, the systems are all similar in the way they work.
The most important thing is to make sure your hose is tight as any air leak will stop the pump from priming as has been mentioned. As also has been mentioned open up a tap somewhere, I use the low point drain and put an empty anti freeze bottle under it to collect any anti freeze that comes out there.

The pump is capable of drawing water from a long distance, my fresh water tank is at the rear of the unit and the pump near the front, that is about 30 ft or more, it just won't work if it is sucking air.

The thing I dislike when winterizing is not being able to turn the pump on and off at the convenience center, I intend to correct that this winter while in the warm Arizona sun by adding a switch in line with the one at the main panel.

I take my anode out and leave it laying in the water heater compartment, that way I don't lose it or forget it is out. I have a spare as well.

[RichR]

I pour antifreeze into a large funnel plugged into a short hose.Was told this when new by a RV tech,works great

[bncinwv]

We used to fight the connection on the 3750 and double washers were always needed. The connection on the new 3850 seems to be improved somehow, since I have used the same section of hose for years and this year never had a problem.
Bingo