Winterizing Montana Issue

[PMillette3]

I purchased a 2017 Montana 3660RL. I had an issue last year winterizing. thought it was just me. again this year I am having an issue to pull the antifreeze into the rig through the winterizing connection. I connect the hose and put it into the jug. I turn on the pump. I get antifreeze flow out of the low point drains, but when I go into the rig. It will not come out of the faucets or shower. What am I doing wrong? All water seems to come out and then just air.

[Carl n Susan]

I don't winterize so I have no practical experience. But years of reading the MOC tells me that adding an extra washer to the Winterize Port eliminates leaks and having the jug of fluid as high as the Winterize Port (or higher) helps.

[77cruiser]

Take the screen out & turn it around then it will open the check valve.

[scottz]

I had the same issue; it was because I did not have a great seal; or maybe it was the check valve; or both. I can't remember. I have removed all the intake check valves on my unit. Putting an extra washer on might help and get the jug above the intake. You did bypass the water heater, right?

[PMillette3]

I did bypass the water heater. Thank you for the info. I will try the washer and raising the jug

[PMillette3]

Thank you

[DutchmenSport]

You need to raise the antifreeze container (gallon jug) higher than where the hose is connected to the port in your convenience center. It won't work at all if the container is sitting on the ground. I set mine on a 6 foot step ladder. I fit a bucket with a clamp on one step and put the gallon jug inside that so it won't tip over when the jug nears empty from the weight of the hose. But, that is the easiest solution. Simply raise the gallon jug a bit higher than where the hose connects to the trailer. I will probably work just fine then.

[ScottnSue]

Originally Posted by DutchmenSport

You need to raise the antifreeze container (gallon jug) higher than where the hose is connected to the port in your convenience center. It won't work at all if the container is sitting on the ground. I set mine on a 6 foot step ladder. I fit a bucket with a clamp on one step and put the gallon jug inside that so it won't tip over when the jug nears empty from the weight of the hose. But, that is the easiest solution. Simply raise the gallon jug a bit higher than where the hose connects to the trailer. I will probably work just fine then.

Dutch is spot on. I had the same problem last year (first year with this camper). Once I raised the bucket a few feet off the ground the pump was able to pull the antifreeze thru the camper.

[PMillette3]

I added a 2nd washer and raised the jug of antifreeze. It worked like a charm. had all faucets and shower done in 5 minutes. Thank you for the great suggestions!

[richeyb]

Totally agree with Dutchman. Balance bucket on a 6ft ladder at or above connection and insure hose sets in bottom of bucket of antifreeze. Turn on pump and ooff each valve one at a time until you see pink.

[JimMue]

I had the same problem. My Montana was delivered without a washer in the winterize port. Once I put a washer in, it worked like a champ. No need to raise the jug.

[Bladescb]

Originally Posted by 77cruiser

Take the screen out & turn it around then it will open the check valve.

I agree with this post. I also put the anti-freeze jug on top of the open bay door. Gravity is your friend!

[DutchmenSport]

[QUOTE=Bladescb;1284248.... I also put the anti-freeze jug on top of the open bay door. .... ![/QUOTE]

The reason I use the ladder is because a gallon jug of liquid sitting on top of the bay door (it flips up), and the door will drop down and close, sliding the jug off. I suppose my shock struts are not hefty enough to hold that extra weight.

[77cruiser]

If you push the check valve open it pulls it right in with no drama.
I just blow my down with air way easier.