Winterizing Surprise and Tip

[jeepjrn]

When winterizing my new 2019 Montana 3121RL for the first time this year I ran into a slight problem that may help many others. I found that when using correct winterizing hose port the pump would not pull from the antifreeze bottle. Checking and rechecking that I had all the levers (water heater bypass/winterize) in the correct position, the pump would run but not pull any antifreeze. Calling my service friend at the dealer he told me right away that the check valve in the winterizing line is to strong for the pump to pull the antifreeze through and that I needed to go right to the pump. Once getting to the pump I realized I needed a 3/4" FNH x 1/2" FNPT adaptor to connect to my antifreeze hose. Once purchased at the local hardware and installed all worked perfectly fine and I was able to winterize my camper in minutes. I have pictures if anyone feels that would help as well.

[jeepjrn]

Please find pictures attached to go with my original post. Hope this helps!

[BB_TX]

Pictures are always a great help. Thanks.

I know some had success by turning their screen washer around so that the screen held the check valve open and allowed the pump to suck antifreeze. Fortunately mine pulls it thru with no problem as long as I get a good seal at the hose connection.

[klewis6787]

I was able to use a 12 pump hooked to the battery that we bought from Harbor freight and it was able to add enough pressure that it took the antifreeze into the system without having to unhook anything for us.

[beeje]

There must be million threads/posts on winterizing campers on this site and many others. I have been using the KISS method for over 15 years. It does not get any simpler than this.

1- make sure ALL water /waste is drained from tanks/water heater etc.( as much as possible)
2-Bypass water heater
3-(May not be not necessary) but I do it. Tilt camper so freshwater drain is on the low side.
4-pour 3-4 gallons of antifreeze into the fresh water tank.
5-Turn on pump (with all fixtures closed)
6-Open one fixture at a time (hot and cold till you see pink
7-Let some antifreeze drain into the sink traps.
8-Done 15 min tops.

In the spring fill the fresh tank and drain a few times while running all fixtures flushing out the antifreeze.
After you deem it good enough, fill tank again adding a cup of blech (to sanitize). Run all fixtures till you smell bleach. Let sit 1 day. Drain tank and refill while running a few tanks of fresh water though all fixtures.

Note:IMHO The line that is between the fresh tank and the pump does NOT get winterized using the on board winterizing valve. This line is flexible and sags along the way and water will collect in the low spots and freeze.

[MARK A]

Originally Posted by beeje

There must be million threads/posts on winterizing campers on this site and many others. I have been using the KISS method for over 15 years. It does not get any simpler than this.

1- make sure ALL water /waste is drained from tanks/water heater etc.( as much as possible)
2-Bypass water heater
3-(May not be not necessary) but I do it. Tilt camper so freshwater drain is on the low side.
4-pour 3-4 gallons of antifreeze into the fresh water tank.
5-Turn on pump (with all fixtures closed)
6-Open one fixture at a time (hot and cold till you see pink
7-Let some antifreeze drain into the sink traps.
8-Done 15 min tops.

In the spring fill the fresh tank and drain a few times while running all fixtures flushing out the antifreeze.
After you deem it good enough, fill tank again adding a cup of blech (to sanitize). Run all fixtures till you smell bleach. Let sit 1 day. Drain tank and refill while running a few tanks of fresh water though all fixtures.

Note:IMHO The line that is between the fresh tank and the pump does NOT get winterized using the on board winterizing valve. This line is flexible and sags along the way and water will collect in the low spots and freeze.

Don't forget to drain the Washer supply and blow out the black tank flush. And the OUTSIDE SHOWER!!

Mark

[beeje]

Originally Posted by MARK A

Don't forget to drain the Washer supply and blow out the black tank flush. And the OUTSIDE SHOWER!!

Mark

Since we do not have a washer/dryer I installed valves in the lines to the washer. They stay winterized.

Yes, A good idea to blow out the flush line.

outside shower included in "All" fixtures.

[JABURKHOLDER]

Originally Posted by jeepjrn

When winterizing my new 2019 Montana 3121RL for the first time this year I ran into a slight problem that may help many others. I found that when using correct winterizing hose port the pump would not pull from the antifreeze bottle. Checking and rechecking that I had all the levers (water heater bypass/winterize) in the correct position, the pump would run but not pull any antifreeze. Calling my service friend at the dealer he told me right away that the check valve in the winterizing line is to strong for the pump to pull the antifreeze through and that I needed to go right to the pump. Once getting to the pump I realized I needed a 3/4" FNH x 1/2" FNPT adaptor to connect to my antifreeze hose. Once purchased at the local hardware and installed all worked perfectly fine and I was able to winterize my camper in minutes. I have pictures if anyone feels that would help as well.

Not sure your service friend is correct. My first time using the winterizing port was unsuccessful too. Turns out, the connection behind the convenience center was loose and sucking air. Once tightened, works great, draws from the antifreeze bottle and have had no problems winterizing the last five years.
Anyway, just my two cents.

[Martin Brown]

Any idea where the fill valve is on a 2013 3725 RL?
In the spring fill the fresh tank and drain a few times while running all fixtures flushing out the antifreeze.
After you deem it good enough, fill tank again adding a cup of blech (to sanitize). Run all fixtures till you smell bleach. Let sit 1 day. Drain tank and refill while running a few tanks of fresh water though all fixtures.

Note:IMHO The line that is between the fresh tank and the pump does NOT get winterized using the on board winterizing valve. This line is flexible and sags along the way and water will collect in the low spots and freeze.[/QUOTE]

[Martin Brown]

I can’t find a fill valve on my 2013 3725rl. Any idea where it might be?

[Hedgehog]

I’ve had the same problem the op posted for years, then after consulting with the knowledgeable members here on the forum, I flipped the screen washer and presto, it pumped antifreeze better than I’ve ever seen before. Thank you guys!

[beeje]

Originally Posted by Martin Brown

I can’t find a fill valve on my 2013 3725rl. Any idea where it might be?

I do not know what year keystone got rid of the gravity fill port, but IMHO that was a BIG mistake. The newer units can only be filled via the power fill valve. Some have had luck filling through a vent on the side of the trailer (if it has one)

[CT Wanderer]

Originally Posted by beeje

I do not know what year keystone got rid of the gravity fill port, but IMHO that was a BIG mistake. The newer units can only be filled via the power fill valve. Some have had luck filling through a vent on the side of the trailer (if it has one)

I struggled filling my fresh water tank while boondocking through the overflow vent with limited success. The best way was to use the winterizing connection to suck water into the system in the same manner as the winterizing process.

When winterizing you can route the antifreeze to the freshwater tank so you can get antifreeze into all the lines including the one from the freshwater tank to the pump.

[dieselguy]

Like said there are endless threads on the best way to winterize ... use what sets your mind at ease. I used to do the pink stuff, but in recent years, I just drain as much out of the system as the low point drains and HWH will allow and blow the rest out. Yes it gets cold here in KS and I know of all the be sures in using the air method. I don't like the pink stuff "Kissing" my fresh water tank as the bottom is never flat so the drain is seldom the low point, so it takes who knows how much flushing to get the pink stuff purged out enough to have peace of mind. Yes we use our FWT for occasional drinking and cooking. Moving on to the the OP original issue ... yes I've had to turn the screen around as well, but many newer models of various brands have a dedicated winterizing suction line hard plumbed so there is no screen just a manual T valve.

[whutfles]

When I suck antifreeze into the winterizing port of our 10 year old Montanna I have my wife hold the jug of antifreeze and keep the hose at the bottom of the jug. When the jug gets close to empty I shut off the pump and go out and switch jugs. Then I go back in and turn on the pump again. Pump will just spin and will not stop like when it gets to full pressure. If I open a faucet, it immediately starts to draw antifreeze from the new jug and when I shut off the faucet, the pump builds pressure and then stops.

[Shortstuff]

Originally Posted by jeepjrn

When winterizing my new 2019 Montana 3121RL for the first time this year I ran into a slight problem that may help many others. I found that when using correct winterizing hose port the pump would not pull from the antifreeze bottle. Checking and rechecking that I had all the levers (water heater bypass/winterize) in the correct position, the pump would run but not pull any antifreeze. Calling my service friend at the dealer he told me right away that the check valve in the winterizing line is to strong for the pump to pull the antifreeze through and that I needed to go right to the pump. Once getting to the pump I realized I needed a 3/4" FNH x 1/2" FNPT adaptor to connect to my antifreeze hose. Once purchased at the local hardware and installed all worked perfectly fine and I was able to winterize my camper in minutes. I have pictures if anyone feels that would help as well.

I had the same problem with my Montana 3761fl. Would love to see your pics.

[jeepjrn]

Originally Posted by Shortstuff

I had the same problem with my Montana 3761fl. Would love to see your pics.

Look at the original thread, I posted the pictures right after I posted the first beginning thread. If you can’t reach them, please let me know and I’ll repost them.