Let's Winterize!!

 

HELP – it’s a Snowpocalypse!

So, with all the prognosticators predicting Armageddon on Friday (pre-halloween), I figured I’d better “winterize” Rigbee.  Basically, that means flushing the water system with RV Antifreeze. 

With only a half-gallon left over from last fall’s adventure, I headed out to get more.  Tractor Supply had some, and of course I not only got the antifreeze but a few other items – pelletized horse bedding (aka. Cat litter) etc.… 

They did not have the size tarp Rigbee needs (giant) so I decided to stop at the new Ocean State Job Lot in Vernon.  They’re having some huge anniversary sale, so after I got the tarp (and a few other things I just HAD to have) I got a “crazy deal card” for 40% of what I spent.  Since the tarp is REALLY expensive, yay me.

Once home, I went out to Rigbee and moved some of Melody’s things around to make access easier (when I get to S.C. in the spring, I’ll deliver them) and set about winterizing the water system.  Essentially, I have to turn on the generator, turn the water diverter valve, open all the faucets, turn on the water pump, put the diverter hose in the antifreeze and let it get sucked up into all the hoses, faucets, etc…  And I open up the grey and black water tanks, too.  They’re empty, so they should just run pink eventually.

Well, you do need to remember to take the cap off the suction hose.   That’s the first thing.  It won’t suck up the fluid if the cap is on.  Minor detail. 

Once the pink fluid is coming out of all of the faucets (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower.  And don’t forget the outside shower!!!), don’t forget to flush the toilet until it flushes pink, too.  The diverter valve is under the sink.  It’s difficult to get at and it’s a pain the butt.  With my sprained calf protesting intermittently, I was not looking forward to this job.  Since it has to be done, best to get on with it.

Amazingly, it only took me a half hour to do it – and that includes forgetting to take the cap off the diverter tube, and almost forgetting to flush the toilet until pink.  Sometimes, I’m such a goof.  Once everything is running pink, you have to go around and close all the faucers/valves and the tanks so everything is secured.

Then I decided to move the camper forward a few feet.  You know, before driving off, you really should take the tire covers off.  At least they’re vinyl and were not ruined by being driven on/off.  Sometimes I wonder if my brain is fully turned on.  Everything is a-ok though. 

I still have to do the electrical winterizing – disconnect the truck battery and hook up the battery tender in the coach, running power to it from the garage, through the shed and on out. 

The forecast continues to threaten us with awfulness.  Tomorrow Piper and I will go to Tufts in Grafton MA for her last shockwave treatment.  I hope it’s her last. 

Onward and upward!