Winterizing

H

homebase1

New member
Oct 24, 1997
476
0
0
Opinions required:

I live in Nova Scotia and it will soon be getting cold. Last year
I just dumped in 10 gallons of plumbers anti-freeze, pumped it
through the system and presto...instant protection!!

This year's plan is to expose the water heater (side bath),
disconnect the cold line into the heater and the hot out, join the
two (make up my own by-pass), and then fill the system. This should
save me 6 US gallons of anti-freeze, and being a Scotsman...money!!

The question is: Is there anything wrong with this idea that I
haven't thought of, and secondly, when I start
the engine on a regular basis throughout the winter, will the coach
water heating system that runs off of the engine do any damage to the
water heater itself ??

Thanks for your time!
Mikeb

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Persons at homebase
when they are not at "home" ____________
travel by /_|[_] [] [] |
GMC Motorhome :-O-------OO--*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
Mike:

I have had a 1973 Painted Desert since 1987. Several years back I purchased
and installed a bypass kit on the water heater, and have had no problems
whatsoever. I believe the brand was Camco.
The kit was very cheap and simple to operate. I simply empty the tank, turn
the valves to bypass, and install RV antifreeze. The tank remains empty
until spring. I usually disconnect my water line from the inlet valve as
well as I have had 2 crack from ice in the regulator. You can purchase an
inlet plug with a schraeder valve, allowing you to blow out the water lines.

I have also installed an input valve at the water pump allowing me to put a
hose in the antifreeze bottle and let the pump circulate the antifreeze to
all faucets, and toilet.
After putting antifreeze in the sink and shower drains, cover with tape to
prevent evaporation.

All of these items are available at your local RV dealer. There are many
items which can be added to your unit which were not available in the 70's.

One further note for any concerned. I have found that many items I have
needed could be purchased at my local parts supplier (napa, pep boys, etc)
simply by giving them a casting number from the old part.

Phil.

- --Original Message-----
From: Homebase
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 1997 8:12 PM
Subject: GMC: Winterizing

Opinions required:

I live in Nova Scotia and it will soon be getting cold. Last year
I just dumped in 10 gallons of plumbers anti-freeze, pumped it
through the system and presto...instant protection!!

This year's plan is to expose the water heater (side bath),
disconnect the cold line into the heater and the hot out, join the
two (make up my own by-pass), and then fill the system. This should
save me 6 US gallons of anti-freeze, and being a Scotsman...money!!

The question is: Is there anything wrong with this idea that I
haven't thought of, and secondly, when I start
the engine on a regular basis throughout the winter, will the coach
water heating system that runs off of the engine do any damage to the
water heater itself ??

Thanks for your time!
Mikeb

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Persons at homebase
when they are not at "home" ____________
travel by /_|[_] [] [] |
GMC Motorhome :-O-------OO--*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
Mike,

The biggest problem I have had is at the outlet of the fresh water
tank. There is a check valve there so you might want to pour some
antifreeze into the tank and run the pump to circulate it thru that
area.

As for the engine coolant loop on the water heater. The loop just runs
around the outside of the tank. The temperature doesn't get high enough
to do any damage. When I first bought my GMC, it had been sitting for
two years with no water in the system. First thing I did was drive it
200 miles to get it home. If that didn't hurt the water heater,
certainly starting the engine one a week shouldn't.

BTW, Nova Scotia is on my "short list" of places to visit soon. We'll
let you know when we're coming up.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailto:patri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com
 
I just started the winterizing process on a GMC 78 Royale I just purchaed
and noticed that if you use the suspension system to tilt the motorhome it
helps
empty the hot water tank. Don't think it hurt anything- but it sure got a
lot of additional water out of the tank

- ----------
> From: Homebase
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: GMC: Winterizing
> Date: Wednesday, October 29, 1997 4:10 PM
>
> Opinions required:
>
> I live in Nova Scotia and it will soon be getting cold. Last year
> I just dumped in 10 gallons of plumbers anti-freeze, pumped it
> through the system and presto...instant protection!!
>
> This year's plan is to expose the water heater (side bath),
> disconnect the cold line into the heater and the hot out, join the
> two (make up my own by-pass), and then fill the system. This should
> save me 6 US gallons of anti-freeze, and being a Scotsman...money!!
>
> The question is: Is there anything wrong with this idea that I
> haven't thought of, and secondly, when I start
> the engine on a regular basis throughout the winter, will the coach
> water heating system that runs off of the engine do any damage to the
> water heater itself ??
>
> Thanks for your time!
> Mikeb
>
> XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
>
> Persons at homebase
> when they are not at "home" ____________
> travel by /_|[_] [] [] |
> GMC Motorhome :-O-------OO--*
>
> XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
Pam
I assume you have a side bath.
Take off both sliding doors. With a philips screwdriver remove the
6-8 screws around the edge just inside the alum slide track for the
sliding doors. The whole toilet paper holding "thing" along with the
above mentioned track can now in one piece be carried out of the
bath to give you some room.
The by-pass valve you mention is only to release excess pressure if
it should happen. However, from that valve is a hose that is
connected to a fitting that is located above the wheel which would
exit the excess pressure and hot water to the outside of the coach.
It seems to be connected to nothing but in reality goes to the
outside.
NOW...beside that is a smaller hose. Trace that one back under the
bottom center of the insulated tank. What you feel is a drain valve.
Turn it all the way out until it stops. Open the hot water tap, and
then go outside. You should see a stream of water trickleing over
the top of the right rear wheel. If you have water , the hot water
tank is solved...if not, the drain line is probably plugged. Do you
have access to air pressure ??
There are 4 tubes comming out of the end of the tank. The two really
close together are the engine heater tures. The other two are where
YOUR by-pass goes (had mine in my chest).
If you need more info let me know.
Thankfully this group is merciless, so if I've forgotten anything,
they'll be sure to inform you.
Good luck
MikeB

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Persons at homebase
when they are not at "home" ____________
travel by /_|[_] [] [] |
GMC Motorhome :-O-------OO--*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
It's time to winterize my 78 Royale. The first time for us since we just
got it this late summer. How do you empty the hot water heater? I looked
in the door and I can see a pop off valve , but that doesnt let out any
water? Also where do I get the bypass for the hot water heater? TIA

Pam
 
Pam,

The attached .jpeg files are taken from my 1977 Palm Beach owners
manual, pages 42 and 43. I presume other models are similar with the
hot water tank located in the bath under the sink area.

As you can see in the the drain plug is on the BOTTOM of the tank and it
is not the easiest item to open. Mine is a winged pet-cock (like the
drain plug on the motor radiator). I am not sure where it actually
drains to, but leave it open over night and the tank should be empty.
Depending on how you are going to handle the antifrezze will dictate on
whether you can leave it open or close it before next use. If you leave
it open, be sure to TAG it as being OPEN so you won't forget the next
time you fill your water tank.

Harold
9675.0203

>
> It's time to winterize my 78 Royale. The first time for us since we just
> got it this late summer. How do you empty the hot water heater? I looked
> in the door and I can see a pop off valve , but that doesnt let out any
> water? Also where do I get the bypass for the hot water heater? TIA
>
> Pam
>
> .
 
>Pam,
>
>As you can see in the the drain plug is on the BOTTOM of the tank and it
>is not the easiest item to open. Mine is a winged pet-cock (like the
>drain plug on the motor radiator). I am not sure where it actually
>drains to,

IF its like mine, the hose ends in the wheel well behind the right rear wheel.
open the pet-cock on the water tank, also open the hot water tap in the sink
to allow air to replace the water in the tank.

If you leave
>it open, be sure to TAG it as being OPEN so you won't forget the next
>time you fill your water tank.
>
>>
Excellant point.

Another point Make sure you blow ALL the water out of the toilet foot valve,
and/or flush until you get RV anti-freeze in the toilet.
 
I am sorry that I didn't specify that I have a rear bath when asking about
the hot water heater. Our coach came with a couple of books, but the
instructions are not very specific. I didn't know it made such a
difference. Also, there were no jpeg files attachedin the reply from
Harold. You may have to send them to me directly instead of to the list.
pamt

We bought our GMC late this summer and haven't used it but twice. I have
been reading about all the problems some of the people are having with bad
windows and rust and such. I cant believe we found the perfect coach. No
problems except needed new refrigerater and had to replace air conditioner
compressor. The steering is loose, but hope soon to repair that. Our
coach is immaculate. Probably not too many around in such good shape.

The bunks have been removed and the sleeping is limited to four, but who
could use those bunks anyway? I have a problem finding a place for the TV.
Anyone with suggestions?? If you set it on the counter by the sink, you
cant see it from the rear couch. I have tried sitting it on the table when
we are in bed, then it takes a longer antenna cord to reach the outlet, we
just played some tapes on the vcr. Have trouble with reception anyway.
There must be a solution to this simple problem. ( Where to put the TV?)

Thanks for all the help, but please be specific to the Royale with rear
bath. Sorry I gave you incomplete information.

Also, I was wondering what the retail price of these machines was when they
were new. I really enjoyed reading the brochure on the new web site , but
wish there was one available for the 78 model. Anyone have one????

Pam
 
Pam, I have '78 Royale with rear bath. The water heater is under the
range. It is electric ignition Atwood 6 gallon. The drain is in the
lower left side when opening the outside cover. Unscrew plug to drain.
The Royale was made by Coachmen on a GMC Transmode chassis, so it is
quite different from models made by GMC.
The loose steering may be the idler arm bushing.
For TV I got a cheap cutting board and put screw eyes in corners and cup
hooks above road side bed. Two in back out of sight and two inside fron
of cabinet. Hang 9" tv when parked. Works great. I got this GMC in 1980,
so if I can be of further assistance let me know.
Bill

>
> I am sorry that I didn't specify that I have a rear bath when asking about
> the hot water heater. Our coach came with a couple of books, but the
> instructions are not very specific. I didn't know it made such a
> difference. Also, there were no jpeg files attachedin the reply from
> Harold. You may have to send them to me directly instead of to the list.
> pamt
>
> We bought our GMC late this summer and haven't used it but twice. I have
> been reading about all the problems some of the people are having with bad
> windows and rust and such. I cant believe we found the perfect coach. No
> problems except needed new refrigerater and had to replace air conditioner
> compressor. The steering is loose, but hope soon to repair that. Our
> coach is immaculate. Probably not too many around in such good shape.
>
> The bunks have been removed and the sleeping is limited to four, but who
> could use those bunks anyway? I have a problem finding a place for the TV.
> Anyone with suggestions?? If you set it on the counter by the sink, you
> cant see it from the rear couch. I have tried sitting it on the table when
> we are in bed, then it takes a longer antenna cord to reach the outlet, we
> just played some tapes on the vcr. Have trouble with reception anyway.
> There must be a solution to this simple problem. ( Where to put the TV?)
>
> Thanks for all the help, but please be specific to the Royale with rear
> bath. Sorry I gave you incomplete information.
>
> Also, I was wondering what the retail price of these machines was when they
> were new. I really enjoyed reading the brochure on the new web site , but
> wish there was one available for the 78 model. Anyone have one????
>
> Pam
 
any RV center, should have the bypass kit.

I have winterizing drain petcocks located at the tank, and sinks supply
lines. I drain all the water out that is possible, hookup a low pressure air
hose to the "shore" water inlet and with all faucets oppen I blow all the
water out I can get out. 30psi is plenty of pressure, then leaving the hot
water side open should make sure most of the water is out of the water heater
(if you didn't install the 'bypass'). For final assurance I suck ( using the
onboard water pump suction line) "Marine and RV" antifreeze into the lines,
with the hot side valve closed, I run two gallons in ( the water heater takes
6 gallons) so I get return on the cold side 1st and then the remaining goes
into the hot side with the cold side closed. If I want some return in the
hot side I blow air in with the hot side slightly open till I get some
return. Be sure to leave some RV anitfreeze in the sink drains too.

later jim
 
Now print this winterizing out on your computer, so we can refresh our
memories next spring and fall!
good job!

jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GMCMI Spring 2026 Rally
Applied GMC

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back