Extreme cold tactics - how to keep that water flowing!

[Marilyn H]

Recently we had to deal w/ the extreme cold. I want to share how we confronted 5° temps and were able to have flowing water.

Maybe y'all already figured this out. But for those that haven't, like us, or have not experienced these freezing temps, maybe this will help.

We have a 2014 36FB though I'm not sure it really matters.

Above 32° we use 3 heaters: the fireplace and 2 ceramic heaters. The park we are at has free electricity.

Once we went below 32° for an extended period we had problems:

• No water - nothing flows
• Could not pull dump handles- handles were frozen shut

So here's what we did to have flowing water all the time:

• - Replace generic input hose w/ heat wrapped hose
• - Wrap dump hose w/ aluminum foil
• - Place heat tape on outside of aluminum foil of dump hose
• - Wrap dump hose with insulation
• - Make sure dump hose is angled down from RV to sewage
• - Open compartment to under belly and put ceramic heater blowing
• - Set Gas Heat Thermostat at 66° (or whatever you like)
• - Don't use ceramic heaters once temp is below 32° - force the Gas
• - Drip the kitchen and bathroom sinks very slowly all the time
• - Set the ceramic heaters to come on if propane is exhausted

Probably the biggest thing we learned was to use the gas furnace once the temperatures dipped below 32°.

We are now able to sustain very cold temperatures. Yes, it does cost more due to propane use but we can do laundry, dish washing, bathing and toilet even at 5°.

[johnboytoo]

Oh, yes, you MUST use your furnace and hope the ducts are connected properly to heat the underbelly....
I too have a heated inlet hose and I never go above Arkansas

many use heat pads on the holding tanks as well...

[BasilFawlty]

We were in Grand Canyon a few weeks ago where it regularly dropped below 10 degrees fahrenheit with wind at night.

Our tactic was to fill and run off the fresh water tank and run ONLY the propane furnace. That way, the only source of heat was from the same source that warms the underbelly. Yes, the furnace ran constantly but we were without water for only one night when (what I assume happened) the pickup tube for the water pump froze. A connect to a frost proof spigot to the city water connection and a hose from the HOT water "shower" connection in the convenience center to top off the gravity fed fresh water tank thawed things right up.

HOWEVER... Because we were not truly winterized and have the residential fridge, we had a minor casualty of a small leak from a burst water line to the ice maker. As this was not our first leak in this line, I had the tools and parts onboard for a quick fix once we got to warmer climes.

[atom ant]

Great tips!

If you full time, you might consider the Cheap Heat System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GbPGp9eZ1U

[Ford truck guy]

Here is my take - -

I have been plowing snow ALL my life ,skiing all my life. Been dealing with the COLD/SNOWY North East all my life.

When I full time and have to deal with those cold temps.. I AM ROLLING as far south as I have to just to get warm... There will be NO questions , no heat tape , just sandals , shorts and straws !

[atom ant]

Check out Dale and Tracey's pics:

http://www.redwoodowners.com/forums/...albums107.html

Something kind of cozy about that!

[Ford truck guy]

I do not want to shovel my driveway , let alone my campsite !! But I do agree that looks a bit cozy , in a very strange way!

[travelin' texans]

Not only NO, but HELL NO! Had the 1st winter we retired in Washington when DW broke her ankle & good Lord willing it won't happen again.

[Dave&Ginny]

I've camped in all weather including blizzards. It can be fun because there aren't many people but also dangerous if you're not careful. I prefer winter camping in non-slide units because they have fewer air leaks.