Winter trip

Strategery · 10-17-2008, 07:41 AM

All,

We've got a new puppy, so want to bring him North with us to Maine for Christmas (normally we would fly).

I've got a 2008 Ventana 3942 with heater pads under the tanks. We're going to be there for 12 days with the RV at our house (we won't be in it).

Haven't taken it North in the winter before, so I'm wondering if I can get away with having a small ceramic heater in the basement when we arrive vs. keeping the furnace on all the time. Anyone have ideas on this? Would like to not winterize for 12 days of layup.

C.

Strategery · 10-17-2008, 07:41 AM

All,

We've got a new puppy, so want to bring him North with us to Maine for Christmas (normally we would fly).

I've got a 2008 Ventana 3942 with heater pads under the tanks. We're going to be there for 12 days with the RV at our house (we won't be in it).

Haven't taken it North in the winter before, so I'm wondering if I can get away with having a small ceramic heater in the basement when we arrive vs. keeping the furnace on all the time. Anyone have ideas on this? Would like to not winterize for 12 days of layup.

C.

soricobob · 10-17-2008, 07:54 AM

Where in Maine?

Strategery · 10-17-2008, 08:41 AM

Southern

GaryKD · 10-17-2008, 08:52 AM

If the coach can have shore power, for the time it is parked, there should be no problem if:

1. Open all the doors in the kitchen and bath(s) to allow air to the plumbing lines.

2. Leave the furnace on at around 40 degrees.

3. The ceramic heater idea is good.

4. Don't forget the hot water heater. If it can be run on electric, that is good.

For me, the furnace needs to be left on to ensure the interior plumbing lines are safe.

Depending on how close and convenient the coach will be for you to access, you could forgo the heat unless the temp will be below freezing for many hours.

Spikester · 10-17-2008, 09:52 AM

Gary gave you a great list, a couple of things to add:

Open all of your faucets, and leave them open, this depressurize your plumbing lines, this gives room for expansion just in case you do freeze, also water under pressure freezes faster than water at atmospheric pressure.

If you do not want to run furnace on low, a couple of ceramic heaters on low would probably do the trick also, keeps the air circulating.

Don't forget to get the block heater turned prior to your departure.

Spike

Max Hubrich · 10-17-2008, 10:55 AM

Also, If you have an icemaker, drain the line from the solenoid to the ice tray and the water line to the solenoid. These are usually exposed to the elements.

Good luck,