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RJL1 · 03-16-2017, 06:46 PM

We have a 2010 Damon Challenger 368. We left NJ last Saturday, March 11 and it was about 10 degrees headed to Cape Coral Fla. I thought I read somewhere that I would be ok to fill with water as long as I kept the heater cranking, which I did. Had it set at 68 for the day and night before I left. Didn't want to take any chances so we waited until we got to South Carolina before I filled the water tank on Saturday night. I will say it was snowing and below freezing on Sunday morning when we left. Anyway, is it ok to fill my tank before I leave? Is my basement heated?

Thanks

Bob

Scarab0088 · 03-17-2017, 10:07 AM

Not all of the basements bins are heated.
And, it is "Anti-freeze" ports from the furnace in all bins with plumbing...NOT regular (full temp) heating like with the interior.
You should be able to see these vent ports in the ceiling or wall of each bin.

So your assumption about the fresh and waste tanks is correct...as long as the furnace is running at a comfortable level in the interior, the service bays with Plumbing should not freeze.
And, it should be noted that the bin doors must remain shut for the heat to be retained.

We have camped in temps as low as the mid-teens with no tankage problems.

However, in these temps, the hose from shore water is a whole different matter and should be totally drained before the freeze hits. We found even a small amount of residual water in a hose will expand upon freezing and plug the hose, making the hose unusable until the plug is thawed and removed.

Safe travels

RJL1 · 03-17-2017, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Not all of the basements bins are heated.
And, it is "Anti-freeze" ports from the furnace in all bins with plumbing...NOT regular (full temp) heating like with the interior.
You should be able to see these vent ports in the ceiling or wall of each bin.

So your assumption about the fresh and waste tanks is correct...as long as the furnace is running at a comfortable level in the interior, the service bays with Plumbing should not freeze.
And, it should be noted that the bin doors must remain shut for the heat to be retained.

We have camped in temps as low as the mid-teens with no tankage problems.

However, in these temps, the hose from shore water is a whole different matter and should be totally drained before the freeze hits. We found even a small amount of residual water in a hose will expand upon freezing and plug the hose, making the hose unusable until the plug is thawed and removed.

Safe travels

Thank you my friend. I appreciate the info.

Bob

RJL1 · 03-21-2017, 07:33 PM

I emailed Thor the other night and this is their thoughts on this issue. Thought I'd post should anyone else have this question.

Bob

Good Afternoon Bob,
Heated basement is not a word I would use to describe it, I would describe it as a small / minimal amount of heated air flow is going to the basement, but not warm enough to keep anything from freezing in such frigid temps.
What we like to suggest is a small space heater in the water tank area to keep the lines and tanks from freezing up.
I hope that this answers your question. If you need further assistance please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Thank you
Jaime

Scarab0088 · 03-21-2017, 11:55 PM

Well, good for them to not "blowing smoke..." as they say.
What temp did you tell them derived the reply of "such frigid temps"?

Yep, the bins are not heated to full temp as the furnace...my owners manual calls it anti-freeze ports.

Another easy way to protect a bin from freeze is to put a drop-light inside the bin with a large incandescent light bulb...these lights produce a lot of heat.

Thanks for the add'l info.

RJL1 · 03-24-2017, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

What temp did you tell them derived the reply of "such frigid temps"?

It was 10 degrees when I left NJ for SW Fla. I'm vary happy they answered my post in such a quick and honest way.

Scarab0088 · 03-24-2017, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJL1

It was 10 degrees when I left NJ for SW Fla. I'm vary happy they answered my post in such a quick and honest way.

Wow! That's cold!

We've camped with temps in the teens at night...not while driving (wind chill considerations) so can't speak to that level of freeze.

We've always had a similar honest and quick experience from the factory customer service.

Best luck