Community Forums

Alan Wilson · 01-05-2014, 02:28 PM

I had posted on here about a squeaky door and trying to stay warm in frigid temperatures. I wanted to report that we got down to TX by running the furnace almost all the way down as it was in the low 30's even when we got here. The furnace was working hard to keep up and it was really nice to have a warm bedroom to go to sleep in at night. Thanks for all that made that suggestion. I had thought I would hang a tarp behind the seat. I don't think so now.

The squeaky door. Lots of suggestions but a few guys that told me it was the latch were absolutely right. I wrapped the posts with electric tape and the noise is gone.

De-winterizing this big motorhome in fairly cold weather was quite an experience. Not for the feint of heart or beginners. Things I had no idea about went wrong and I spent the evening wet to my elbows, wearing a headlight so I could see, trying to stop all the leaks that I created! Never doing that again when I am tired and cold. It is truly amazing how many times you can clean the kitchen and bathroom floor in one evening. Actually I gave my wife encouragement while I was busy stopping the leaks I was creating. A word to the beginners, be sure the water is turned off when you messing around with the plug in the water filter base before you install a new water filter. Oh yeah, this was right after we cleaned up a broken new bottle of wine and glass from the floor so I guess it needed washed with water anyway! Lol! Only took me 3 1/2 hours but it is now done. I got the final repairs to the ice maker line and water heater made here in TX.

Alan

MSHappyCampers · 01-05-2014, 03:19 PM

Aah, the joys of owning a MH!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

gbburgess · 01-05-2014, 03:26 PM

Hi, we are still in Marshalltown and thinking of heading your way next week. I hope both Iowa and Texas warm up because I hate driving and being cold. Hopefully Port Aransas will be back near 70 degrees by then.
Ed and Barb
2007 Georgetown 373 xl
2013 Jeep Wrangler unlinted

donhoward49 · 01-05-2014, 03:38 PM

Reminds me of the saying "we Learn By our Mistakes" We should all be geniuses..

Alan Wilson · 01-05-2014, 03:58 PM

Thanks everyone! Ed, it was 72 in Mission today but the Canadian icy blast is going to get down here for the next couple of days. Nothing like up there though.

Ed, I think I am a genius at water systems on motorhomes now! At least mine! Lol!

gbburgess · 01-06-2014, 09:24 AM

Alan, it is currently -14 with a wind chill in the -40's. Every school and many business are closed. It is simply a lovely day to be elsewhere. DW has changed the plans, we are now headed to Tampa for the month then your direction later. Have a good one.
Ed and Barb
2007 Georgetown 373 xl
2013 jeep wrangler unlimited

eddieelk · 01-06-2014, 10:30 AM

Alan, I'm envious of you. I'm stuck in Missouri is -6 degrees for the first time in 13 years. I normally stay in Weslaco. I had a leak in the rear bedroom, and have it torn up so I won't go south this winter. I HATE long pants. Eddie Elk.

Alan Wilson · 01-22-2014, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddieelk

Alan, I'm envious of you. I'm stuck in Missouri is -6 degrees for the first time in 13 years. I normally stay in Weslaco. I had a leak in the rear bedroom, and have it torn up so I won't go south this winter. I HATE long pants. Eddie Elk.

Eddie, I feel your pain. I have had to stay in the cold for many years and anyone that doesn't like it shouldn't have to stay. No more for me if i can help it. Btw, I'm sorry to hear about your bedroom leak but you picked one hell of a year to stay home. It has even been cool down here as we keep getting the affects of the polar vortex here but it is still better than anywhere north. Good luck on your repairs.

Alan

wa8yxm · 01-22-2014, 08:45 AM

DE-winterizing.....

Recommendation: When next you winterize use the DRY method, that is blow out the lines as follows.

Open all valves including low point drains, faucets, showers and the like,

Drain the water heater and bypass it.

Using an air compressor (Tank type) with a pressure regulator set to around 50 PSI, blow out the lines till you get no more water out of the low points.

Take a break, say 5 minutes

Blow again

Repeat like 5-10 times. Till you get nothing but air out on the last blow.

Use Pink stuff (RV-Antifreeze) in drains and traps. Job done

If the air in the lines ever freezes.. You won't be worried about the RV.

Close all valves and faucets (Oh, if you have an ice maker do not forget it and do not forget the water pump inlet housing).

After the first blow, run the water pump for like a minute to dry it out as well.

Now: Heading south in the COLDDDDDDDD.

Carry "Jugged" water, (gallon bottles, jerry cans whatever) inside the RV, do not fill the fresh water system.. You need hot water, a 30 cup Party Perk (or even a 20) will work well as a water heater. Or a soup pot on the stove (10 quart Dutch Oven?)

When you get where it's warm, Do the fill (with water and sanitizer) flush Fill (Water and baking soda) flush and Fill one last time thing.

Un-Bypass the heater, close all valves, and such before you fill.

eddieelk · 01-22-2014, 10:23 AM

When we traveled south is cold weather, I placed a clear shower curtain on a rope between the cabinets just behind the front seats. It kept the front seat area quite comfortable. Our Yorkie stayed under the seat most of the trip.
Eddie Elk.