Community Forums

illusionist · 12-04-2013, 10:53 AM

Hi there fellow rv'ers

I'm currently on tour and in my 2000 coachman sports coach diesel pusher
We are experiencing extreme cold. Temps have been as low as -7. Most of the time in the low teens.

We can not get the pump to turn on in the cold temps. When it goes up to mid 30s were fine.

Last night it was mid 20s and worked ok then this morning it was 11 outside.
No water

We lead ex the water heater on all the time in the cold temps and only turn the pump on once we are parked for the night.

Is there anything we can do to keep the water from freezing. That is what I'm assuming is happening.

Any thoughts suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thx

Sam

PyrateSilly · 12-04-2013, 11:13 AM

It may be freezing or almost freezing at the hose from the spigot into the RV. There are several things you can do to stop that or slow it down.
Blankets around the hose and spigot
Fiberglass pipe wrappings from any home improvement store
And heating tape for pipes that you can also get at any home improvement store
Or something like this PIRIT Heated Hose : The Only Cold Weather Heated Hose

John Hilley · 12-04-2013, 01:23 PM

Are you able to use the water from the on board fresh water supply? You have to find out what is freezing, the pump itself or some path between the water supply and the pump. Then you have to figure out how to keep that area warm. A trouble light in the pump compartment might be all you need.

illusionist · 12-04-2013, 06:07 PM

It is the on board water that won't work. It is when we're boondocking that we can't use water. If we connect to city water were fine.
It seems the pu won't even go on now.
Usually my daughter can hear the pump go on when we hit the switch but right now there is no sound when we turn it on.

Sam

John Hilley · 12-04-2013, 06:19 PM

Put some heat in the bay with the pump. Try a hair dryer and blow hot air on the pump. Then put a trouble light in there.

BFlinn181 · 12-04-2013, 07:01 PM

If the water is liquid in the tank, the only place it could be freezing is in the hose from the tank to the pump. Put a remote thermometer in the compartment right next to the pump and see what temp it is there. If it's below freezing, you'll need to insulate and add heat, a hard thing to do if you are boondocking. How is your wet bay heated? Heat pads, 12 v electric heater, or hot air from the furnace?

NeilV · 12-04-2013, 09:28 PM

Even if you don't intend to use the pump you should not let it get to freezing temps with water in it. Get some heat into that bay before you loose the pump. Just use some common sense so you don't start a fire.

illusionist · 12-05-2013, 08:02 AM

The pump is actually under the fridge right next to the furnace air box that shoots hot air outside from side of bus.

My fear now is that the water tank itself might be freezing but have no idea how to check. The temp at the water pump is not enough to freeze it. However under the bus where we fill the water tank is as cold as it is outside. About 15 degrees.

We have not had water now for 3 days. Not fun.

Trying to find an rv repair place that can take a look. We're in grand island nebraska now and will be heading to Sioux city iowa Friday afternoon. Hoping its warmer there.

Just at a lost here now wondering what is freezing or has the pump actually died. Hmmm

Thx for ur help

Sam

BFlinn181 · 12-05-2013, 10:15 AM

Sam, I read your owner's manual and curiously, it never mentions your RV has a heated wet bay or is prepared for winter use. In fact, it mentions: "If you will be using your motorhome during cold weather, be certain to keep the fresh water system drained or use an approved, non-toxic RV antifreeze to prevent freeze-ups." (pg. 35) Most RV's that are prepared for winter use have systems to heat the wet bay, mine even has an label on the wet bay door 'bragging' it has heated tanks. I guess you could add a heat source to the tank area if it's enclosed. My tank area is enclosed and has a furnace duct in the area to keep tanks above freezing.

Your manual:
Owners Manuals - Coachmen RV

NeilV · 12-05-2013, 11:25 AM

is any of the water line coming into the pump from the tank or out of it in an area exposed to outside air? You may just need to insulate a small section of pipe or caulk a seam that is allowing outside air to freeze a line.

I stayed in the White Mountains for weeks when the temps were in the teens at night and never had a freezeup however heated basement was one of the musts on our list of requirements when we bought the coach.

The original owner was shooting travel video in Northern Alaska so we were pretty confident that it would be sufficient for our needs.