RVing in winter

[mmbrevo]

Hello all,
I holed up here in Eastern Pa waiting on this big cold front to come through. I’ve been here since Nov and had my first real test of cold temps last week, slightly <0. I didn’t have any issues other than 1/4 tank of water apparently freezing in the holding tank.
I’m looking at Wed-Sat low temps 0- (-7) and highs 9 on Wed and 20-25 the other days. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve considered winterizing the RV for a few days, so shutting off water, using bottled water to flush or insulating the outside valves. I need some advice.

Thanks,
Michele

[Bamaman]

We were out in temperatures last week no where nearly as cold as you're experiencing, and the water line coming out the ground froze in the middle of my shower. We're not so prepared for cold in the Mid South.

I've been known to get a few sauce pans of water and bring the water hose inside--completely unhooking. At least I can flush--and use paper plates, etc. We also can cook on our air fryer and microwave and not make a mess.

[IBTripping]

Looks like you've got a good plan. One thing I'd suggest is to put a 60 watt lamp near your water tank. I assume you've got one or two space heaters to help keep the trailer warm. Some people also open cabinet doors near their tanks so the the heat will help to keep from freezing. After the storm, please let us know how well your trailer survived (and you too).

Some people say that adversity makes us stronger. I say adversity SUCKS!!!

[Ray,IN]

Were this me, I would winterize the TT, including draining water heater. Temporary inconvenience greatly outweighs replacing frozen/burst water lines.

[2Yung2 Quit]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Were this me, I would winterize the TT, including draining water heater. Temporary inconvenience greatly outweighs replacing frozen/burst water lines.

Will the water heater freeze if it's on, and hot?

[poppyof5]

Let the water drip in bathroom and kitchen. Open cabinet doors. I have a small space heater I use in the wet bay.
Oh and adjust the temp in your refrigerator. I had read here that bringing in the slides helps (less area to heat) but I have not tried that.

[poppyof5]

Oh one more thing get a heated hose, they are a bit pricey but work.

[Spdracr39]

It was a balmy 24 here last night with a high wind and low wind chill. Wind chill won't freeze things but it certainly removes residual heat faster. My rv is a four seasons with a heater vent in the tank area. I turned down the electric fireplace and radiator we normally use so the propane heater would run occasionally. No problems other than my outside hose started to freeze this morning so I switch over to tank water and turned the spigot off.

[Bob_C]

And, as much as one likes to look out, I'd use some Reflectix , cut to fit, and cover the windows at night......works in either cold or heat...Lowes and Home Depot carry it...

[twogypsies]

I'd recommend winterizing it and getting a motel room for a few nights. Next year, find a more southernly place to stay. No RV is made for those predicted temperatures. Good luck!

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by 2Yung2 Quit

Will the water heater freeze if it's on, and hot?

No it will not, however it may be damaged if not full of water with the LP burner on, or burn out the 120VAC heating element without a water supply to replace lost water.
Your equipment, your money; not my call. I offered my opinion.

[ThePowells]

They were calling for 18 in the morning, so here we are at the NC Fairgrounds camping area. If they are gonna get that one, and to follow their path, it has to drop 9 degrees in the next two minutes, then continue at 1.5 degrees drop each hour.

[gutsgolf]

we spent a hard winter in indy a couple of years ago. was given great ideas from locals
1 put a heat tape on your hose coming in. and around the faucet we also put foam pipe wrap over the heat tape.
2. if there is snow bury sewer hose init.
3 we got some small bubble , bubble wrap and put on windows , ours are double pane but it sure helped
4 light bulb or space heater in wet bay.
5 make sure propane full
6 hunker down it will pass good luck

[Badlands Bob]

I think there's room for one more RV in Florida. That's where Rv's belong in the Winter.