Still workin and Rv'n

[hhansen054]

Joined this forum a short time ago and already found a wealth of knowledge out there. Great forum.
To introduce myself, I am not new to camping and traveling in a TT but what I am doing right now is new to me. I was out of work for about a year and a half with no computer tech jobs in the community I live(d) in and no one in the market for our home of 34 years so I said "enough is enough". I used the last amount of credit we had to buy a used 2001 29' prowler and took a project job (good paying) about 2 hours from our home. I am staying in an RV park closer to the job. Guess you could say this is a test to see if we will like full time RV'ing. So far I like it but would be a lot nicer if I didn't have to work, Ha-ha.
I have one question for you people in colder climates. Where can I find some "heat tape" to put on my water hose to keep it from freezing. I looked at Home Depot but those said NOT to put on hoses and not to touch the ground?!? What do you use?

[Mr_D]

Fill the water tank, unhook the hose and drain it, stow it away till the water tank needs filling again. Same with the drain hose. Only take it out when you need to dump.

Isn't project IT work fun? Did it for a few years till the market dried up here. Set up some SANS and managed Oracle setups as well as managing help desks and third line server support.

[mr300ce]

http://www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-P...3759239&sr=8-2

This is what I have used for 2 winters. No problems. Gets down to high teens at nite sometimes (18*F already). You may get some comments about getting too hot and melting the hose. NOT the case at all. I was by profession a mechanical analyst on space shuttle. I "analize" everything before proceeding. Safety was always the primary concern.

I did all the homework for you.

I also used those swim noodles over it for insulation. Just slit it length wise and slip over.

One of these little "toys" (or similar) is a must for any DIY guy.

Infrared Thermometer

[hhansen054]

Thought about filling the fresh water tank but it is completely exposed on the bottom and sides. Thought it might freeze up too. Getting in the low 20's here in Puyallup tonight.

[gray ghost]

I was at an RV store a few weeks ago and they were selling a heated hose.

[MSHappyCampers]

Just a suggestion.. you will get a lot more answers on this if you post in in the "General Discussion" area of the forums. Not too many people hang out here. Hope the new job works out for you! Good luck & God bless!

[mr300ce]

Some people cover the heat tape wrapped hose with foam pipe insulation. Its cheap enough too.

[BigV]

Here is a good video. Not mine, but the water line is exactly the way I've done it for years.

[historyljc]

Welcome hhansen054. I use the "stow the hoses" method myself. Put a drop light w/60-100 watt bulb in the water. That along with you coach heat should keep things from freezing up.

[hhansen054]

Great video. I was thinking about doing that but hadn't thought of the foil trick. Guess I better hike down to my nearest 'Homer' store and pick up some supplies. Especially since the park manager just came by handing out flyers stating they are shutting off the water tomorrow in the park to check for leaks due to 'excesive water usage' as in letting it trickle all night so it doesn't freeze. Oops! Thanks for the link to the video.

[SarahW]

Hello and welcome!

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by historyljc Welcome hhansen054. I use the "stow the hoses" method myself. Put a drop light w/60-100 watt bulb in the water. That along with you coach heat should keep things from freezing up.

OP has now stated that the water tank is exposed so it might freeze anyway. We have heated bays so it's not a problem for us.

[cutrell01]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hhansen054 Joined this forum a short time ago and already found a wealth of knowledge out there. Great forum. To introduce myself, I am not new to camping and traveling in a TT but what I am doing right now is new to me. I was out of work for about a year and a half with no computer tech jobs in the community I live(d) in and no one in the market for our home of 34 years so I said "enough is enough". I used the last amount of credit we had to buy a used 2001 29' prowler and took a project job (good paying) about 2 hours from our home. I am staying in an RV park closer to the job. Guess you could say this is a test to see if we will like full time RV'ing. So far I like it but would be a lot nicer if I didn't have to work, Ha-ha. I have one question for you people in colder climates. Where can I find some "heat tape" to put on my water hose to keep it from freezing. I looked at Home Depot but those said NOT to put on hoses and not to touch the ground?!? What do you use?

Goggle Pirit.com or heated water hose. It is a water hose that has heat wire molded into it and has a thermostat and plugs into 110 outlet. Have one but have not used it yet. They are not cheap, but I am hoping it makes insulation of the water line to RV much easier than other methods.