Living during the winter in MH

[rhianna]

We are new owners of a 2004 Monaco Diplomat and are moving to a new location in the Grand Canyon. We have been living and traveling for 12 years in a 5th wheel until now and sometimes in cold weather like Prescott AZ, but this will be our first experience in the MH. Besides the water line to the source being heat taped what should we be prepared to do. I know there is a heater in the water compartment but what about the holding tanks. We are expecting lowes in the teens at night and highs in the 50's during the day.

[rhianna]

We are new owners of a 2004 Monaco Diplomat and are moving to a new location in the Grand Canyon. We have been living and traveling for 12 years in a 5th wheel until now and sometimes in cold weather like Prescott AZ, but this will be our first experience in the MH. Besides the water line to the source being heat taped what should we be prepared to do. I know there is a heater in the water compartment but what about the holding tanks. We are expecting lowes in the teens at night and highs in the 50's during the day.

[hondo122]

We spent a winter in PA lowest we saw was 0, we heat taped the water fill put a small electric heater in the wet bay and insulated the bay with the water pump and put a 100W light bulb. Only connected the dump hose when dumping. Ran off the tank and waterpump. Drained the line between fills just in case. If you heat with propane you will go through a lot. We put the silver bubble insulation in all the windows and windshield. Run a dehumidifier. If you're going to be in one spot try to keep the wind from blowing under the coach. Taking those precautions we never had a freeze up or excessive moisture in the coach. Good Luck

[DSouthw524]

I note that you have not mentioned if yoour coach told you if the holding tanks are in a heated compartment. I would bet they are as most coaches heat the water and holding tank areas. I suggest looking at the Owners manual or contactingf Monaco for the information.

We have been in very cold weather and had no problems except for the water connection and sewer hose as commented previously.

[Jackm]

There's one other area you'll need to watch when the temperature gets below 25 degrees. Specifically, moisture that coats various components during the day will often freeze at night. For example, when we pulled in our slides one cold morning, we heard a snapping sound. As it turned out, part of our slide-topper broke off. Apparently, the part froze in place. When we pulled in the slide, it simply snapped. If possible, wait until the temperature warms up a little before heading out. Most motorhomes can cope with cold weather but you do have to be careful to avoid water-related damages. Good luck and I'm sure things will be fine.

Jack