New to Cold Weather Camping - Questions

[rrawood]

So, we are taking the new RV up to Virginia for the Thanksgiving week. From what I hear, the weather may be getting pretty cold while we are there. I don't think it will be dropping below freezing, but just in case it did, I had a few questions. Actually, I don't really have questions, because I have no idea what I need to do other than change to a winter blend for the washer fluid reservoir. What else do I need to do, or be aware of? We will be staying in the motor home, and I am sure we will be using the heater.

What else do we need to keep in mind?

Thanks in advance!

[JimM68]

Most modern motorhomes will keep the water in the plumbing in a liquid state as long as the propane furnace is. Keeping the coach fairly warm.
Do not leave you water or sewer hoses hooked up all night.
It should be fine.

[PNWGirl]

Hi Rrawood,

Make sure that your furnace is working well. You can use space heaters but keep them to the low setting (like 750 watts) or you may trip your breaker. Using my furnace, I stay toasty warm.

If the nights get very cold and day time highs are going to be in the 30's, you should fill your fresh water tanks and not use the city water inlet (drain your water hose). Also do not leave your valves, to black/grey tanks open. Let your grey/black tanks fill and you can dump them in the warmest part of the day- if possible. If you leave them open- especially black- you can get some nasty stuff freezing to the tank or the valves.

Are your bays heated or are your tanks heated? This is the time to find out, if you do not know. In frigid temps you might need a little extra help, for your tanks. Some folks use a drop light, in their bay by the tanks. Adds about 10 degrees of extra heat. I've never been out in my coach, with temps that bad (only 25 for low/ 40 high) so have never needed more than my heated bays to keep tanks safe.

Should it also get very cold, you should crack the cabinets where your water lines are so that they get extra heat as most of them will be along the outside wall of the coach.

This time of year, generally, it's not frigid- in VA- but it is always better to be prepared, for the worst, so that you are ready if it happens.

I hope that some if this is what you were looking for with your post

Have a wonderful holiday!!

Sheila

["007"]

Here is some information on winter driving.
While I hope you do not hit a snow storm its best to be prepared never know about weather these days.
Have a ample supply of LP and run your furnace you shouldn't have a problem.
Have a good safe trip and a Happy Turkey Day.

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrawood So, we are taking the new RV up to Virginia for the Thanksgiving week. From what I hear, the weather may be getting pretty cold while we are there. I don't think it will be dropping below freezing, but just in case it did, I had a few questions. Actually, I don't really have questions, because I have no idea what I need to do other than change to a winter blend for the washer fluid reservoir. What else do I need to do, or be aware of? We will be staying in the motor home, and I am sure we will be using the heater. What else do we need to keep in mind? Thanks in advance!

what kinda rv do you have? you can add this info to your signature lock.
in addition to what others have said, i added 3 wired inside-outside temperature gauges in my water pump, water tank and water service bays.
i wish i would have spent a little more $ and gone with a wireless system.
i run the water heater on electric or propane. that keeps my 2 fwd compartments warm.
i usually use 3 space heaters inside my moho so i use a 100w drop cord light in my water service bay. that keeps it above freezing. i don't know if the propane furnace would heat the water service bay enough to keep it from freezing.

[rrawood]

Thanks for the great replies. I am in a 2012 Fletwood Tioga Ranger. I know the compartment that has the black and gray tank is heated, and I am pretty sure the compartment that has the fresh water tank is heated. I will double check that. From what I can tell, the weather reports look like it will stay well above freezing. I hope that is the case, and I will not have to worry. Can't hurt to be prepared though!