Community Forums

kfalls · 10-12-2011, 04:18 PM

We're thinking of visiting family in NV for the winter in our 2004 Safari Simba. (Lake Tahoe / Carson City Area). I've done it before in our previous Sea Breeze 5th wheel and done just fine. I know all the tricks keeping water / sewer hoses etc from freezing. My concern is how the well the tanks are insulated and heated. The 5th wheel was nice in that I could see tanks in storage areas and knew the heat ducts heated the area they were in. I can't quite tell how well the tanks stay warm in the Safari. I guess as long as coach stays warm they should be okay, but wonder if anyone else has taken their Safari Simba or similar motorhome through a really cold winter and how you made out?

Thanks!

RV Wizard · 10-13-2011, 02:47 AM

As long as you are using the onboard heating system and not supplemental heat and keeping the water compartment light on in sub-freezing weather you should be fine.

njs42 · 10-13-2011, 03:34 AM

I have a thermometer with remote sensors (any kind will do) and I keep one in the water bay so I can see the temperature differences. You could experiment even before you left to see the differences.

My coach does have heat (furnace duct) into the basement. But on one occasion I had furnace trouble so I was able to use a small electric heater in the water bay and it kept things nice and warm and one in the coach to keep us warm.

Always have fresh water in your tank in case the faucets in the RV park freeze (happened to us). Or they could have a break and turn the water off.

Watch your propane level and make sure you order before you get too low---just in case. Propane delivery is very busy in those condidtions.

And have fun, we did.

Doug Sage · 10-13-2011, 08:07 AM

I have had good luck with a trouble light in my water compartment. The furnace did not keep it warm enough. I second the suggestion to get a thermometer with remote sensor(s) to keep an eye on the water and pump compartment(s).