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patrickemb · 10-12-2018, 05:44 PM

Have decided not to winterize my coach . We've had it since last February. I was thinking that I would leave the AC 1 and AC 11 turned on, then set my furnace thermostat as low as it will go and a electric bathroom heater for additional help. I am planning on going to south Texas after the 1st of the year. Don't want to do all the work to winterize for at the most 2 months. Thoughts on whether this will keep everything safe?

BFlinn181 · 10-12-2018, 05:50 PM

I've never needed more than 2 hours to winterize my RV. Compare how much expense for heat, and the time to repair any frozen plumbing components. Do you have a tank water heater? They usually aren't in the insulated and heated wet bay. It would also have to be left on through the cold days.

patrickemb · 10-12-2018, 05:53 PM

I have the oasis system. To winterize I'd have to do the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer plus the regular stuff. My holding tanks have the electric heat pads. Would take awhile and several gallons of antifreeze to do mine.

patrickemb · 10-12-2018, 05:54 PM

Also wet bay is heated.

BFlinn181 · 10-12-2018, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickemb

I have the oasis system. To winterize I'd have to do the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer plus the regular stuff. My holding tanks have the electric heat pads. Would take awhile and several gallons of antifreeze to do mine.

The Oasis system eliminates a separate WH tank. You wouldn't have to use gallons of RV antifreeze if you used compressed air to evacuate the water from your lines. The washer and dishwasher should be safe if the interior is kept above freezing. The only concern might be the water line to the refrigerator ice maker. You might need insulation, heat tape or an incandescent light near the line to keep it from freezing. Typically that area is heated, especially if you have an evaporation style RV fridge.

patrickemb · 10-12-2018, 06:56 PM

When I got my coach one of the 1st things I noticed was the water line going to the fridge. I removed the 2 covers on the outside to inspect it. They only had a piece of Luan paneling covering the opening and a open hole for the shut off valve to the ice maker and water. I removed all the Luan and replaced with rigid foam board making it air tight and some r value. With the warmth on the motor for the fridge and interior heat it should be good.

spuds · 10-12-2018, 07:04 PM

Never assume the power won't go out... If your non-winterization plan relies on shore power staying on, and you're in a cold climate, you're potential risking a freeze-damage situation.

Cost to repair an AquaHot/Oasis-type heater which suffers freeze damage can exceed $10K in many cases.

Ernie. · 10-12-2018, 07:08 PM

Your coach, your choice, your chance

patrickemb · 10-12-2018, 07:09 PM

I'm in Oklahoma. I always park with a full tank of diesel. If we lose power that means the house has lost it as well and I'm moving to the coach and running the generator. Lol

patrickemb · 10-12-2018, 07:12 PM

Ernie- I'm leaving heat on and setting the thermostat above freezing. I'm not just letting it sit with no heat.

Busskipper · 10-12-2018, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickemb

Have decided not to winterize my coach . We've had it since last February. I was thinking that I would leave the AC 1 and AC 11 turned on, then set my furnace thermostat as low as it will go and a electric bathroom heater for additional help. I am planning on going to south Texas after the 1st of the year. Don't want to do all the work to winterize for at the most 2 months. Thoughts on whether this will keep everything safe?

Patric,

No Problem - heats on, maybe a warning thermometer, as you are not in it when it's cold - and you will be good to Go. Literally Go, at a moments notice.

We did it for 10 years with two different coaches - did a lot of winter travel - Works fine.

Couple things you might think about doing - Reflective Bubble Wrap in the front Windshield - Insulate the vents and it will use a LOT LESS FUEL to heat it.

That and a Carpet in the Front and Back where there is no Basement again helps use/need less heat.

You will be good to go, Enjoy,

Ernie. · 10-12-2018, 08:14 PM

I would still blow out the water lines at the very least. Good Luck

Busskipper · 10-12-2018, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie.

I would still blow out the water lines at the very least. Good Luck

Post on Blowing out - http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/fyi-...on-413395.html

Easy can't hurt. -

what next · 10-12-2018, 08:53 PM

It'll be fine, I only have 30 amp at home so I leave ac1 on and desiel burner. The service bay stays at 40 the storage bays even warmer. I leave the heat at 50. I did winterize the first winter and it is surprisingly easy and quick, but now we can leave some canned goods and bathroom supplies in.