Community Forums

donnyjay · 10-08-2011, 03:51 PM

On my way to Montana and Idaho. Lows may be in the mid 20's. Is it correct that the furnace will help keep the holding tanks from freezing? Not sure how to approach this up coming situation. 05 Providence, 39L.

TXiceman · 10-08-2011, 04:11 PM

Depends on how the RV is designed. If you have a heated basement, some of the furnace heat will be pushed down to keep the tanks and plumbing warm. Do you have tank heater pads?

You wiill need to close the gray tank, put some water in the fresh water tanks and disconnect the water hose to keep it from freezing.

Your owners manual should discuss cold weather operation.

Ken

Gary RVRoamer · 10-09-2011, 07:55 AM

You probably have a heat duct that goes down to the basement - most Fleetwoods do, usually running off the rear furnace. They don't exactly keep things warm down there, but it may be enough to keep the basement above freezing if it doesn't get too cold. Do NOT, however, expect it to keep the water (utility) bay above freezing. Your fresh water inlet and gray/black drains are exposed to outside temps and have no internal heat source. A 75-100 watt incandescent bulb on an extension cord in there will do the trick, though.

bigskymt · 10-09-2011, 09:49 AM

We put a 100 watt bulb in the water bay and run it on inverter power when travelling and using dash heat. Our Newmar has a fan switch in the water bay to direct furnace heat there.
It was 38F in W.Yellowstone last night.

rhm · 10-09-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnyjay

On my way to Montana and Idaho. Lows may be in the mid 20's. Is it correct that the furnace will help keep the holding tanks from freezing? Not sure how to approach this up coming situation. 05 Providence, 39L.

To the best of my knowledge, my '04 Providence does not have heat in the basement or into the water or holding tanks.

Do you get a lot of heat from the dash? My dash heat is useless for some reason. If we're out at all in cool weather we need to run the furnace while driving.

pcurt23 · 10-09-2011, 05:08 PM

At 20 degrees you should be thinking about using campground facilities and blowing out your lines. You can use windshield washer fluid for the toilet. I use rv antifreeze to protect the seals. I have used the motor home down to 28 without incident but It was 60 degrees during the day. (Florida) The hose will definitely freeze. I usually have to close the wall slide to keep the coach warm when it is that cold. When we head South in the Winter we don't put water in the coach until it is above 30 degrees.