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MN_Traveler · 10-27-2015, 12:39 PM

OK - first a Vent, then a question:
I have been unable to get a consistent answer from Fleetwood whether my coach (2012 Expedition 36M) can be used in below freezing temperatures ***as long as the heaters are running***. When I originally bought the unit (new) I was told "no". Other discussions on the web have caused me to question that.

I called Fleetwood about a month ago and was told (by two different customer service people) that the answer is "yes" ... and they passed on to me, and I have since verified by direct observation, that the bay with the fresh/grey/black water tanks IS heated with a duct from the rear furnace pushing a surprising amount of warm air into the bay, and that the water lines appear to go directly from that bay UP into the heated area of the coach. I just called Fleetwood trying to get some construction prints for the heating and water systems, and the person I just spoke to gave me a clear "no" (cant use it with water below freezing, even with heaters running).

From my own inspection, I am concerned about the water (and drain) lines running apparently under the floor in the bedroom (hot water heater and washer/dryer are in the rear cap of the unit). As it gets colder here I plan on doing some direct measurements with remote thermomemters in my areas of concern, but as part of that exploration, I wanted to ask this forum...

***has anyone here had direct experience with using a Fleetwood Expedition (Discovery is likely similar) ~year 2011-2014 WITH water charged into the system in below freezing temperatures without freezing problems??? (assumes the heaters are kept running)???

It is frustrating that I can not get a consistent response from the organization that represents their design intent......

Thanks for the experience and wisdom!!

Gene_ · 10-28-2015, 01:45 PM

Found this online, it's technically for 2013 Models. Fleetwood Manual. Page 12-2 is the start of Winterization. Hope this helps! http://fleetwoodrv.com/partsandservi..._excr_prov.pdf

Nana25K · 10-28-2015, 03:01 PM

I can't answer your model. However many people live in cold weather in their rigs with proper precaution. If the weather will drop below freezing we unhook the water hose, making sure our water tank us full. We make sure our dump valves are shut tight so no freezing dam occurs. If your water bays are heated then running your furnace "should " keep you good. But adding a small 200 watt heater can help. There is a temp controlled plug that you plug into an outlet in your bay then plug in the heater. That plug turns on the heater at 35 and off at 45. We also leave cabinet doors ajar. If you are talking about constant below freezing then other things need address and there are a multitude of blogs with great ideas

MN_Traveler · 10-28-2015, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nana25K

I can't answer your model. However many people live in cold weather in their rigs with proper precaution. If the weather will drop below freezing we unhook the water hose, making sure our water tank us full. We make sure our dump valves are shut tight so no freezing dam occurs. If your water bays are heated then running your furnace "should " keep you good. But adding a small 200 watt heater can help. There is a temp controlled plug that you plug into an outlet in your bay then plug in the heater. That plug turns on the heater at 35 and off at 45. We also leave cabinet doors ajar. If you are talking about constant below freezing then other things need address and there are a multitude of blogs with great ideas

I am actually less worried about the water bay (which is heated with a duct, and whose temperature I can easily monitor... and as you said you can always add auxiliary heating). I am more worried about the internal water/plumbing runs that run near the outside walls, and in my particular design, under a slightly raised (~4") floor in the rear bedroom area. Heat does not go directly in to that area ... so I am not sure how cold it might get in those areas even if the room is left at maybe 70F when it is really cold outside.....

So I guess maybe the clearer question to ask is do people have trouble with inside pipes freezing even when they keep their inside furnaces on??

Tha_Rooster · 10-29-2015, 03:50 PM

Seems like your question depends on how far below freezing and how long it stays there.

mojoracing · 10-29-2015, 08:35 PM

Ive used mine in freezing temps. Like you I have the same heat ducts going into the water bays. I have not had any problems well down into the teens. I do however winterize the ice maker even though it has a heat strip on the solenoid.

ga traveler · 11-01-2015, 07:37 AM

It sounds like Fleetwood has hired some of the Ford reps. (it is amazing how many daffy answers you can get on the Ford customer line.) We were a Fleetwood dealer. Many of our customers were winter campers. I have a Pace Arrow. We have all camped in temps. down in the teens with no problems. I believe you are getting a CYA answer. They don't want you to go out in freezing temps. and use a electric heater and then ask them to repair frozen water lines.

Cat320 · 11-01-2015, 07:58 AM

You can use it in cold weather, just run the heater and place small AC heaters where really cold. Also, if concerned about areas like the washer, water pump, etc, place trouble lights there with 60 watt bulbs.