Community Forums

mzoll · 11-12-2021, 05:36 AM

We have a 2020 Windsport 34J. We are planning a trip from Cleveland to Key West in January/February. I know we will likely have freezing temperatures, particularly at night, until we get to southern Georgia. Our unit is winterized now, and I am planning on de-winterizing when we get far enough south where it would be safe to do so. We plan on using bottled water until we can use the water system.
My Questions
1. Is it safe to use the water systems in freezing temperatures?
2. Can we run the furnace while driving?
3. Would running the furnace while driving and camping keep the system from freezing when it is freezing outside?
4. I have heard people mention waste tank heaters. I’ve checked our manual and see no references to tank heaters. I also looked at the Thor Owner’s page and don’t see anything about winter camping or tank heaters. How do I determine if I have tank heathers and their operation?
5. Our dealer said we can use the toilet in freezing temperatures. All we need to do is flush the toilet by pouring anti-freeze in the toilet. This makes sense to me. Is there any problem with doing this?
6. What else do we need to consider?

Thanks

Ray,IN · 11-13-2021, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzoll

We have a 2020 Windsport 34J. We are planning a trip from Cleveland to Key West in January/February. I know we will likely have freezing temperatures, particularly at night, until we get to southern Georgia. Our unit is winterized now, and I am planning on de-winterizing when we get far enough south where it would be safe to do so. We plan on using bottled water until we can use the water system.
My Questions
1. Is it safe to use the water systems in freezing temperatures?
2. Can we run the furnace while driving?
3. Would running the furnace while driving and camping keep the system from freezing when it is freezing outside?
4. I have heard people mention waste tank heaters. I’ve checked our manual and see no references to tank heaters. I also looked at the Thor Owner’s page and don’t see anything about winter camping or tank heaters. How do I determine if I have tank heathers and their operation?
5. Our dealer said we can use the toilet in freezing temperatures. All we need to do is flush the toilet by pouring anti-freeze in the toilet. This makes sense to me. Is there any problem with doing this?
6. What else do we need to consider?

Thanks

#1, yes, while running your LP furnace. Keep in mind actual overnight lows occur approx. 2 hrs before daylight and begin rising again at daylight.

#2, Yes, RV LP appliances are designed to function while driving.

#3, A qualified yes, the plumbing lines are inside your MH, if in doubt about freezing plumbing lines, open cabinet doors where plumbing lines are located. IMO the most likely to freeze are holding tank dump valves. This is were "pouring RV antifreeze into the holding tanks is prudent.

#4, Tank heating pads are not a normal option for the majority of MH's. You would see a switch inside your MH if the pads are installed.

#5, That is OK, just remember to add approx. ½G to the empty tank first, this will lay against the actual dump valve and prevent the pipe there from bursting.
The actual holding tanks are large enough that they should not IMO, be harmed by freezing - unless they are over ½ full.

#6, to help keep you both warm while traveling, even though your LP furnace is running, consider hanging a curtain behind the cab area to help hold dash heat where you are sitting.
Keep in mind, you will be driving in daylight, which means higher temperatures should be above freezing.
You should leave freezing weather in TN.

FWIW, if you don't presently have reservations in Key West or one of the other keys, it may already be too late,and there are no boondocking places.