Community Forums

M2D · 01-14-2018, 10:38 AM

We have been doing some reading about the various brands of heated water hoses. We have seen it mentioned that one brand at least is not good for fifth wheel trailers that have their water connection within a compartment as the thermostat for the hose will not register the temperature properly being too close to possible heat from the trailer.

Would be very grateful to know which brands and models of heated water hoses you have found to be successful.

Thank you,
Michele and mark

BFlinn181 · 01-14-2018, 11:18 AM

Using any heated hose is conditional on the type of hydrant you are hooking up to and if it's allowed in the campground. Many year-round campground hydrants drain back under the frost line when turned off, thus can be used in winter. Hooking up a hose, heated or not, leaves the standpipe full of water and subject to freezing. In winter I prefer to fill the water tank, then drain and stow the hose until the next need to fill.

KenD · 01-14-2018, 11:34 AM

Exactly! All those bale handled connections have the valve below the frost line. Hooking up a heated hose accomplishes nothing as the hydrant itself will freeze if left open. It will also freeze if you shut it off and don't disconnect since it has no way to drain with your hose still attached. The simplest and most effective way is to fill your, tank shut off the hydrant disconnect and drain your hose until you need it again.

Ken D

M2D · 01-14-2018, 12:32 PM

Yes, thank you, that is what we do. Just wondering whether a heated hose is worth the expense and the reason you have given us makes sense.

Much appreciated,

Michele and Mark

Don_T · 01-14-2018, 01:05 PM

We have a Camco heated hose. It claims to work to -20*. For us it only works to about 10*. Our hydrant is heated so there is not much risk of freezing. It is also covered with an insulated box. Down to 10* we use the hose as it works fine. Below that we shut off and disconnect the hose just in case, and use the fresh water tank. We have had the heated hose freeze a couple of times and it thawed without damage but we don’t take the chance any more.

jelag · 01-14-2018, 06:23 PM

We've camped at Yellowstone many times in the off season... in each of the parks we've stayed in WEST Yellowstone... when it gets cold someone comes along and tells us to disconnect from the Frost Free Valve and drain our water hose... they don't want the water in the stand pipe to freeze and damage their stand pipe... I know in those parks even if you share that you'd let the water run.. they won't have it... and want you to disconnect.... on those occasions we just use the water in the fresh water system...

2002dura · 01-14-2018, 06:50 PM

We have used a Pirit down to -13 degrees with no problem.

BFlinn181 · 01-14-2018, 06:59 PM

I guess I just don't understand the need to be connected to a city water hydrant when temperatures are freezing. My water pump provides enough pressure to cook and do dishes, shower, and flush for many days between water tank refills. I also have been in W. Yellowstone in Sept. and Oct. and been cautioned not to stay hooked up to hydrants. It's never been an issue.

After each use, as I coil up the hose I leave one end on the ground and let gravity help drain it so it won't freeze up. Next time I need it, it's ready to flow. I don't see the need for a heated hose, nor would I want one.

M2D · 01-15-2018, 08:48 AM

Yes, we were in West Yellowstone in Sept when it snowed and was in the 20s at night. The did ask all to take in their hoses at night and that is what we did.

The main reason we asked about heated hoses is that we will be at the RV park in the Grand Canyon in April and the usual weather is in the 20s at night during the time frame we will be there.

Good to know that the Pirit works so well.

As usual great advice from this group,

Michele and Mark

sbleiweiss · 01-15-2018, 08:58 AM

The Pirit has a few inches of cord from the thermostat to the main hose. On our MH it is enough to run it out the port where the sewer hose enters and seems to work sufficiently to sense the outdoor temperature. But if you left it inside the water bay it would not work right.

cpaulsen · 01-15-2018, 06:34 PM

Use my Camco heated hose hooked up all the time.....still works good when it gets to 10-12 degrees.....and it is in a compartment along with everything else.

918jeeper · 01-15-2018, 09:12 PM

You can make your own like I did and save a lot of money. There's lots of YouTube videos on how to make them. I heard those RV specific ones don't last very long.

W.J. Demo · 01-16-2018, 06:04 AM

The Valtera heated hose has the temp sensors and heating elements located all along the length of the hose so it does not matter if some of the hose is located in the heated compartment.

WeBeFulltime · 01-16-2018, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 918jeeper

You can make your own like I did and save a lot of money. There's lots of YouTube videos on how to make them. I heard those RV specific ones don't last very long.

Same here and if going to be in place for several days I apply a heat tape to the entire hydrant and wrap/insulate over it. Have been having temps in the teens at night recently and have had no problems. If short term stay I just disconnect hose/store it and operate off fresh tank.