Quote:
Originally Posted by heySkippy
... very low 30s or even possibly high 20s overnight.
How cold is too cold before we need to worry about our 5th wheel camper? I'm not worried about us, but I am worried about our plumbing. It seems to me that we should be able to survive an overnight close to freezing, but I'm from Florida so what do I know?
Advice? Thanks in advance!
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I don't know about your rig. There are lots of different configurations. Most are not winter hardy. Others are.
A full water tank will not freeze over night in upper 20's. It takes a while. An empty or nearly empty tank can usually freeze without damage. There is almost always something left in them when drained.
Pipes under the floor and outside faucets can freeze quickly in many RV's. Valves and fittings are at risk. Pipes, fittings, faucets, pumps, and valves are all at risk. Some RV's have heating systems to prevent freezing. They may require furnace running to prevent freezing.
These are precautions that may or may not prevent damage:
Turn pumps "off".
Disconnect shore lines and drain hoses.
Drain everything using low point drains.
Leave all faucets "open".
Run pump dry briefly.
Remove and drain all water filters. Store filters in heated area.
Put a shore powered electric heater or incandescent light in the wet bay.
These methods will prevent freeze damage:
Use "blow-out" method to winterize.
Use pink RV antifreeze to winterize. It must be specifically for potable water systems.
Plumbing inside the cabin is less at risk if cabin is heated. Pipes, valves, pumps, and filters in closed spaces will get the coldest. Open cabinet door and drawers a little to let heat into those spaces.
Some RV's are winter hardy. Others advertise winter hardy, but are not. Your guess is as good as anyone's. Check RV user manual for warning about winterizing in freezing weather. Warranty usually does not cover freeze damage.
My TT was advertised as "All Season" and "Heated and Enclosed Underbelly". Pipes under the floor froze in 4 hours at 29 degrees F. The pipes and fittings did not break.
One line in manual warned to winterize in freezing weather and did not say anything about whether furnace was running or not. A cracked water pump was deemed not covered by warranty. Everything else survived.
I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!