Community Forums

helocat · 02-21-2010, 08:52 PM

First night ever last night with the family in our new RV. (TT) We stayed in a local State Park on on water/electric hook up. Figured this was a general question. Woke up this AM with it freezing outside. I was making breakfast for the kids when I turned on the sink and had a slow dribble for hot water. Fearing the water hose from the RV to the hose bib was frozen I shut the sink off. I clicked on the water pump and all was good. (New guy here I went in with a full fresh water tank, ya all 400lbs of it) I was afraid of the hot water heater cooking w/o water in it. Checked the hose outside and it was indeed frozen in a few spots.

Q. SO what do you do when camping in cold areas on hook ups to keep your water hose from freezing?

Thank you for your help!

Mark

mudpuppy · 02-21-2010, 09:02 PM

You could use heat tape. But we just disconnect and use the pump. I always travel with the tank filled. I have been stuck in some out of the way places and was glad I had the water.

Ray,IN · 02-21-2010, 09:11 PM

Exactly what you did. Enter the CG with a full water tank. Operate self-contained when below freezing outside, your RV is designed this way. Next morning re-fill water tank and store hose again. BTW your water heater should not boil dry unless the thermostat fails or it drains for some reason.
Some folks say to leave a faucet dripping. This can lead to problems if the sewer hose freezes full while you are sleeping.

TXiceman · 02-21-2010, 09:14 PM

If we are expecting freezing nights, I fill the fresh water tank and disconnect and drain the water hose and regulator.

If we are living in the RV long term, I put a heat tape on the hose and cover it with foam insulation. I make a foam box for the water spigot if one is needed.

Ken

powerboatr · 02-21-2010, 09:41 PM

yup if its expected to freeze i top off the tank enough to get a shower and do dishes and disconnect the hose
and i always carry a good supply of water when venturing into a new park, just in case.

helocat · 02-22-2010, 01:46 AM

Very cool. And I thought the 400lbs of water I was packing was over the top. I will make sure the tank is always full. Good info on the line heater makes since.

Thank you all for your help!

Mark

paz · 02-22-2010, 06:37 AM

A lot depends on where you are. In the north, some campgrounds (even though they are open in the winter) will shut the water off in winter to keep from damaging their pipes. These campgrounds may still have a protected hose bib somewhere that can remain turned on during cold weather so you can fill your tank when you get there. Call ahead if you are traveling in freezing weather if you're concerned about carrying all that weight.

A little farther south, campgrounds may be able to keep their water on, but the faucets and/or your hose may freeze if the temperature drops below freezing at night. If that's the case, you will still be able to fill your tank when you arrive.

It all depends on what you're comfortable with and whether you have enough cargo carrying capacity to spare.

az bound · 02-22-2010, 06:39 AM

I travel with the fresh water tank about 1/4 full unless we will be dry camping. If I have full hook up and expect freezing temps I fill the tank and drain and disconnect fresh water and sewer lines. It takes only a few minutes and could save a lot of grief. A frozen sewer line can make a real mess.
Leave the pump on and you should not have a problem with the wh.

skigramp · 02-24-2010, 10:06 PM

when I am parked in cold temperatures

I fill my fresh water tank and stow my hose
I dump my holding tanks and stow my hose

It is not fun dealing with frozen hoses ... and please don't ask how I know this ...

deadeye916 · 02-25-2010, 11:18 AM

Depending on temps where your camping...if your fresh water holding tank is not heated...be careful not to freeze your tank.

Ray,IN · 02-25-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skigramp

when I am parked in cold temperatures

I fill my fresh water tank and stow my hose
I dump my holding tanks and stow my hose

It is not fun dealing with frozen hoses ... and please don't ask how I know this ...

Really shortens the longevity.

Lorna · 02-25-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skigramp

... It is not fun dealing with frozen hoses ... and please don't ask how I know this ...

Don't you just love the crunchy noises a frozen hose makes???

skigramp · 02-26-2010, 10:20 PM

Ray, I don't understand the comment "shortens longevity" ... moving or bumping a frozen sewer hose certainly decreases it's longevity ... {how do you spell *shatter*}

FATMANAR · 02-27-2010, 01:08 AM

Not only do I disconnect, I keep a drop light in my pump compartment and my sewer dump comp. to keep this area from freezing on the coldest of nights.