Community Forums

hinterland · 12-29-2017, 07:13 AM

We are now on our 3rd winter, living full time in our Carriage Compass Fifth Wheel. Many trials and errors and felt that we finally got all our ducks lined up. 2 Winters in Osoyoos and now we are in the mountains of southern British Columbia along the Boundary Country. Minus 23 one morning (celsius). All our neighbours had frozen pipes, hoses, water lines, etc. We were feeling pretty great about ours not freezing......BUT...when we went to pull the gate valve on the grey tank..it would not budge! First time in 3 years. So we put a small heater under the skirting on 900 watts. After about 3 hours, the temp rose enough to pull the valve. Same thing happened the next day, only with the black tank. So, confused about this. After 2 winters without it happening, and then boom, it did. But at least we have a method to take care of it. We have some videos on our youtube channel about things to do to help your rig survive the cold if you are interested.
https://youtu.be/llHcwo8LcOU

sbleiweiss · 12-29-2017, 07:20 AM

All I can say is wow. Glad its you and not me up there. Sounds like you have mostly figured it out though. Good luck and happy new year.

Mudfrog · 12-29-2017, 08:05 AM

What's that saying? Oh yea, an awesome and beautiful place to visit but,, i wouldn't want to live there (in the winter).

Heck, it's 45F (7.2°C) here and that's too cold for us.

Enjoyed your video. With single pane windows ours is not ready for that really cold weather. We do place the big dress up pillows that came with the rig into the stairwell when the temps are low.

I do want to look at getting another portable heater. Does the Lasco brand's thermostat work ok? I've had problems finding one that doesn't fluctuate too wildly. Seems like we end up with about a 10° differential on the cheapies from the discount store.

Sending y'all a Happy New Year wish from SE Texas!

tande12506 · 12-29-2017, 08:07 AM

Geez, why not come down to Arizona with the rest of us? My hat is off to you guys. Happy new year.

kgchampagne · 12-29-2017, 08:22 AM

I am in Breckenridge, Colorado this winter. When it gets into the low single digits fahrenheit, I watch the mobile RV repair trucks stream in to thaw frozen pipes here in Tiger Run RV resort. I have seen some pretty clever ideas being employed by the 5er crowd. Yesterday I saw a home depot bucket cut to the contours of the plumbing and valves with a lightbulb inside the bucket. Not sure why they didn't just use a short heat tape instead, but it does light up and looks like a cross between a home depot add and an orange Christmas decoration.

Love your wooden walkway! Nice touch.

hinterland · 12-29-2017, 10:35 AM

Thank you and enjoy the warmer climate this winter!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

All I can say is wow. Glad its you and not me up there. Sounds like you have mostly figured it out though. Good luck and happy new year.

hinterland · 12-29-2017, 10:38 AM

Hi East Texas, we have friends spending the winter there. Yes, the Lasko heaters are awesome, we have 2. So far, lasted over 3 years and have a thermostat and 2 heat settings. The thermostat isn't exact, because of body heat and or cooking heat etc. The highest setting on the control being 900 watts.
Thanks for enjoying the video.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudfrog

What's that saying? Oh yea, an awesome and beautiful place to visit but,, i wouldn't want to live there (in the winter).

Heck, it's 45F (7.2°C) here and that's too cold for us.

Enjoyed your video. With single pane windows ours is not ready for that really cold weather. We do place the big dress up pillows that came with the rig into the stairwell when the temps are low.

I do want to look at getting another portable heater. Does the Lasco brand's thermostat work ok? I've had problems finding one that doesn't fluctuate too wildly. Seems like we end up with about a 10° differential on the cheapies from the discount store.

Sending y'all a Happy New Year wish from SE Texas!

hinterland · 12-29-2017, 10:39 AM

Would love to some year, just even to scout about and shoot photography. Happy Warm New Year!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tande12506

Geez, why not come down to Arizona with the rest of us? My hat is off to you guys. Happy new year.

hinterland · 12-29-2017, 10:42 AM

We've seen several up north, use buckets over the water hydrant. Some fill them with insulation, but never seen one lit up! Would add to the Christmas decor!
Hubby built the walkway in November, love it, no mud coming into the RV.
Happy New Year Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgchampagne

I am in Breckenridge, Colorado this winter. When it gets into the low single digits fahrenheit, I watch the mobile RV repair trucks stream in to thaw frozen pipes here in Tiger Run RV resort. I have seen some pretty clever ideas being employed by the 5er crowd. Yesterday I saw a home depot bucket cut to the contours of the plumbing and valves with a lightbulb inside the bucket. Not sure why they didn't just use a short heat tape instead, but it does light up and looks like a cross between a home depot add and an orange Christmas decoration.

Love your wooden walkway! Nice touch.

Grump010 · 12-29-2017, 11:33 AM

Watched a few of your videos and now subscribed. Nice work on the editing and information, looking forward to watching the other videos on your channel.

Hgrace56 · 12-29-2017, 04:19 PM

Heck.
It's 84° F here in Southern California. But it's full.

Cat320 · 12-29-2017, 04:29 PM

Wrap the hose/CG faucet in heat tape...don't forget to plug it in. Put a trouble light with an old style 60 watt bulb in the water compartment next to the pull handles and pump. You're set.

hinterland · 12-29-2017, 08:13 PM

Hi there,
Just wanting to say thank you for the encouragement on the youtube videos. Sure appreciate you watching.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grump010

Watched a few of your videos and now subscribed. Nice work on the editing and information, looking forward to watching the other videos on your channel.

hinterland · 12-29-2017, 08:17 PM

This is our 3rd winter and we are wrapped up tight with heat tape, insulation and all that goes with it. The hose, the faucet etc. We don't have a water compartment like newer rigs.
But we do now put a small ceramic heater under the skirting when it's getting to be 20 below zero and that raises the temp enough to get the gate valves open.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

Wrap the hose/CG faucet in heat tape...don't forget to plug it in. Put a trouble light with an old style 60 watt bulb in the water compartment next to the pull handles and pump. You're set.