DanoT
Canada
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DianneOK wrote:I did not say turn off the heat, I said turn the heat down. Lowering from 70* to 55* is not allowing pipes to freeze....
The reason I don't agree with the above is that it is often difficult to get an even distribution of heat throughout an RV in winter. So while it might be a comfortable 70* in the main living area, at the same time it might be only 55* inside a cabinet where the water pipes run. Therefore turning down the main living area to 55* might mean that inside cabinets or other remote parts of the RV might end up below freezing.
The amount of money saved by turning down the thermostat for a weekend when not in the RV to monitor temperatures is not worth the risk and expense of frozen pipes.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi DanoT,
Freezing in cabinets can be dealt with by replacing the cold air return for the furnace with fans. Anyone who is going to RV in the harsh cold should make this modification.
![[image]](http://www.staples-3p.com/s7/is/image/Staples/m002747439_sc7?$splssku$)
I developed this strategy because even with the furnace and water heater running I would get freeze ups. I've been at -37 C.
The fans draw less than 40 watts and even cause some small air flow through the duct work. They are controlled by a mechanical thermostat near the outside wall of the RV.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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shoebox303
Colorado
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Joined: 09/04/2016
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Hi everyone,
I started a thread over in the 5th wheel forum but wanted to kinda merge over here as this "Winter RV Camping" thread has had a lot of tips and answers I've been looking for.
To sum up my situation, my wife and I are buying our first trailer and planning to go full-time with our 2 little kiddos. My biggest point of stress is winter living. Our winters will include significant time in Colorado and Utah, particularly here: http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/heber-city/utah/united-states/usut0335
My Plan: Get a Jayco Eagle 325BHQS. I understand all the new Jayco Eagle's have the "Jayco Climate Shield" (http://www.jayco.com/tools/videos/?v=0025), so that'll help in the winter. I also plan to do some serious outfitting with Ultra Heat tank and pipe warmers. At the campground, I'll plug in to electricity, and connect to water and sewer only to fill/dump tanks. I'll also work on getting a propane service so my furnace is well fueled, and a generator in case the power goes out at the campground. Maybe an extra electric space heater or two, warm blankets and a bottle of whiskey for those particularly frigid nights.
So - how's my plan? What am I forgetting?
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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The fridge.
Does the Rv have enclosed tanks?
An inverter to power the various heaters when traveling.
Temperature compensated charging.
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shoebox303
Colorado
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pianotuna wrote:The fridge.
Does the Rv have enclosed tanks?
An inverter to power the various heaters when traveling.
Temperature compensated charging.
Yes, great additions! The RV does have enclosed tanks, and I'm furiously googling to learn more about the Jayco "Climate Shield".
On a side note, I'm in love with this thread and all who have contributed to it.
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hinterland
British Columbia
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Joined: 12/08/2015
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We are on our second winter in our RV in Canada. We thought it might be helpful to other Canadian's or northern dwellers to see some of our tips. We are still learning, but so far have some experience under our belt. http://www.youtube.com/c/RvlifecanadianstyleCan
* This post was
edited 11/04/16 09:48pm by hinterland *
It Just Doesn't Matter Who Owns the Grass Outside our Window!
OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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BruceAllen
Park
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Joined: 11/02/2016
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Hi guys, I have to do something about my sewage tanks fast before winter comes.
I'm thinking about getting the heating pads but I was thinking, I have three tanks, grey, black, and galley. Each are about 20-30 gallons. What if I just put 15-20ft heat tape, taped to the bottom of the tanks, then wrapped the reflective insulation on top of it, do you think that would be sufficient?
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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A very bad idea.
BruceAllen wrote: I'm thinking about getting the heating pads but I was thinking, I have three tanks, grey, black, and galley. Each are about 20-30 gallons. What if I just put 15-20ft heat tape, taped to the bottom of the tanks, then wrapped the reflective insulation on top of it, do you think that would be sufficient?
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DanoT
Canada
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pianotuna wrote:A very bad idea.
BruceAllen wrote: I'm thinking about getting the heating pads but I was thinking, I have three tanks, grey, black, and galley. Each are about 20-30 gallons. What if I just put 15-20ft heat tape, taped to the bottom of the tanks, then wrapped the reflective insulation on top of it, do you think that would be sufficient?
Even the heating pads are a bad idea unless the outside temps NEVER get below 30F for more than a few minutes.
It might help to know where you plan on spending the winter but regardless, most RVs that are marketed as 4 season, are still going to have frozen pipes and or dump valves in true winter conditions. Best, safest thing to do is use a porta-potti and pack water in portable containers, heat water on the stove and sponge bathe or use a primitive portable shower, drain grey tank immediately after each use.
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hinterland
British Columbia
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Why not just skirt your unit, and put a supplementary electric heater underneath when it's really cold. It will heat up that area. Also, if you turn on baggage compartment lights, they throw heat, enough to raise temps 3 degrees or more
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