Winter RVing can be a magical experience, but it also comes with its challenges, especially when you’re faced with a freeze warning. The last thing you want on a chilly adventure is frozen pipes and disrupted water supply. In this blog, we’ll provide you with valuable tips and strategies to ensure your water keeps flowing even in the coldest conditions. Let’s dive into the world of winter RVing preparedness!

Preparing for the Freeze Warning

1. Heated Hose:

When temperatures drop, it’s essential to invest in a heated water hose. These hoses plug into a 120v outlet and keep the water inside flowing smoothly. Remember, they won’t prevent a water filter from freezing unless water is actively flowing through them. Learn from our experience: connect the heated hose directly to the campground water faucet to avoid freezing issues.

2. Use a Thermal Blanket:

Protect your exterior water filter unit during a freeze warning by using an electric thermal barrel heater. This handy tool keeps your water filter from freezing solid while avoiding excessive heat that could damage the filter containers. Make sure to wrap the unit loosely and cover it with a tarp to prevent faucet ends from freezing and provide a warm spot for any curious critters.

3. Water Bay:

Your RV’s water bay, which houses all the water connections, can be vulnerable to freezing. Some RVs only heat this area when the rear gas furnace runs. To ensure it stays above freezing, run the furnace in the evening and morning if the temperature isn’t below 25 degrees. For colder nights, set the furnace to come on overnight. Adding an old-fashioned incandescent light bulb to the bay is another effective method, but be cautious about potential fire hazards.

4. Holding Tanks:

Insulated tanks are a blessing, but not all RVs have them. If your tanks are exposed, consider using a floodlight with an incandescent bulb underneath your RV or an electric blanket to keep them from freezing during a freeze warning. Be sure to keep the gray and black water tanks closed during these periods to prevent any unwanted surprises.

Inside the RV

5. Open Interior Cabinets:

As an extra precaution, open the cabinet doors inside your RV where plumbing pipes are located. This allows warm air to circulate, reducing the risk of freezing. You can also open the dishwasher and washing machine doors to add warmth to potential freeze points.

6. Disconnect the Water:

In some cases, disconnecting the water supply at night is the best option. Some campgrounds even insist on it during a freeze warning to avoid costly repairs. Better safe than sorry!

How to Keep RV Pipes from Freezing

While preparing for a freeze warning is crucial, it’s equally important to understand why preventing frozen pipes matters. Frozen RV pipes can disrupt your freshwater supply and, if they burst, lead to costly damage. Here are some methods to protect your RV pipes from freezing:

1. Dump Your RV Waste:

Begin by emptying your black water and grey water tanks before winter storage to prevent freezing and ensure a clean system.

2. Insulate Your Pipes:

Insulating your RV pipes is a great way to prevent freezing. You can use closed-cell spray foam insulation or purchase a pipe insulation kit from a hardware store.

3. Insulate the Whole RV:

Insulating your RV’s doors and windows can help retain heat inside, keeping your pipes warmer. This also helps keep out unwanted pests.

4. Heat the RV’s Interior:

Maintain a warm interior temperature in your RV to keep pipes from freezing. This is especially effective if your pipes are located in the flooring or RV body.

5. Use a Tank Heating Pad:

Install a tank heating pad to keep your freshwater tank warm. These pads often include temperature controls to adjust as needed.

6. Install RV Skirting:

Consider using RV skirting to insulate the underside of your RV and retain heat. You can place a propane heater underneath it for added warmth, but exercise caution and ensure proper ventilation to avoid safety hazards.

Conclusion:

When a freeze warning strikes, it’s crucial to be prepared to keep your water flowing and your RV safe. By following these tips and methods, you’ll be ready to tackle cold weather RVing with confidence. So, fill your water tanks, open those cabinet doors, and stay warm while enjoying the beauty of winter adventures!