Hey guys so we've already been camping in NC now we are back home in Michigan. The weather is going to get into the 20's at night for three nights. Should i drain the water sys temb and blow out the lines? Just turn the furnace on to like 40-45 and let it run at night? we did spring break with it so it is no longer winterized. Any thoughts?

 

Unless the underside is enclosed and insulated, I don't think the interior furnace will do the trick. If it was me, I'd drain and blow out the lines.

 

All plumbing is above the floor other than the low point drains. I agree blowing it out is the safest as i just bought it and it was winterized i'll have to scramble to get a fitting together to hook up the air. It can't hurt to be safe.

 

Are you staying in it? Are the basement insulated? The only thing that you'll lose is propane heating it. I've been in colder weather than that for longer periods with no problems. If you winterize it properly you can't lose either and it's better to error on the side of caution.

 

No not staying in it. Just for camping every other or every third weekend. Just hate buy anti freeze and winterize the whole thing for a few days of sub freezing temps. I can dragon the low point drains and blow it out without a buying anything other than a fitting I'll need anyway. This is my second camper but my first new one so i want to keep it nice.

 

Don't forget the traps under the sink and shower.

 

Isn't spring wonderful

I've pushed my luck on occasion in the fall when the temps dip into the 20's at night with no antifreeze. But to be on the safe side, would probably want to drain and blow out those lines if there was no interior heat into the 60's during the day. There is one salvation - most trailers built in the past 20 years or so have PEX feed lined rather then copper(as my long gone Kountry Aire had) and will expand a bit if some slushy ice forms - but drains and traps are still rigid ABS

 

I would drain it and pour some rv anti freeze down the drains.


check the water heater..most now have a bypass. Be sure to turn that so you don't fill your water heater full of anti freeze.

 

All drained and blown out. Good tip on the drains I'd have forgot about them. I don't think I would have a problem but if they forcast 27 and we get a clear night and get near the teens i would be nervous about it. I'll grab some antifreeze tomorrow at lunchtime and tip some in the drains then I don't have to run the furnace. Thank you all for your replies. The wife wiuld not let me forget it if i let the brand new camper we've had for a month freeze up because i didn't want to walk out 50ft and drain things out.

 

Once you get good at it, you can winterize for less than a gallon, draining all the low points first.


You did open the faucets too as it was draining?

 

Yes to the faucets then blew it all out til no more water came thru. Also drained the hot water heater.

 

Don't forget the flush valve on the toilet. I did once. It wasn't pretty.

 

Yes it got to 20 deg here in central Michigan. No wind thank goodness. I know a lot of folks who have trailers in campgrounds right now and dewinterized them already. Wonder how they faired?