Water System in Winter

[Bfulls]

Hi,

Looking forward to getting out in the winter in my 2013 Hallmark Guanella.

Any recommendations on using the water system? Do you winterize your water system and bring a jug(s) of water? Do you continue to use your water system in the winter?

I have the bypass for the hot water heater, so I was going to empty it (as part of it is essentially "outside"). But I'm curious if folks continue to use the tank and sink in the winter. I hope to be in the parking lot of Mt. Bachelor or other ski areas some this winter. So 20s-30s F for a couple days.

Thanks

 

[DanoT]

It is highly unlikely that that your water system will remain unfrozen so carrying water in jugs and heating water on the stove is the way to go.

 

[kmcintyre]

On my Eagle (different from your Hallmark I'm sure), there's a line on the outside of the camper that runs to the rear. Hence, I drain the tank in the winter, etc. and then do what you stated. Take a jug(s) with me inside. I don't think you want to risk the holding tank freezing and breaking (at least on a FWC since you have to take the counter off to get to it).

 

[Smokecreek1]

This has been discussed allot here over the years and everyone has a different comfort level, use area and equipment so allot of the answers differ depending on lot's of those factors. Up here in the high desert or the last 12 years, I try to go out year round, but once the winter freeze temps hit, I have to look for a place to water up once things drop below 32 degrees and all the outside water taps freeze up. I always carry bottled water and try to fill my water can before I head out and look for places to fill up the internal water tank. I have a hot water heater, a arctic blanket liner and a Wave 3 heater in my 05 Granby and I have had some of my water lines freeze, but usually I just leave a the cab. doors open, keep the hot water heater running, and maybe stuff some blankets in the spaces at night around my compression frig to keep the wind out and temps in the camper at a livable level and I usually have water for my morning coffee. I have never winterized my pop-up yet, and have been lucky, but again, I use it year round.

I've been out in the zero-10 zone a few times, but these days of geezerhood, I try not to make a habit of it . Don't cross country sky much or roll in the snow much either anymore, just walk and enjoy, so if things freeze up, I have my bottled water. My bigger problem is forgetting to drain my water system when I get home-but that is another story-just have to remember to park in the sun. Frozen/snow and ice on the roof are also more of a problem-can't go out if you can't pop the top !

Some of our folks here like the the Mark BC and the 3SkiPins like it cold and some our other people live in the real cold places and do allot of winter stuff and stay out longer than I do so they deal with the water problem different than me. Come to think about it Mark BC is probably right about now looking for some place up in the Steens to BBQ his Thanksgiving Turkey. Do a search here (if it works) and/or maybe someone here will book mark those older discussions for you.

Smoke

 

[JaSAn]

Jugs of water won't freeze in couple of nights in the 20's but pipes might, so I would recommend winterizing your water system and carry jugs of water to use. The smaller the quantity of water the faster it will freeze. Colder temps or a longer time out requires a different strategy.

jim

 

[Bfulls]

Thanks for the responses.

 

[smlobx]

I guess the question I have is will you have your furnace on at its lowest setting while you're away?
If so I would think you'll be fine. Just leave the doors open.

 

[windy]

Just completed a 21 day trip with over night temps down to 14F. Whenever the temps dropped below 30 I would fire up the heater, even while traveling. On the really cold nights I fired up the water heater as well. Never had any freezing issues (knock wood).