Winterized

[Funstini]

Don't really know if I have this posting thing correct or not?

Question: I am going to puchase a used Keystone hopefully tomorrow. The owner has it outside in very cold climate and the water was never drained out of the unit. He said that he didn't think the water tank was full and that the lines would just expand. I'm thinking (having live in very cold climate myself) that any moisture has possibly frozen and cracked the water lines and faucet. I asked if the forced air furnace has been running (no) or if it had any kind of artic package (no). Does the unit have any kind of a water "draw-down" for such usage? I'm thinking I'm just asking for problems. Any thought's?

 

[Ted]

I have camped in temps into the 20's with no freezing problem in the water system but you are talking about storing the camper with water in the tank. So my thoughts are leaning towards assuming the worst case scenario. Lets assume the water tank, line, and faucet need to be replaced. There are threads in this forum covering all of those projects. I have not done any of these projects but based on the reports by members that have, it appears to only take the skills of a basic handyman. Determine your costs to replace the water system and decide if that cost plus the purchase cost of the camper puts the camper out of your reach.

Good luck and, if you make the purchase and do any modifications, be sure to post photos and commentaries.

 

[craig333]

I think Ted's right. If you're handy it shouldn't be that bad to replace the piping. The tank itself should be easy to replace though i have no idea what a new one would cost.

 

[Funstini]

Then I was thinking ........... the hot water tank and it also has the interior and exterior shower. Don't some of the lines go through the walls, although I don't see a problem in the vertical lines, or the drain lines, I would have to wait for warmer weather to check it out. Maybe I'm blowing this all out of proportions.

Thanks for the imput it's been very useful.

 

[mtn-high]

Heya Funstini.

(coffee fueled) Thought:

If the guy really wants to sell it and it isn't -20F where you live...One way you might be able to to see what kinda damage you may be facing is to grab the propane tank...fill it...and turn that heater on >>full blast

 

[Funstini]

Thats a thought. Do you think the heat will radiate through the walls in a couple hours time? Can the hot water heater be checked from the outside? I really don't know what I'm up against........ I have never even seen a Four Wheel Camper.

Thanks

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

what year is the keystone model you are looking at ???


feel free to call me in the office today (Saturday March 7th)

800-242-1442

I will be working from 8:30am - 4:30pm (California Time)

Might be able to give you some of the details you are looking for







.

 

[mtn-high]

I hope ya called Stan...

FWIW....most of the water lines seem to be inside of the camper...inside the cabinetry. Logic (fuzzy) would make me believe that any insulation in place in the camper would be installed/designed as well as possible to sheild the pipes from the >outside< environment...thus I would think the heat would permeate most areas of the unit in time.

The hot water heater w/ water remaining in it would be my biggest concern.

The 12-20 gal fresh water tank itself, made out of plastic...may not burst if the tank wasn't brimming full when parked. (I've seen irrigation systems that didn't get blown out where sections that drained/partially drained suffered no damage)

buy the unit cheap and you can certainly fix what is wrong...

good luck

mtn

 

[winter200]

The hot water heater tank is aluminum. Open the cover on the outside and see if the drain plug is in. If the tank is cracked you could have it welded.