Winterizing an Alaskan?

[HarveyHolroyd]

I have a 2018 8.5 CO, with a water heater, Thetford and standard water system. What do you do to use it in the winter? I live in California so no problem stored at home.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Harvey, do you get freezing temperatures? If not, just drain and sanitize your water system occasionally.

If you do, drain your water system (tank, heater and lines), then either blow out your lines, or use RV anti freeze to purge lines, faucets, showers, etc. Your water pump needs anti freeze or purging, too. The WH drains are typically a 15/16”. A socket works best.

I am not sure how the Thetford gets its flush water. If a tank, just drain. If a line from the system, blow it out. Make sure the cassette is dumped.

Check your manual.

I hope that helps.

 

[Bwesty86]

Hey.....off your topic but are you happy with your 8.5 cabover?? I’m guessing you bought new, I’ve been searching for one that’s a few years old and they’re really aren’t too many around. Alaskan has a demo they’re selling and I’m considering it but it’s about 10k more than I wanted to spend but than again it would basically be new. Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks

 

[HarveyHolroyd]

Yes,we bought it new about 18 months ago. We could not be happier with the choice! Like you the price was more than we planned to spend and we had to upgrade our pickup as well, compared to to Four Wheel Camper we had considered. The workmanship is excellent and Bryan, Dorrie and the people at Alaskan could not be any better to work with. Also, since there are essentially no late model used ones for sale, they hold their value, should it not work for you. We felt the 8.5 was the perfect size for us as it maximized the space, while allowing us to stay with a short bed pickup.

Good Luck!

 

[Yellowstone Randy]

Howdy Harvey-- I have the same pickup, and have the same 8.5 camper on order-- We struggled between the 8.0 and 8.5. Any second thoughts that you should have gone 8.0? Did you get the ext.cabover? and lastly any options changes you would have made in hind-site? Thanks, Randy

 

[HarveyHolroyd]

No not at all, I think the 8' is only an advantage with the long bed, you can close the tailgate. With the short bed the 8' has to have the gate down and the camper falls in the middle and it makes it awkward to attach the ladder. We did get the c/o and would again. We got most of the options except the mounted solar panels, we went with the portable and are happy with the choice. One thing we did was have them put on Yakima false gutters to give us the option of Yakima rack systems. We are glad we did, and would do that or the Alaskan rack in case you need it at some point. I would make sure you get newer flush mount stove, it improves the counter space. We did not get the oven and do not miss it and you get more storage. Gook Luck!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Harvey, have you winterized yet? If so, could you let the other Alaskan owners know your process?

 

[HarveyHolroyd]

I don't really need to winterize where I live. Mostly I was looking for advice on using it in the winter during freezing conditions.

 

[Bwesty86]

Yes,we bought it new about 18 months ago. We could not be happier with the choice! Like you the price was more than we planned to spend and we had to upgrade our pickup as well, compared to to Four Wheel Camper we had considered. The workmanship is excellent and Bryan, Dorrie and the people at Alaskan could not be any better to work with. Also, since there are essentially no late model used ones for sale, they hold their value, should it not work for you. We felt the 8.5 was the perfect size for us as it maximized the space, while allowing us to stay with a short bed pickup.

Good Luck!

cool thanks for the feedback

 

[Rdy2Roam]

I have a 2014 and love it. Camped in 30 degree weather a few times and never had any issues. Have a my buddy heater that I turn on about 15 min.before I get up and it's nice and toasty.