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Old 03-14-2019, 01:23 PM   #1
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Winterize if the low is 33 degrees?

We just bought our 2019 Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS and love it. The forecast for the next week (Raleigh, NC area) calls for lows between 33-36 degrees and then I think we'll be "out of the woods" until next fall. Do you think I need to winterize for the next week or will I be OK? We loved our first experience camping with the trailer last weekend but we don't want the plumbing ruined before we barely get started.

Thanks for sharing your expertise.
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Old 03-14-2019, 01:31 PM   #2
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I wouldn't bother.

Those of us in the Great White North have experienced much colder temperatures obviously, but what I've learned is that the water in your lines don't magically freeze at 32 degrees. It takes a bit longer for the water to actually come down in temperature and outside usually needs to be at around 28-30 in my purely anecdotal experience.

If you're going to experience 33 degrees, you'll be just fine....

That said, it's easier and cheaper to winterize than it is to replace broken water lines.
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Old 03-14-2019, 01:41 PM   #3
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I don't believe I would.

Remember things don't freeze the very instant it gets to 32ºF.
It takes hours for ice to start to form when fully exposed and even longer inside the confines of an R/V.
And to freeze solid enough to break things... even longer.

Now.. if it gets below 32ºF for sustained periods (days), yes.. then winterize.
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Old 03-14-2019, 01:43 PM   #4
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If you are worried, set the heat on low inside the camper and keep your lower cabinet doors open so the heat can get to your water lines.
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Old 03-14-2019, 01:44 PM   #5
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First, WELCOME!!

second, i am from the frozen north. how long is it expected to be that temp? if just an hour or two i would say no need to winterize. thats a lot of thermal mass to cool down. if the lows are expected to be that low for a few days/week i would in a heartbeat. the temp could unexpectedly drop and catch you in a bad spot. if you are worried either blow the lines out or winterize.
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Old 03-14-2019, 02:04 PM   #6
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If you are worried, just blow all the lines out. If you look at your by hour temps, you may only be 33 for a couple hours and if in the 40s or 50s during the day, I would not worry.
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Old 03-14-2019, 02:15 PM   #7
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You guys are awesome!

Thank you, one and all, for your quick responses! The lows will only be for a few hours and then back up to the 50's during the day. I will breath easier now.
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Old 03-14-2019, 02:31 PM   #8
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although this could be your first pratice run of winterising your rv
look at it like that
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Old 03-14-2019, 02:32 PM   #9
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If you are worried, just blow all the lines out. If you look at your by hour temps, you may only be 33 for a couple hours and if in the 40s or 50s during the day, I would not worry.
Same.
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Old 03-14-2019, 03:37 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by HollySpringsDan View Post
between 33-36 degrees and then I think we'll be "out of the woods" until next fall. Do you think I need to winterize for the next week or will I be OK?
whether it's 33 or 93, it's not freezing.
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Old 03-14-2019, 03:56 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by HollySpringsDan View Post
We just bought our 2019 Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS and love it. The forecast for the next week (Raleigh, NC area) calls for lows between 33-36 degrees and then I think we'll be "out of the woods" until next fall. Do you think I need to winterize for the next week or will I be OK? We loved our first experience camping with the trailer last weekend but we don't want the plumbing ruined before we barely get started.



Thanks for sharing your expertise.


I live 60 miles south of you, I keep the furnace set at 40 degrees for chilly nights. I really don’t worry much as long as the daytime temperature warms up. A few hours of 32 degrees isn’t going to hurt anything, it all depends on how long it’s 32 degrees. I have winterize three times this winter
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Old 03-14-2019, 04:16 PM   #12
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whether it's 33 or 93, it's not freezing.
forecasted is much different than actual temps.
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Old 03-14-2019, 04:31 PM   #13
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Welcome!

If you are worried you can pull the low point drains and make some room in the water heater. It's free and easy but based on what you said I would not bother.

If you stay below freezing for more than a day maybe more drastic action is required.
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Old 03-14-2019, 05:28 PM   #14
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If you are worried.....don't worry. I live 90 miles west of you, and I would not winterize even if it hits 28 for a few hours, especially when it will be in the 50s the day before and day after.

As others noted, things don't instantly freeze when the ambient temp hits 32.
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Old 03-16-2019, 07:59 AM   #15
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The weather forecast keeps dropping for our area
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Old 03-16-2019, 04:17 PM   #16
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if you have access to the trailer full time, I wouldn't worry about it. However for peace of mind, drain the HW heater, remove the caps for the low point h/c water drains and open all the taps, drain the fresh water tank, and drains the grey/black water. It is better for your peace of mind. When I left the trailer in northern FL when I went back to the GWN, I just drained the system.
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Old 03-17-2019, 09:55 AM   #17
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Quote:
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I don't believe I would.

Remember things don't freeze the very instant it gets to 32ºF.
It takes hours for ice to start to form when fully exposed and even longer inside the confines of an R/V.
And to freeze solid enough to break things... even longer.

Now.. if it gets below 32ºF for sustained periods (days), yes.. then winterize.
Yes, but if you are concerned, and can't blow out lines, you could at least drain out the low points. You should be good.
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Old 03-17-2019, 11:18 AM   #18
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32deuce is right. When in doubt, blow it out.
Take care of business and you can sleep at night. No anxiety.
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Old 03-17-2019, 11:23 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HollySpringsDan View Post
We just bought our 2019 Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS and love it. The forecast for the next week (Raleigh, NC area) calls for lows between 33-36 degrees and then I think we'll be "out of the woods" until next fall. Do you think I need to winterize for the next week or will I be OK? We loved our first experience camping with the trailer last weekend but we don't want the plumbing ruined before we barely get started.

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Welcome Dan from the same side of Wake County. You're golden now till next winter.
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Old 03-17-2019, 12:19 PM   #20
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Lucky him! We are not safe from freezes up here until after 5/15. I'm going to pressurize first time in April.
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