using rv in the winter

tntwill · 09-08-2009, 03:25 PM

hello people i just moved up to georgia from florida what do i need to know about using the rv during the winter with the plumbing and when it sits what do i need to do thanks Tim

dezolen · 09-08-2009, 03:36 PM

Georgia has a winter?? A couple of nights below 32 will do no damage. Come on up to Ontario from December to March. Then you will need to winterise

squeers · 09-08-2009, 05:39 PM

I lived in a camper trailer for 4 winters. Wrap your sewer line and water line with heat tape and insulation if are going to be in one spot for awhile. Newer trailers have tank heaters.
Kevin

**KyDan** · 09-08-2009, 06:43 PM

Where in Georgia??
You can check weather.com and find the average highs and lows
for your nearest big city AND also the record highs and lows.
If it's going to be below freezing during the winter, you'll need
to winterize it.

Kinda like a business-- it's all about location!!
Where R U?

rockwood06 · 09-08-2009, 07:47 PM

to FRF tntwill. As far as camping in the Winter it's not for me. Once it gets to 45 degrees I am done. I will go as far as the middle of November then I will see you all in April. My Hillbilly Hilton leaks too much to camp in it. The only way it would work for me is if I headed South....YES I AM A

BABY. But if you decide to camp in the Winter, enjoy.....

tntwill · 09-09-2009, 09:22 PM

well guys it does get cold here this last winter i didnt empty my water filter and guess what next time i hooked up to water (FLOOD) yes it must of cracked during a freeze.so i do have to winterize and dont now how to do that either some help would be nice

dezolen · 09-10-2009, 05:48 AM

Do a search on this site in regards to winterizing. There should be lots of instructions as to how. If you are not comfortable doing it the dealers don't charge very much to do it or should I say they should not charge much,
Ps I thought Georgia was south enough to avoid this and we are envious of all the southern folk who get a longer camping season

Darobby · 09-12-2009, 09:14 PM

Yes you need to winterize in Ga. I'm in Atlanta, we had a dozen nights in the teens last winter, all it takes is one and it will crack your pipes and break your faucet valves.

NWJeeper · 09-13-2009, 05:35 PM

If you are going to winterize your system my biggest advice is to pick up the fitting for your city water inlet that allows you to hook compressed air to it and blow the lines clean of water. Be sure to turn the air pressure down to around 40psi so as not to burst your pipes then walk through and open each valve one at a time until there is no more water. Use the tank and low point drains as well and let the air blow the water out of them. Lastly pull the drain plug on the water heater and let it drain fully, be sure to turn off and safety pin the A/C heater switch on the outside of the heater (if so equipped) so that you don't forget and turn it on with and empty tank.

Lastly you can pour some antifreeze down the sink/shower drains and into your black tank but for god's sake DON't use the plumbing anti freeze in your fresh water plumbing as it is a real pain to flush out in the spring. Even though that is what is "made for" it's just a huge pain over using the compressed air.

cfsoistman · 09-13-2009, 08:48 PM

Compressed air is the best way to go as stated by NWJeeper, I've used antifreeze in the past and besides the expense it really is a chore to get out of the lines. I built a male hose adapter to 1/4" quick connect to air line with a valve just by getting the fittings at HD. The compressor fittings are in the Tool area with the air compressors and the male hose adapter is in plumbing. I can screw it on and open the valve and then go through the coach and open the faucets. Antifreeze the traps and toilet bowl, it does protect the seal. If you decide to go somewhere all you need to do is add water without spending a couple hours rinsing out antifreeze.

MtnGuy · 09-15-2009, 08:01 AM

I use compressed air to blow my water lines, but I use a bicycle pump instead of my air compressor. My air compressor produces an oily residue (as evident when I drain the condesate out of the tank), and I just don't want that residue in my drinking water lines.

It don't take a lot of extra effort with the bike pump.

cfsoistman · 09-15-2009, 10:51 AM

I use that air compressor to paint with and have a water seperator as well as an in line filter to the hose. Since it's been that way for quite a while I didn't think to mention it. mtnguy makes a very good point to take into consideration when using an air compressor.

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