Winter Travel

[Domer1972]

We purchased our first RV, a Coachmen Mirada, this summer. We live in northern Indiana and are considering a trip to TN or NC or that general area after the first of the year. My question is: what do I need to do to protect the plumbing system in the event we travel or stay somewhere where the temperature dips below freezing? Is keeping the interior heated sufficient to keep the lines from freezing? We do have tank heaters, but what about the pipes? Any help is much appreciated!

[kenandterry]

Here’s hoping you’ve already winterized your rig, because you mention you live in Northern Indiana. Camping where temperatures can be below freezing is always a concern for plumbing, because so much of your RV plumbing is outside of the living areas, and/or inside walls. Just because you may be able to keep the living quarters at a comfortable temperature for yourselves, does not mean freezing temperatures can’t cause damage to plumbing parts. Besides....using your RV furnace uses an excessive amount of propane. It draws heavily from both your 12 volt system and your propane. Running out of either can make camping rather uncomfortable. Then, there’s where are you planning on staying at that time of year.

I’m sure others will chime in, but these are just some of my thoughts to consider.

[Domer1972]

Thanks for the reply. We have our rig in climate-controlled storage, so didn't winterize it. Yeah, we can always stay put for the winter, but hoping for a break where we can head south.