Should I winterize in Dallas, Texas?

[Aksally99709]

I dont have water hooked up to it. I had the water pump on but no water comes out of the faucets. And no water when I fludmsh the toilet. It isn't freezing inside the coach, and my fresh water tank doesn't feel cold. It must be outside somewhere. I have left the faucets cracked open but the water pump off. Best I can do at this point, I guess. I was camping in 27 degree weather and was fine. But it would warm up during the day. Icy roads right now and I don't have an indoor place to take it, anyway. Bthx for your help. Tho

[tjwdj]

At 20*, if you had water flowing from any faucet there is still water there, it will freeze and the faucet(s) will have to be replaced as they will leak after thawing...been there.

[tjwdj]

Yup. 👍

[chapelt]

After this weekend, looks like you better be winterizing.

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by chapelt

After this weekend, looks like you better be winterizing.

After what I've seen on the news, the OP better have already winterized or the damage is done.

[moose074]

My high here in Tx was 16 yesterday, low was 1 haven’t been above freezing since midday Friday. Due to sand boom we have almost as many people living in RVs as houses. Many frozen lines including the city main line. Extreme propane shortage in town. Took coworker to local TS Friday for propane. They filled their 1000 gallon tank up Thursday afternoon. We were standing in line to pay for what she got and they called over the radio they were out of propane.

[Tom 2424]

One other point to add: Wind chill matters IF the temperature is below freezing. Things will cool much more quickly down close to what the air temperature is. This cold weather event has also brought with it strong winds, compounding the problem.

In our pre-RV days several years ago, we had 17 degrees (just north of Houston!) but with a howling wind. Blew so much cold air into our house's attic that the temp in there dropped to 22 degrees overnight, and a pipe froze. That sickening sight of an icicle hanging from a fitting... Fortunately, they were brass fittings and after I thawed things with a space heater the leak closed up.

A solution for homeowners is to leave all faucets dripping. This is probably not applicable to RV's though, unless you are in an emergency with no antifreeze available. So, as others have said, always keep a few gallons of antifreeze stored somewhere.

[benchmarks]

As of this past wave of weather....yes

[ppine]

Look outside and get busy.

[tjgilbert]

Heritage Glen 290 RL 5th wheel. Thought I would outsmart this cold front. filled tanks, turned on "tank heaters" removed city water hose. This morning, no water. I can hear pump, but no pressure at taps. Very disappointing. I have had a small space heater in the storage under the 5th wheel for several hours. Still no water. Now, it did get cold at night, in the teens. That said, I would have hoped that the design of this unit would have been such that pipes would stay warm. Heat in 5th wheel never below 60 degrees during this cold period. Anyone have any input on this issue? Bad design? Prevention techniques? Frustrated in Victoria, Texas!

[KeithQ]

Originally Posted by PaulTRodneyG

Dan -

I was just meaning that it doesn't get that cold for a long period of time in Dallas - using my location as a reference.

We've drained the fresh water tank, emptied both gray and black water tanks; I'm guessing i should open the low point drain just to be sure? And of course the water heater drain...

Paul

Funny. We live in Bedford, just a few miles west of Dallas and it has been cold here for a week and predicted to be cold until the weekend. Luckily, we have not lost power so far, knock on any wood like surface! Must be warmer in Dallas with all those freeways!

But in all seriousness, I would at least pour a gallon down the toilet and split another down the sinks and shower just to be sure.

[KeithQ]

Originally Posted by moose074

My high here in Tx was 16 yesterday, low was 1 haven’t been above freezing since midday Friday. Due to sand boom we have almost as many people living in RVs as houses. Many frozen lines including the city main line. Extreme propane shortage in town. Took coworker to local TS Friday for propane. They filled their 1000 gallon tank up Thursday afternoon. We were standing in line to pay for what she got and they called over the radio they were out of propane.

Oh man, I am so glad I filled up last Friday. The feed store I went to was packed with people filling all sorts of tanks. Of course, I got blocked in by some rube in a hurry to get his gas grill tank filled up. Had to give him a short blast of the air horn to get him to move!

They told me thy had just filled up their 1000 gallon tank. Bet they are empty now... whew.

[3greywolves]

If you have a black tank flush be sure to get some antifreeze not there also.

[garywilson]

Originally Posted by PaulTRodneyG

You have a point. Do I want to replace cracked hoses or just put the antifreeze in and be done with it. Decision is made; i will protect our little investment in fun!

Thanks Everyone

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Good decision.
Drain and blow usually leaves water in pump and toilet valve.
Toilet valve not expensive, but can make a mess and is a hassle to change if avoidable.