Keeping dump valves from freezing
We have a 2016 Evo by Forest River T2050 travel trailer with the "Arctic Package." That package includes an insulated and enclosed underbelly, increased insulation all the way around, and tank heater ...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
I don't think you have enough btu's to keep the pipes from freezing in serious cold. (I've been out at -37 c (-34f)).
It may have been better to build a box that covered the totally unprotected valves.
Carry along a radiant heater so that if the valves and pipes do freeze you can thaw them.
pianotuna, No disrespect intended, but.....we lived in a 5er for two winters, seeing numerous -20 to -30 F ( probably some a couple colder), and kept our water on to our camper. We were using a six foot frost-free faucet ( heat taped/insulated to the six foot depth) and the water supply hose to camper was heat taped/ insulated ( your typical foam pipe insulation. We “never” froze the water line. All of that to suggest that heat tape and insulation should work fine on drain lines and dump valves.
Also, if you happen to freeze (unlikely) a heat gun (used very gently) or your wife’s hairdryer should provide enough heat to thaw the pipe. As a side note: we were camped once, and with very cold temps and a “low” propane bottle, we didn’t have enough propane vapor pressure to provide propane to camper.....used wife’s hair dryer to warm the bottle. It helped.
