I did find Rich's thread on Winterizing for warmish climates, and it was helpful.But we live in a rural area with somewhat frequent power outages, and we want to leave our RV prepared for use all winter. I don't mind blowing out the water lines and draining the water heater, but our puzzle is that we need to leave the fresh water tank full. We're on a well, and when our power's out, our water's out.The RV stays plugged into a 30-watt power source. I do have two 150-watt heaters plugged into Thermocubes, so they should keep the RV above 35 degrees inside.I even contemplated keeping the water heater on, but it seems silly to keep it on for the winter months when we may only use it one or two nights.Temps here will drop into the teens occasionally and rarely into single digits. I can pour some antifreeze down the holding tanks if necessary, but they also have tank heaters. It makes me wonder why the fresh water tank has no heater, but .... I digress.Does this sound workable?

Takes a lot of cold for a long time to freeze 50 or more gallons of water.

We are here in Central Ga about 1.5 hours East of Atlanta and have been doing that for the past 4 years.I open the water spigots and add RV pink to the holding tanks.Fresh water stays full.I do not drain the hot-water tank. It is insulated when manufactured.I keep a small electric heater inside that comes on at 40 Degrees.Needless to say the RV stays plugged in to the house currant with a contractor grade cord.The RV points east to get the morning sun on the windshield and all blinds are up. I stuffed the vent areas with insulation to block out cold.I also open the cabinet doors so the heat from the portable heater will circulate. You may also want to check under the cabinets for openings to theoutside that will let the cold in and plug them.This has worked down to 6 degrees several different times and frequently into the teens.

Where is the fresh water tank located in the RV? Often it's "inside" the RV, say underneath a bed, and hence heated by the general RV heating system. The holding tanks have heaters because they're more outside the living portion of the RV.If you drain the water heater, and blow out the lines if they're located where they'd be prone to freeze, I think your plan should be fine. You may need more than 300W worth of heaters to maintain the temperature during really cold weather, and it would be worthwhile to do the usual simple insulating things for the roof vents and windows etc. RVs do vary somewhat in how tight and well insulated they are (or aren't).

I would not leave the tank full. 3/4 at most. There needs to be room to expand if the water does turn to ice.

I have thought of using a heater that makes a lot of warm air, like a Vornado, and having that placed beneath the rig. Downside is what to do if it rains or water gets underneath. Even with a GFCI plug, it isn't wise. However, if there is a way to elevate it so basic water runoff wouldn't touch it, it might be an idea to ensure the tanks stay above freezing.

Can I leave the RV ready for use all winter? | Good Sam Community

mlts22
Explorer
Dec 25, 2015
I have thought of using a heater that makes a lot of warm air, like a Vornado, and having that placed beneath the rig. Downside is what to do if it rains or water gets underneath. Even with a GFCI plug, it isn't wise. However, if there is a way to elevate it so basic water runoff wouldn't touch it, it might be an idea to ensure the tanks stay above freezing.
BB_TX
Nomad
Dec 24, 2015
I would not leave the tank full. 3/4 at most. There needs to be room to expand if the water does turn to ice.
DrewE
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2015
Where is the fresh water tank located in the RV? Often it's "inside" the RV, say underneath a bed, and hence heated by the general RV heating system. The holding tanks have heaters because they're more outside the living portion of the RV.

If you drain the water heater, and blow out the lines if they're located where they'd be prone to freeze, I think your plan should be fine. You may need more than 300W worth of heaters to maintain the temperature during really cold weather, and it would be worthwhile to do the usual simple insulating things for the roof vents and windows etc. RVs do vary somewhat in how tight and well insulated they are (or aren't).
Oldme
Explorer
Dec 24, 2015
We are here in Central Ga about 1.5 hours East of Atlanta and have been doing that for the past 4 years.

I open the water spigots and add RV pink to the holding tanks.
Fresh water stays full.
I do not drain the hot-water tank. It is insulated when manufactured.

I keep a small electric heater inside that comes on at 40 Degrees.
Needless to say the RV stays plugged in to the house currant with a contractor grade cord.

The RV points east to get the morning sun on the windshield and all blinds are up. I stuffed the vent areas with insulation to block out cold.
I also open the cabinet doors so the heat from the portable heater will circulate. You may also want to check under the cabinets for openings to the
outside that will let the cold in and plug them.

This has worked down to 6 degrees several different times and frequently into the teens.
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2015
Takes a lot of cold for a long time to freeze 50 or more gallons of water.

Forum Discussion

Can I leave the RV ready for use all winter?

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Winter Battery Care -- Leave it on Trailer?

Leave slide out?

Winter weather without winterizing?

Winterizing

Leaving Trailer Hooked Up