I appreciate all the advice from these topics, and have a question as we prep for spring break. Chicago has freezing temperatures right now but it's supposed to warm up by the time we leave town on the 24th. I was thinking to dewinterize a day or so before when it's warm, and then plug in and run the furnace, to keep the compartments and interior at 50 degrees till we leave home. This way the water shouldn't freeze by the time we leave town - is this too hypothetical, has anyone done this, or is it better for me to wait until we get into warmer weather before flushing the pink stuff? Thanks!

drain it, blow it out, and rinse later.bumpy

Drain it and blow it out. Carry some water inside for using to drink and flush. Or just fill her up and keep the heat on.

Your plan is perfectly reasonable, assuming your RV is at least somewhat equipped for cold weather use (with enclosed plumbing etc.). You will burn through some propane, of course. It would be good to periodically (or continually) turn on the water heater as well as the furnace so that it stays above freezing. This isn't too hard to do since it's insulated and there's a lot of heat to lose to get from 140 degrees down to 32 degrees.Keeping the RV somewhat warm also allows you to stock it with things like cleaning supplies and foodstuffs that should not be frozen, rather than having to do that all at the last moment.

Party, We are in the same condition, but my scheduled departure is 20. It will be warm in the day Thursday and Friday here (Chicago can't be very different.) I can keep our coach comfortable with a 1500watt ceramic cube heater. So, Thursday, I am planning to take the coach out of the barn and run it enough so I can top off the coolant. (I had to drain it for a T'stat change.) Stop off at the local place I get LP and top that off. Then come home and fill the potable tank and check out that system. (No real reason, I'm just paranoid. Old and paranoid - the two go together.) I may put it back in the barn, I also might not. The electric will keep it from damage to the mid 20s and then Monday I will pull up next to the house and we will load and go. I would like to start loading now, and we will some while I am putting water on, but that means trudging though the snow (3"). At least we kept the lights on. Matt

We live in Michigan and when we leave in colder weather and head for the warmer south I do what you're saying except have the water heater in by pass, so it does not fill. And try not to allow much to go into the black and gray tanks, use rest stops as much as possible. We try to leave as early as possible so we can as far south/warmer weather, as possible. After spending 1 night on the road, I feel that it's safe to fill the water heater. And not worry about the waste tanks.Dusty

De-Winterize then heat till depart OK? | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
Party,

We are in the same condition, but my scheduled departure is 20.

It will be warm in the day Thursday and Friday here (Chicago can't be very different.) I can keep our coach comfortable with a 1500watt ceramic cube heater. So, Thursday, I am planning to take the coach out of the barn and run it enough so I can top off the coolant. (I had to drain it for a T'stat change.) Stop off at the local place I get LP and top that off. Then come home and fill the potable tank and check out that system. (No real reason, I'm just paranoid. Old and paranoid - the two go together.)

I may put it back in the barn, I also might not. The electric will keep it from damage to the mid 20s and then Monday I will pull up next to the house and we will load and go. I would like to start loading now, and we will some while I am putting water on, but that means trudging though the snow (3"). At least we kept the lights on.

Matt
DrewE
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
Your plan is perfectly reasonable, assuming your RV is at least somewhat equipped for cold weather use (with enclosed plumbing etc.). You will burn through some propane, of course. It would be good to periodically (or continually) turn on the water heater as well as the furnace so that it stays above freezing. This isn't too hard to do since it's insulated and there's a lot of heat to lose to get from 140 degrees down to 32 degrees.

Keeping the RV somewhat warm also allows you to stock it with things like cleaning supplies and foodstuffs that should not be frozen, rather than having to do that all at the last moment.
John_S_
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
Drain it and blow it out. Carry some water inside for using to drink and flush. Or just fill her up and keep the heat on.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
drain it, blow it out, and rinse later.
bumpy

Forum Discussion

De-Winterize then heat till depart OK?

14 Replies

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

De winterize ?

De winterizing

de winterizing

De-Winterize?

De winterize questions