Forum Discussion

roadtriptoforev's avatar
Mar 06, 2015

Freezing Water Lines

I am looking to buy an RV from someone half way across the state. Having dealt with many a scum bad in my life, I kinda want to call BS on something he is telling me, but I do not believe this guy is a liar, I think he just doesn't know much about RV's. It doesnt sound like he owned this very long.

The problem is I probably know even LESS about RV's.

Anway he is telling me he cannot put water in the tanks because its freezing weather out here. I told him I believe if the heat is on, this shouldn't be a problem. He is unconvinced.

So here is what I am thinking our options are

1 - fill it with water, test everything, drain it
2 - fill it with water and keep heat running

I am obviously not going to buy something without making sure the plumbing works, but I want to address his concern that if I don't buy the RV, he isn't going to have to take it to get re-winterized

25 Replies

  • Go see the motorhome. Both of you fill and test the complete system. IF you buy, then it is up to YOU to determine if you want to winterize yourself or pay someone. If you do NOT buy, it is up to him to either winterize or pay someone. That is HIS problem. Not yours. If you take the time and money to go see the RV, that should be enough for him to let you and him to test the systems. You want to sell an RV in subfreezing weather, this is the kind of thing you have to do if you are selling. Doug
  • roadtriptoforever wrote:
    I told him I believe if the heat is on, this shouldn't be a problem.
    You're right, with the caveat that your heater also heats the basement.
  • Inspect all day, then next morning hand him $100 and water test.
    If it works, close the deal and head south. If it fails let him keep the money to get it winterized.
  • The tanks and lines won't freeze instantly, but I wouldn't leave water in them for too long. If you insist on testing the plumbing, and I don't blame you!), I would put in the water, test it, then re-winterized immediately if you're still going to have freezing temperatures.
  • Hi,

    So test it with the antifreeze in place? The only item you would not be able to test is the water heater. Add a provision that if the heater is toast he will pay for replacement.