Opinion on winterability of my rig
I have a Class C Coachmen Freelander 2006. The freshwater tank is actually in the platform of the bed (so in the heated area). What is exposed under my coach is: -Black Tank -Grey Tank -Thick...
Forum Discussion
You are describing camping that I have done. Not often, so I am not an expert, but on a regular basis when traveling south or visiting my daughter in college. This is not for camping in Green Bay kind of cold. I have a Lazy Daze that does not have insulated tanks or tank heaters. My water lines are all inside the house part of the RV and it would have to be very cold for them or the fresh water tank to freeze.
In the event the forecast has the temperature going below 30 I dump the waste tanks after a early dinner. I also put RV antifreeze in both holding tanks and all the p-traps. Overnight if I need to flush the toilette and it is below 30 I use RV antifreeze instead of water. If the weather forecast is calling for an extended temps staying below freezing during the day I dump the fresh water and hot water tanks and just use jugs of water - much like I would if tent camping. If there is the danger of extended cold I have an oilless air compressor on board that I can blow the lines and finish winterizing the RV per the LD owners manual.
To keep the RV warm inside I hang a good sleeping bag from the overhead bunk to the floor. This will keep the cab separated from the house part of the RV. The van cab is very poorly insulated so you want to block that area off. Overnight if I am not hooked up to power I do not run the gas heat because the fan will kill the battery. I just turn on the heat before I climb out from under the down blanket/sleeping bag.
If you know how to winterize the RV your self and can make due with bottled water the big limiter on the cold weather is how cold your willing to camp in and not the lines freezing.
John
In the event the forecast has the temperature going below 30 I dump the waste tanks after a early dinner. I also put RV antifreeze in both holding tanks and all the p-traps. Overnight if I need to flush the toilette and it is below 30 I use RV antifreeze instead of water. If the weather forecast is calling for an extended temps staying below freezing during the day I dump the fresh water and hot water tanks and just use jugs of water - much like I would if tent camping. If there is the danger of extended cold I have an oilless air compressor on board that I can blow the lines and finish winterizing the RV per the LD owners manual.
To keep the RV warm inside I hang a good sleeping bag from the overhead bunk to the floor. This will keep the cab separated from the house part of the RV. The van cab is very poorly insulated so you want to block that area off. Overnight if I am not hooked up to power I do not run the gas heat because the fan will kill the battery. I just turn on the heat before I climb out from under the down blanket/sleeping bag.
If you know how to winterize the RV your self and can make due with bottled water the big limiter on the cold weather is how cold your willing to camp in and not the lines freezing.
John
