Forum Discussion

Explorer

Oct 10, 2014

water heater winterizing question

I have a 93 coachman B and there no shower or anything for the hot side but the sink. I am trying to leave for Montana and temps can easily get down in the low 20s at night, should be 40s and 50s daytime.

This is a nice B bit there is no insulation under the side buck where the water heater is and its mounted on the outside wall because its propane fired.

I have a wave 6 cat heater and think I'll be able to keep it warm enough in the camper for most of the plumbing but not for that water heater on the outside wall.

so here's my question

Do you think I would be ok to just stuff a bunch of insulation inside the compartment door of the water heater or do I need to drain it??

I know there are water heater bypasses but I really don't want to get into it because I am leaving tomorrow.

I could just cap off the line going to the heater and drain it. But again I don't like screwing with 20 year old plumbing if I don't need to.

thanks

Bob

PS I don't even know if the heater works I've never used it in the 2 years I've owned this camper

Class B

24 Replies

bobman
Explorer
Oct 10, 2014
n7bsn wrote:
I probably would by-pass the heater and drain it.
My second choice would be run the water-heater.

I assume you are heading into the mountains, as the prairie is still above freezing

NO I will be on the prairie in the north east corner next week looks OK but I am worrying because I was looking at the " possibilities" based on what the record lows have been.

maybe I am worrying about nothing I will be there until OCT 31 then back to Georgia
ed6713
Explorer
Oct 10, 2014
As suggested,the quick and easy solution is to turn on the HWH at night. Then turn it off in the morning.
Handbasket
Explorer
Oct 10, 2014
My Tiger has a manually-lit 3 gallon Suburban WH. When I think there's a danger of it freezing but it's not yet winterized, I just light the pilot light. Leaving it on just 'pilot' all night gets the water plenty hot enough to shower, so I'm sure it's protected from cold.

Mine's easiest to light if I light a stove burner for a moment first.

Jim, "Neighbors... the strangers next door."
n7bsn
Explorer
Oct 10, 2014
I probably would by-pass the heater and drain it.
My second choice would be run the water-heater.

I assume you are heading into the mountains, as the prairie is still above freezing