Winter camping

I routed a furnace pipe down to the basement, so whenever I heat the RV, it provides heat to the water and dump area. I also have the little 12 volt heater in the pump area that goes on automaticly below 40 some degree.

To keep heat where you live or where you sleep, you can buy some magnet stuff at Home Depot that you cut to fit over the heat vent so you can block the heat and keep the living or sleeping area warn as you wish.

I also installed some extra foam insulation in the basement doors opening. I camped down to minus 15F so far for many days.

Try a 5w heating pad like this. It uses 12v. Have someone, like me, whip up a $2 temp controller that will keep your pump at, say, 45+ degrees. That way it won't draw down your battery, and you can leave it on all the time with no worries.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-5W-Flexible-Silicone-Rubber-Heater-Heating-Plate-Pad-25mm-x-20mm-/231507463179

I don't know what the answer is, but I DO agree with your wife. The candle is really not a very wise thing to do.

Will you have electricity? What about heat wraps or a heating pad

I would advice against putting an open flame in the basement. If you are heating the living area, it should not freeze in the basement. We have dry camped in December, January, and February, while snowmobiling and not had any problem. During the day while we were gone, we turned off the aux heat, when we returned turned it on and the basement area has stayed above freezing every time. If you run the furnace, it will heat the basement.

Cousin_Eddy wrote:
Are there any tricks to keep the water pump from freezing? I was thinking put a candle in the basement storage compartment where the pump is. But DW dont like that idea.

I don't like it neither. Seriously, an open flame? No wonder they call you cousin Eddy! :)

Keeping your heat on is the usual way. Or maybe one of those old hot light bulbs.. I think they call them 'incandescent.'

We lucked out. Our coach has no basement, so the potable tank and all the plumbing is in the heated spaces. The insulation isn't real good, so Zero F gets uncomfortable.

Matt