Forum Discussion

dsmith3's avatar
dsmith3
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014

Winterize in Texas?

Good morning -

We will be taking delivery of our new Jay Flight 32 BHDS around end of December.

Here in Central Texas we camp year-round and deer season is Nov-Jan. During this time there will be cold fronts that can drop temps to the teens and 20s for a few days at a time.

My question is: how do folks in Texas protect their water lines from freezing since we don't have a long winter "off-season" like folks in severely cold climates?

Is simply opening up low-point drains to empty the lines adequate (and draining hot-water heater)? And then just fill up fresh water tank when we head out camping or to the deer lease? I've also read that some folks use compressed air (at a safe PSI) to clear the lines after draining. Of course, RV anti-freeze but that seems only reasonable if we will store for the entire winter season.

NOTE: our TT will have the Thermal package (heated and enclosed underbelly). I believe this is only effective when using the trailer since propane heater ducts keep tanks warmer and above freezing.

Many thanks,
Dave
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Nov 22, 2014
    I live in north TX but have hunted near Fredericksburg for the last 46 years. I know temps there can get pretty low having been there when it was as low as 12.

    If I planned to use mine during the winter I would just drain the water heater, drain fresh water tank, drain waste tanks, blow out ALL the lines, and add the pink stuff to all the drains after each trip. 2-3 days at freezing with lows in the teens could damage your water lines. Make sure water is blown from ALL lines including toilet, washer if you have one, outside shower if you have one, black tank flush if you have one.

    Since we do not use ours from Nov to March/April I prefer to fill all my lines with antifreeze. But would not do so if I used it several times during the winter.
  • gafidler's avatar
    gafidler
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    You need to winderize in TX if not using the RV all the time .. buy pink antifrezze at walmart only $4 a gallon
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    dsmith3 wrote:
    ... there will be cold fronts that can drop temps to the teens and 20s for a few days at a time.
    Many thanks,
    Dave

    Afraid you are going to have to winterize..minimum - by completely blowing out the lines and adding anti-freeze to the traps. No short cuts with temps in the teens.
    Just opening the low point drains and water heater will only cause you lots of grief next time use use it.

    Congrats on your new rig.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,194 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 29, 2025