Forum Discussion

falconbrother's avatar
falconbrother
Explorer II
Dec 26, 2020

Cold weather, water, what to do..

We're out camping at a KOA. It's supposed to be 25-26 degrees in the morning. The campground sent out a text saying disconnect the hose and leave their water bib dripping or, let the water drip in the RV. My plan is to disconnect the hose and let their faucet drip and use the on-board tank for water till things warm back up. My question is, if I let my faucet drip will it not fill up the grey tank and then over-fill it? I'd prefer to leave the hose connected and let my faucet drip. But, having a crisis in the wee hours does not appeal to me whatsoever.
  • mobeewan's avatar
    mobeewan
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2020
    I lived in my 3 season trailer here in southeast Va for 5 years. All you have to do is disconnect the fresh water hose when temps will be below freezing and use the onboard fresh water tank and pump. Leave the campground faucet dripping since they told you to, but be careful not to bust your butox on the ice when reconnecting the water hose.

    If you do stay connected, open your grey water valve and leave the stinky slinky connected. The small trickle isn't going to freeze solid in the hose before warmer temps in the morning.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Dec 26, 2020
    Think about it logically.
    Put some water in your tank if you want water without hooking up in the morning. Disconnect the water hose. Leave it off. If it’s not a frost free spigot, not your problem. Makes no sense to leave the hydrant dripping.
    Leave your gray valve closed. Presuming it’s hooked up.
    Don’t worry unless it’s not getting above freezing tomorrow.
    Merry Christmas.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2020
    We've done this many times. I disconnect the hose and blow the water out of it. Then I switch over to onboard water until the park's faucet supplies water again. I have about 160 gallons so water isn't an issue. We have electric heaters for the trailer but I still use the propane heater to keep the tanks and water lines from freezing.

    FYI there are heated water lines on the market that make all of the above moot.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Dec 26, 2020
    Leaving the gray tank valve open and a faucet dripping inside would cause an ice dam in your stinky slinky - don't do it. Disconnecting the hose and letting their faucet drip while running off your fresh tank is the proper approach.

    Rob
  • LibertyMan's avatar
    LibertyMan
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2020
    I do not know why your gray tank would overfill if you leave the valve to the tank open, assuming you have full hook-ups. If you do not have sewer, simply fill fresh water tank and use it until the temps rise above freezing. Don't forget to put your water hose in your storage so it does not freeze as well.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 26, 2020
    First off there is NO overflow on waste tanks ....it's WASTE and should be dumped according to local laws/restrictions
    Grey could backup into shower
    (Black could backup into toilet piping or even Vent line)
    Only 'overflow' could happen if tanks were overfilled and they leaked into your underbelly

    I ONLY use the fresh water tank/pump
    Both are enclosed/heated etc ....I never leave a faucet dripping

    IF CG wants there supply bibb dripping that's on them --- so just disconnect your hose, Drain it, Stow it and crack their bibb just enough to drip

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