Moving 5th wheel in below zero weather

[gustafson_j]

We currently live in Bismarck, ND and will be traveling to Hibbing, MN during days that may not even reach the teens. We've been told we need to flush the water lines and put some sort of winterizing fluid in them that is safe to drink, so the pipes don't freeze on the 10 hour commute. We are unsure of the process of how to do this and what product to use. This will be our first move during the weather. We live in our 5th wheel all year and don't need help with skirting, heat tape, etc etc advice. We just need tips of keeping pipes from bursting while moving. We will runt he generator and keep the furnace on, but this won't prevent the cold air from underneath from freezing the pipes.

Thank you.

[Traveler_II]

If you’re moving soon it’s really cold out there. RV anti-freeze or the “pink stuff” they say is good to -50, but at 0 degrees it will start to turn slushy, doesn’t’ freeze solid. Besides doing what the other post has suggested look for some low point drain valve and drain any water out of them, before you use the pick stuff. Sometimes using the winterizing kit by the water pump can be problematic especially if this is your first time. Another thing you can do is drain all the water and put about 3 gallons of the pink stuff directly into the water tank and pump through all the lines. Just make sure you flush out your water tank before you use it.

P.S. there is some cheaper pink stuff good for -30, get the better brand.

[donn0128]

WalMart or any RV parts store will have RV antifreeze. For you, get several gallons and go to the water pump, switch the water heater to bypass, and turn on the correct valves, stick the winterize hose into the antifreeze jug, and turn on the pump. Go inside and turn on each faucet one at a time until you see pink stuff coming out. Turn off the faucet and move to the next fixture. Be sure to do both hot and cold lines. Check often to be sure you dont run out of antifreeze. Once you have pink stuff out of everyplace. be sure to dump some into each drain and toilet. If you have a washer you also need to run the washer to protect the water pump from freezing. Open the drain and drain the water heater completely. Be sure it is turned off! Return all the valves to their original positions, hook up and go. If you don't understand it might be smarter for you to hire a mobile tech to come and do it for you. Watch him and learn.