Cold Weather In a Class B

TinyoneRV wrote:

AlwaysDreaming wrote:

When using the potable nontoxic RV antifreeze for freshwater system and using bottled water for drinking. Can you wash your hands and dishes with this antifreeze in the fresh water? Or is it only for winterizing/storage?

When we travel in freezing conditions we have RV antifreeze in all the freshwater lines and the freshwater tanks empty. We flush with RV antifreeze and limit the toilet use to urine only. We use disposable plates and wash our hands with baby wipes. Use bottled water for coffee and cooking and keep it out of the gray water tank as much as possible.

X2 - We do exactly the same, and in fact did so recently when returning from Charleston, SC to our home in southern Ontario. Not knowing what the weather would be on the trip home, we opted to winterize in Charleston and followed the method above. We've seen too many RVers who didn't winterize and had to replace all the lines in their fresh water system. Not pretty.

You did not mention what your B is, in our previous RT freshwater tank & pump was inside under sink I have been in it @ 0 two radiant heaters plus furnace insulated covering on windshield & side windows, pink antifreeze in holding tank. Open cabinet doors& go for it
Always traveled from FL to the Midwest over Christmas

In our previous Class C, we would winterize the freshwater system (and just not use it - we'd use a jug of water). For temps in the mid-20's, we'd put about a half-gallon of antifreeze in the black and gray tanks; and then for any liquid dumped down a drain, add an equal amount of antifreeze. We would flush the toilet with antifreeze. Our tanks and plumbing were completely exposed to the outside temps and we never had a problem. It's not the tank that will freeze, it's the plumbing lines/valves for the drains.

For temps anticipated below mid-20's, we would simply winterize completely and not put anything down the drains (urine can freeze at 28 degrees). We carried a Luggable Loo, which is simply a 5 gallon bucket, with a seat and used a WAG bag liner with kitty litter for those middle-of-the-night calls. Otherwise, we relied on the campground's facilities. We did this for over a decade - folks in Michigan regularly head south during bitter cold ;-)

I agree with Lwiddis. I live in Pa.I know the weather for the north east and I personally would winterize all fresh water lines, drink bottled water and probably not use the holding tanks at all. Get a Porta potty for night time emergency's. Replacing plumbing in a "B" or any RV would be a costly and difficult project. Just my humble opinion.

If you're going to keep the heat at 55 or above then I would use the unit as normal. No need to worry about antifreeze or winterizing.

I use my B during deer hunting in MI & PA which is after Thanksgiving. No need to winterize if you do as you described. Last night we got down to 19. It's got electricity at my house now and I have an electric heater set at 50 and that kept the inside at 48. I did leave the cabinet & bath doors open and the opening to the freshwater tank, which is full, as well. The grey water tank is empty, but if not it may freeze but would thaw during the day. That should not be a problem if not full.

AlwaysDreaming wrote:

When using the potable nontoxic RV antifreeze for freshwater system and using bottled water for drinking. Can you wash your hands and dishes with this antifreeze in the fresh water? Or is it only for winterizing/storage?

When we travel in freezing conditions we have RV antifreeze in all the freshwater lines and the freshwater tanks empty. We flush with RV antifreeze and limit the toilet use to urine only. We use disposable plates and wash our hands with baby wipes. Use bottled water for coffee and cooking and keep it out of the gray water tank as much as possible.

OK, thanks. We will have electrical hookup in NY

When using the potable nontoxic RV antifreeze for freshwater system and using bottled water for drinking. Can you wash your hands and dishes with this antifreeze in the fresh water? Or is it only for winterizing/storage?

As long as it warms up above freezing each day, you shouldn't have any issues if the temps stay mid-20's for lows. Keeping compartment doors open allow warmer air to reach the hidden plumbing under sinks, etc. Never had an issue while driving... Are you headed to NY from FL? Doubt you'll hit freezing weather until you get close - will you have the ability to plug in when you reach your destination? A drop light with a 100W bulb makes a pretty good heater for cabinets, etc.

The penalty for not using anti-freeze is....heavy...if you are wrong.