Handling freezing temperatures

[OldGrouch53]

I am a first time RVer and need some advice on staying in my RV when the temperature gets below freezing with regards to frozen pipes – I am going to Bryce Canyon in Utah later this month. I have a class B van conversion.
I have instructions for winterizing my RV but am hoping some simpler steps apply since I will be in the RV with the heater on.
Regards,
Frank

[time2roll]

Most RVs are good to at least 25 overnight while in use. How cold is cold is expected?
I assume you will have electric power?

[slider45]

Sounds a good plan for a nice trip. Definitely be prepared with the insulation just in case.

[Grit_dog]

Noone except someone with your particular RV and experience in those conditions can say with certainty.
However "generally" below freezing at night and above freezing during the day (not 0 at night and 38deg at 4pm, more reasonable temps) is of no concern.

Since I'm sure you looked at the forecast which is - not surprisingly - clear n sunny, with temps in the 50s/60s daytime and 20s for lows, I wouldn't even hesitate or give it a second thought.

[Lwiddis]

Wish I was going to Bryce!

[SteveAE]

It really depends.
- How cold it gets (a couple hours of slightly below freezing isn't likely to be a problem)
- How long it stays below freezing
- How well your rig is insulated
- How warm you keep it inside
- How lucky you are!!!!!!!!!!!

That said, Brice will probably be in the lower 20's at night and below freezing for five, or more, hours. So, unless your pipes are insulated (or inside the heated envelope of your rig), you could have problems. Most likely though, the problem won't be a broken pipe (hopefully), just ice in the lines so maybe no water until it thaws out. Me, I would just keep the heat on and see what happens..... But, of course, you are risking possible damage. Another option would be winterizing the rig and just keep jugs of water inside for your use (don't worry about the black and grey tanks).

Do keep in mind that RV furnaces draw quite a bit of power. So, unless you have hook-ups (or solar), you might want to have a generator along to recharge your battery.

Beautiful time of year to be in Brice. Have fun.

[smarty]

Assuming your rig is fully enclosed since it is a van? Would therefore assume your heater will keep all pipes internal to the van from freezing? Disconnect water supply before going to bed and you should be good to go? If the water supply is a "short run" you could also use a heat tape on the water line and be okay depending on how cold it gets. Could also easily wrap the line/heat tape with some type of foam pipe wrap.

[Lwiddis]

Simpler steps are less effective. Are your tanks insulated? Heated? Any exposed water lines underneath? Outside shower? Can you run the propane heater all night with your batteries? How will you recharge?

[corvettekent]

We have been down as low as 23 degrees with no frozen pipes but we were not hooked up to power or water.

If you are planning to be in a RV park with hook ups you will need to disconnect your water hose.