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Water in fresh water tank this time of year.

Toolguy5
Explorer II
Explorer II
We are new at traveling this time of year. Getting ready to head south for a while. I am unsure about completely removing all the antifreeze from the lines. I was thinking about flushing fresh water tank and filling about 1/3. Those that have experience this time of year would we be in any danger of freezing and breaking something. I have a completely enclosed under belly.
If the temperatures stay above 32 degrees would it even be possible to remove all antifreeze.
Look forward to hearing your comments.
Dan
Dan & Patty
Miss Pickles the Pomeranian Princess Rainbow Bridge 8/8/2023
2020 GMC 3500 Sierra Denali 6.6 Duramax / Allison tranny
2021 Jayco Eagle 319MLOK
BWRVK 3710 companion
Maddy the Pampered Pom @ Rainbow Bridge 12-3-2013
8 REPLIES 8

tenbear
Explorer
Explorer
I wouldn't do it where I live, temp this AM -6F. If you are sure the temps will stay above freezing - no problem. Depends a lot on how your RV is plumbed.
Class C, 2004/5 Four Winds Dutchman Express 28A, Chevy chassis
2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan
Camped in 45 states, 7 Provinces and 1 Territory

dbbls
Explorer
Explorer
A few years ago in Jan. we had to return home from Arizona because of my father-in-law's health. It was 9 degrees there and we did not winterize the trailer. Kept the furnace on and everything was fine. Only problem was dumping. There was a little water behind the sewer cap and it froze. Had to run water on the cap to thaw it. It made a ice covered spot on the ground but nothing else was frozen.
2011 F-350 CC Lariat 4X4 Dually Diesel
2012 Big Country 3450TS 5th Wheel

Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Explorer II
Don't forget that many RVs have drain lines extending below the enclosed area.

We generally don't un-winterize ("springerize" - that's a good word!) until we see night temps in the high 30's. We just use bottled water; and antifreeze to flush the toilet in normal cold weather.

I have to admit, that as we came home from FL in late January and the temps were in the single-digits, we adopted a "no liquids down the drain" policy, after I read that urine can freeze around 28 degrees. A bucket, a trash bag, and some kitty litter handled those middle-of-the-night trips...... not elegant, but it works.
Ed, Deb, and 2 dogs
Looking for a small Class C!

Dick_B
Explorer
Explorer
We flush the toilet with antifreeze. The Black Tank already as a gallon or so of the pink stuff.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)

rhagfo
Explorer III
Explorer III
The only place I place the pink antifreeze is the drain traps. I drain and blow all the water lines with compressed air. Many of the SP we go to don't have full hook ups, most have water and power. This way I don't have to run gallons of water through the system to flush out the lines.

I also don't worry unless the temp is expected to get below about 28 degrees overnight, the water in the lines and tanks will not freeze that fast.
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#

"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"

Fishinghat
Explorer II
Explorer II
We have also waited until we are in a warmer area before de-winterizing the coach, even though my plumbing bay is heated and the tanks are enclosed. It is just easier to take a few gallon jugs of fresh water to use than take a chance. We can still use the toilet, just not the shower.
Holiday Rambler Navigator DP, Hummer, and Honda VT1100C Shadow

korbe
Explorer
Explorer
When we leave during the winter for warmer weather, we normally wait and springerize once we get there.
.

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
Hi,

The more water there is in the tank the less likely it is to freeze. I'd go for 9/10ths full so it can slosh around a bit.

It does depend on where the fresh water tank is. My is under the dinette--so it is in a heated area.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.