New to the rv world

[Kewlkids]

I'll be purchasing my first travel trailer in a few months just in time for camping season but i have i few questions about winter use. My trailer will be parked outside at my home and my father will visit for a few months in the winter to escape the harsh Illinois winters and i would like to offer him my RV (if he so chooses, he likes his privacy). My question is this..if i keep my trailer plugged in at all times will it keep the water from freezing will it stay warm inside do i need to run propane all winter? Black water gray water potable water, my head is starting to spin and I don't want to walk into an RV dealership sounding like rookie and if i make such a big purchase i would like it to come equipped with EVERYTHING i need as adding additional parts and pieces sounds like a hassle and I'd rather not start tearing apart my new investment.

[Kewlkids]

Ok so 1270 lbs is my max cargo plus passenger rating...

[MitchF150]

The OP is not asking what his Tundra can tow... Geez people, give it a break..

He wants to know how to keep a trailer all watered up in the winter..

As said, just plugging in won't do a darn thing unless you keep some sort of electric heater going. And that would have to be 24/7 or as long as you have water in the lines and it's below freezing temps.

If you must keep it 'wet' during the winter, than you have no choice but to keep it heated, so that's gonna be a chore right there. I know I wouldn't do that.. Even for my Dad! Love you Dad.. But, we have a house too.. 🙂

You will also have to keep the hose going to the trailer from the house from freezing too.. Good luck with that!

I keep my trailer able to live in during freezing weather.. Catch is, there is NO WATER in the trailer... I'll plug it in and it'll have lights and electric heat, but NO WATER. If you want to pee in the toilet, that's fine, but when you flush, there won't be any WATER.

I don't care what goes into the holding tank because it won't fill up and whatever is in there might freeze, but no big deal because it's not full.

Anyway, lets not make this a "what are you towing it with" thread when the OP didn't even ask about that.

Mitch

[MarkTwain]

RV Salesmen----------
If your RV Salesmen does not currently own an RV or has no experience RVing ----Walk away and find a real experienced RV salesmen!

[westend]

I have a 1/2 ton tundra which tows 9800 lbs maxed out so I'd like to keep my trailer weights around 6 or 7 thousand pounds.

That "towing" rating is meaningless. Look on the driver's side door jamb for the loading sticker, "Passengers and cargo should not exceed..." Report back.

If you skirt the trailer and can afford lights or heaters underneath the trailer, you may be able to use the plumbing systems in < 32f conditions.

[Kewlkids]

Thank you. I live in southern Colorado so the winters aren't nearly as harsh as northern Colorado winters but its still gets below freezing just about every night. I have a 1/2 ton tundra which tows 9800 lbs maxed out so I'd like to keep my trailer weights around 6 or 7 thousand pounds.

[bailer6334]

Hope this helps.

First how cold will it get? Also what do you plan on towing it with.?

Having it plugged in only provides power. If it gets at or below freezing you will need to use the propane or space heaters to keep the interior and underneath bays above freezing if you have water in any of the tanks.

Also depends what type of trailer you are looking at. If you live in a area that gets at or below freezing and have someone occupying the trailer you will need to have a 4 season trailer, which provides better insulation than others. Even then pipes may freeze depending. Most 4 season trailers have tank heaters so you should make sure what you select has them.

I've owned Arctic Fox (Northwood Mfg) 5th wheels which are considered very good trailers, and still had my disposal valves freeze. Better insulated trailers equals more cost and a heavier trailer.

Take your time and do lots of research before buying. ABOVE ALL "DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING A SALESMAN TELLS YOU"

Do your own research!