Question on winterizing

Question

We have a 2021 Apex 288BHS that we purchased in the Spring. I live in Central MD, but with the temperatures expected to dip to 28 Wednesday night, I wanted to know when I should think about winterizing. It stays plugged in, we have the heat running now (set to 55), and we have a heated and enclosed underbelly. We are not done camping for the year, but should I winterize it just for this one freezing night, or will it stay warm enough?

I had considered just emptying the lines, but not blowing them nor putting in antifreeze. However, I would like to think having the heat on will be sufficient - even though it seems to burn propane rather quickly.

mfl · Answer

With the heated enclosed belly, and 55 temp in coach, you should have no problem with over night temps of 20 and up. If you'd rather save on propane, it is easy to just blow the lines, when needed, and continue camping.

All RVs have varying amount of insulation, and while my FW is purpose designed, with plumbing near heat ducts etc to protect from reasonable low temps, some require added precaution, such as opening cupboards or any area that plumbing may be away from heat or warm air circulation.

Jerry

lynnmor · Answer

My GUESS is that you will be fine.  Manufacturers do a sloppy job of running water lines, installing heat ducts and installing insulation.  It is possible that you have water lines where they receive little heat and have little protection.  If your waste water plumbing has exposed valves, they should be drained and anti-freeze poured in, cheap windshield washer fluid is fine for this.

slashnburn · Answer

I can attest to the crappy plumbing. The drain from the kitchen sink is a flexible pipe, which is completely pinched from the way it was routed. I got tired of the drain backing up and decided to dig into it myself. Among a few other issues that we need to have addressed via the warranty, this is another.

I do have exposed valves. The tanks are empty, minus black that has just enough to keep any TP from drying up and getting some TST in it, but I can dump some antifreeze down the drain and toilet.

kellem · Answer

Yes I see that forecast just below you in VA.

Think you'll be fine but keep an eye on Propane consumption and perhaps drain the outside shower if equipped.

We keep our trailer fully stocked all winter and keep furnace running at 40* so I'm well aware of Propane usage.

coolmom42 · Answer

slashnburn wrote:I can attest to the crappy plumbing.  The drain from the kitchen sink is a flexible pipe, which is completely pinched from the way it was routed.  I got tired of the drain backing up and decided to dig into it myself.  Among a few other issues that we need to have addressed via the warranty, this is another.I do have exposed valves.  The tanks are empty, minus black that has just enough to keep any TP from drying up and getting some TST in it, but I can dump some antifreeze down the drain and toilet.If the drain valves do freeze, they will just thaw out... not usually a problem, since water has plenty of room to expand in there.

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