Missing step on winterizing list

[nolichuckyjake]

One step I've never heard mentioned in winterizing is:  tilting the trailer toward the fresh water drain.
It can be level, left to right, and the tank will not drain completely.

I suspect it SHOULD drain completely when level, but it does not.

Comments?

[DavidM]

Even if you leave an inch of water in the plastic tank it won't break anything when it freezes.

David

[nolichuckyjake]

Even if you leave an inch of water in the plastic tank it won't break anything when it freezes.

David

I believe that, but an inch of water will still pump, won't it?  So you can't run the pump dry.

[FastEddieB]

First, a short tow with the drain valve open would probably get most of the water out.

Regardless, as DavidM says, an inch or two of water in the tank has plenty of room to expand, and I don't worry about it.

I pump the pink stuff from the water pump inlet, so that takes care of that.

[Pinstriper]

I doubt that last inch of water is below the intake for the pump.

I drain, then run the pump until it sucks air, then blow the lines out.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[nolichuckyjake]

I doubt that last inch of water is below the intake for the pump.

I drain, then run the pump until it sucks air, then blow the lines out.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks, Pinstriper.  That's the obvious and simplest thing.   I never thought to check how much water would still pump after draining.  Just assumed it would be a lot.

The two times I've winterized so far, I tilted the trailer toward the drain to get as much as possible---but it was obvious that was going to be a great big hassle if I was already set up.     

I want to be able to winterize quickly while on the road.  Still working on my system.

Camped two nights at Davy Crockett State Park in Limestone, TN this week.  Got down to 30F.  I put away the water hose and used the tank, and had no problems.    I'm thinking 27-28F is about as far as prudent with water in the lines.  Anyone with experience in colder temps?

[Merlin]

It's both the temperature and how long it's below freezing. If it's a quick dip below freezing at night and the daytime temps are warmer, you're fine. If it's even a little below 32F all the time for a couple of days, something may freeze somewhere! So don't go by only the temperature.

[DavidM]

Some years ago in a different camper but with the same plumbing system as LLs I was camping on Lake Tahoe in mid October. It got down to 24 that night.

It did fine. I ran the cold and hot water for 5-10 seconds each, every time I got up to go to the bathroom to make sure- maybe twice. And we didn't leave until it got above freezing at about 10:00 that morning. Driving at 60 mph at sub freezing temps will quickly freeze the pipes if it is only a little below freezing.

On the old LL site there is an extensive discussion of winter camping ideas. Everything from circulating hot water through the pipes, insulating the pipes with 12V heating tape to putting a skirt around the bottom to keep it warm underneath.

But a quick overnight drop to the mid 20s and then back up the next day will usually be ok.

David

[nolichuckyjake]

Some years ago in a different camper but with the same plumbing system as LLs I was camping on Lake Tahoe in mid October. It got down to 24 that night.

It did fine. I ran the cold and hot water for 5-10 seconds each, every time I got up to go to the bathroom to make sure- maybe twice. And we didn't leave until it got above freezing at about 10:00 that morning. Driving at 60 mph at sub freezing temps will quickly freeze the pipes if it is only a little below freezing.

On the old LL site there is an extensive discussion of winter camping ideas. Everything from circulating hot water through the pipes, insulating the pipes with 12V heating tape to putting a skirt around the bottom to keep it warm underneath.

But a quick overnight drop to the mid 20s and then back up the next day will usually be ok.

David

Thanks, David.   Good info.  And encouraging.   

[Diversteve]

Doing the winterizing thing thing this weekend and wanted to remind everyone that now is a good time to pull inspect and clean the water heater anode rod. Be sure to rinse out the water heater, it is amazing how much crud (technical term) will come out.
Don't forget to reinstall the element before the first camping trip of the new season. (voice of experience)