Not ready to winterize yet, need advice on protecting against the coming cold temps

[Phydeauxman]

We have a 2015 323BHS model and are not quite ready to put it away for the winter. We have 1 more trip planned at Thanksgiving but between now and then we are supposed to get some freezing temperatures. Currently, I have the camper in my driveway connected to power and I am running the heater to keep it at 60 degrees inside. What additional steps should I take to protect the camper from the freezing temperatures? I plan to winterize after the Thanksgiving trip.

 

[huntr70]

Blow out the water lines. Open low point drains.

 

[Phydeauxman]

Blow out the water lines. Open low point drains.

Thanks...should I drain the water heater as well?

 

[dchrist1733]

Yes definitely drain the water heater. I just blew out all of my water lines because I am traveling again soon and did not want to put antifreeze in there yet. Also make sure you blow out the black tank flush line with air.

 

[Phydeauxman]

Yes definitely drain the water heater. I just blew out all of my water lines because I am traveling again soon and did not want to put antifreeze in there yet. Also make sure you blow out the black tank flush line with air.

Can you provide me some detail on your process? I bought the fitting that screws into the water hose connections and then allows you to connect an air hose.

 

[huntr70]

Bypass water heater, drain.

Attach air hose to fitting, put into "winterize" mode.

Make sure air hose is set for no more than 40PSI.

Open faucets, showers, anywhere water comes out.

Open low point drains.

 

[luckeyd1]

Personally, unless the temps are going well below freezing and staying that way for more than a day (not rising above freezing), I would just leave the temp set at 60 and forget about it. With the way you have the inside temp set, what is the difference between storing in driveway for a short while or camping for a short while. I know that camping you have the temp set a little higher, but 60 should keep your lines from freezing. I would open the cabinet doors to the sink areas. Just make sure you don't run out of propane. As for the water heater, draining is up to you, I never have until I winterize for the season storage.
I have left my trailer in the same condition with the furnace set at its lowest thermostat setting and never had problems. Just winterize when you are finished with it.

 

[Phydeauxman]

Personally, unless the temps are going well below freezing and staying that way for more than a day (not rising above freezing), I would just leave the temp set at 60 and forget about it. With the way you have the inside temp set, what is the difference between storing in driveway for a short while or camping for a short while. I know that camping you have the temp set a little higher, but 60 should keep your lines from freezing. I would open the cabinet doors to the sink areas. Just make sure you don't run out of propane. As for the water heater, draining is up to you, I never have until I winterize for the season storage.
I have left my trailer in the same condition with the furnace set at its lowest thermostat setting and never had problems. Just winterize when you are finished with it.

That is a good data point...and it looks like you live in an area near me. May take a chance and do that.

 

[Phydeauxman]

Bypass water heater, drain.

Attach air hose to fitting, put into "winterize" mode.

Make sure air hose is set for no more than 40PSI.

Open faucets, showers, anywhere water comes out.

Open low point drains.

Where would the water heater bypass be located? What about the low point drains...are those the red and blue PEX lines sticking out of the bottom of the camper?

 

[huntr70]

Where would the water heater bypass be located? What about the low point drains...are those the red and blue PEX lines sticking out of the bottom of the camper?

Yes, the stubs out the bottom of the underbelly.

The bypass is built into the central hook up water panel. Jus follow the directions for "winterize".

 

[Phydeauxman]

Yes, the stubs out the bottom of the underbelly.

The bypass is built into the central hook up water panel. Jus follow the directions for "winterize".

Great...thanks