How low of a temp can water sysem handle

[advrider]

I am hauling my '13 Seismic back north and the temperture is still going below freezing (10 deg. F)
and was wondering how low can I go before things will freeze up?

Jack

[tinlizzie23]

Jack - not to be a smart alec, but if there is water in your system, and you don't have some type of heater in the underbelly AND inside the unit, it will freeze at 32 degrees. Even if you have a polar insulated underbelly, it will not help unless there is a source of heat, which you probably don't have while traveling. Why don't you just drain the water out, then either blow it out with compressed air, or pump in some RV anti-freeze (the pink stuff) ? That will take care of your problem.

[Terry]

I have to admit I have run my furnace while on the road.....obviously the best thing to do is tin says is to drain your system - but as long as you can run your heat on occasion when you stop, I think you will be pretty good. It does take quite some time for everything to cool down that low inside of an insulated trailer.

[advrider]

With my previous trailor Iwas good to around 26 degrees while traveling and I was trying to
use the unit on the way home. Also trying to avoid the cost of winterizing for just a few
weeks of bad weather. Do you think just draining the system without blowing the lines get
enough water out to allow for ice expansion without damage. Looking at draining system
while on the road without airpressure being available?

Jack

[RoyBraddy]

I carry one of these 12VDC tankless air compressors with me for airing up tires and works great for blowing out the water lines. I just hook the air adapter to the city water inlet and blow away... With no air tank it takes a while to come up to full pressure so gives you plenty of time to get a fawcet open...

All of these items are available from AMAZON...


Just takes a couple of minutes to blow out the lines then I pour a tish of the pink stuff down the p-traps...

[norty1]

I would not assume that even running the furnace would keep the water lines from freezing. All the heat will be sucked out of the rig while moving at hwy speeds.

I would not take a chance.

[Seann45]

10F is getting a little dicey on the water system... it can handle 25 for a few hours but I would say not more than 6 ...
Now to some of you... yes water freezes at 32 but it does not freeze instantly it takes time to cool off and does not freeze HARD that fast... and it is the hard freeze that hurts you.

[jbwjbw]

I have a somewhat similar issue. I need to de-winterize my camper and sanitize the freshwater system before going south for our first camping trip. I was hoping the night or two before I leave would stay above freezing, but looks like that's not going to happen. I might have to try and blow out the system after I sanitize it. As the camper will be in my driveway, I could turn on the heater and water heater at night, but I know some pipes below are exposed. Right now it looks like it will be 22-24 degrees at night. What does everyone think, try and blow it out after sanitizing so as to not risk it, or would simply making sure there is no pressure and running the heater and water heater be enough to make it though one night?

[Flyrotor]

22 is pretty cold, if pipes are exposed under the trailer the water will freeze solid, just depends if the pipes will handle it or not.

If your underbelly was completely enclosed and insulated I think you would be ok, but as you describe it I don't think I would take that chance

[owenssailor]

We just came back to Ont after being South for the winter. In Ohio I drained all water and winterized with the pink plumbing antifreeze. A few minutes and about $10 is a low price for for knowing there will be no issues once the freezing weather finally leaves.

[dlfeather]

Originally Posted by Seann45

10F is getting a little dicey on the water system... it can handle 25 for a few hours but I would say not more than 6 ...
Now to some of you... yes water freezes at 32 but it does not freeze instantly it takes time to cool off and does not freeze HARD that fast... and it is the hard freeze that hurts you.

x2
It is the hard freeze that hurts you. You would not evan think of going out on a pond if it hit 31 degrees overnight. It needs a long sustained freeze to make it safe. I have never had any issues when in the mid 20's overnight. But if it does not go above freezing during the day, and will be below freezing for two or three days straight, i would be doing something.

[nymcmoo]

Reading this thread makes me feel better about waking up at 28 degrees this morning. Our new camper was delivered yesterday dewinterized. Looks like last cold night for awhile and daytime near 60. Thanks all for the info.