Winterizing in NC

[Tiagos]

It is 10 o'clock at night and being busy at work, I just got word that the temp will dip below freezing tonight. I am a first time travel trailer owner. We plan on continuing to use the trailer through the winter being that it doesn't get too cold here in NC. I did not use antifreeze or blow out the pipes. I drained all the water and left all the faucets and drain points open to allow for expanding. We have a 2014 Jayco Flight. Is there anything I should prep myself for? maybe any unforeseen possible breakage or expense. I know I should have prepped better but being a first time owner I hope this doesn't become an expensive lesson learned.


2014 Jayco Flight BH
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4.6L

[Jagiven]

How cold below freezing and for how long? Couple of spots to think of is your bypass valves for your water heater. There can be a few inches of water above one of the valves; I would ensure all three valves are fully open. Also check your water pump, there is a screen filter basket, depending on how it is configured it can hold water and potentially freeze and break the clear cup. I have had that happen . Beyond all your pipes and facets, do not forget the drain traps. They are hard to drain of water, because of it I do pour a bit of antifreeze down the drains.

If you are concerned about potential damage a small electric heater running on low in the unit with the cabinet doors open could help.

[Threebutchers]

If it's only dipping a few degrees below freezing for a few hours....I doubt you'll have any worries - especially since you're not pressurized and drained.

Enjoy winter camping!

[norty1]

We are here in Maggie Valley and the night temps have been right at freezing for the last several nights and forecast is lower tonite. You did not say if your rig is sitting with power or not. If you can run a small electric heater as already mentioned you should be ok. I would learn how to do a mini-winterize as we sometimes do when at home.

1. Drain and bypass the water heater.
2. Open the low point drains, also open the outside shower and blow out the water lines and black water flush.
3. Put a little rv antifreeze in the drains.

I keep a dehumidifier in my rig when at home and even run a small heater on a low setting.

We camp year around also.

[DieselX]

I wouldn't worry about it. We left our old camper at Myrtle Beach for almost 10 years and never did more than cracking the valves and opening the faucets with no problems.

[norty1]

I would worry / address it immediately.

Myrtle Beach is a lot different from many areas in NC. I would not trust my rig to the cold weather without some precautions, depending on where in NC you are located.

[RoyBraddy]

My PLAN B for these short freeze periods is to drain the tanks - blow out the lines at the city water point using my 12VDC tankless air compressor and dump a tad of antifreeze in the P-Traps. I figure the blow-out method removes 99% of water from the hot water heater since the cold water inlet is on the bottom when I open the hot water spigot when doing the blow-out procedure from the city water connection.

I leave the city water hose unhooked over night.

Typical water system flow chart for RV trailer.


This takes around 5-10 minutes to do... Then the next day when the sun comes out we can hookup to city water and start using the system again...

Roy Ken