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Topic: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help... (Read 703 times) previous topic - next topic
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Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Next week we have reservations at a campground where it has been 32 degrees overnight for the past couple of weeks.

The campground host told us that they have been having issues with water pipes freezing on some of their sites.

We are looking for ideas to keep the LD water pipes from freezing/busting.

Here's what we plan to do:

. If provided, put a water jacket on the water faucet.

. Connect to the water in the morning, say 10 AM and use as needed.

. At around 4pm or 5pm [depending on the weather temperature] we empty then flush the tanks.

. My wife supports the hose connection to the LD while I disconnect the hose from the faucet to drain it.

. Leave the water disconnected until the next morning @ 10 AM.

. Repeat this daily until we depart.

Thoughts?
2004 30' IB in blue
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #1 –
As long as the daytime temps are in the 40s or higher, you have little worry about.’ It needs to be much colder to cause problems with your LD’s plumbing.
Use your onboard water and forget about using the city water connection, many long-term Forum members never use the city water connection, self included. Less problems that way.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #2 –
Thanks Larry...
2004 30' IB in blue
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #3 –
I concur with Larry.  I’ve not used the city connection in the three years I’ve owned my TK LD, 18 months of that on the road, which I guess makes me a half timer.   Even then, I’m cautious about where I fill up fresh water.

Had three consecutive nights of upper 20s last spring, while I drove south to warmer temps, didn’t have a problem with the fresh water tank nor the other tanks.   Temps warmed up to the upper 30s, low 40s each day.  Did keep the lower cabinets open during the day to let warmer house air circulate.   Of course it helped I was driving each day.

Check the local forecast every day, both temp and wind.   Unlike summer, you should be looking for unshaded sites, maximizing solar heating during the day.

How long will you be stationary?

Dave

2017 TK
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #4 –
Ditto. I haven't used the city water connection in at least 15 years of full-timing.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #5 –
@ Dave...

We will be stationary for Wednesday through Sunday morning. Departing Sunday...
2004 30' IB in blue
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #6 –
Quote from: treelee  - 
We will be stationary for Wednesday through Sunday morning. Departing Sunday...
Then it all depends on daytime highs and how shaded your site is.

Two years ago I had 4 days reserved in Yosemite Valley in December, temps were supposed to climb into the upper 30s, but between the trees and the valley walls, there just wasn’t enough sun to get the temps up, left after the second night despite how beautiful it was.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #7 –
We have spent two weeks at a time in Yosemite during the first of December 2023. Prior to our visit, I had wrapped the black and gray tank valves with 12 volt electric heaters.

Having five 100 amp hour lithium batteries I had no issues with the valve gates freezing. During warmer day time temperatures I turned off the heaters.

I did not worry about the indoor plumbing for the fresh water system. I have never connected to city water. Maintaining warmer inside temps keeps the fresh water tank from getting too cold. However, it was recommended by Lazy Daze to allow Coach warm air to reach the water pumps.

Prior to this heater pad upgrade I had my gate valves freeze while caught off guard by a freak cold snap in the Grand Canyon. To thaw them out, I wrapped an extra heating pad (standard one used for a sore back) around the gates and added a towel around them for insulation. It took a couple of days of heating to thaw the valves but I was successful.

Hope this helps.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #8 –
In case this hasn't occurred to you, TREELEE, if you arrive with a full freshwater tank, you won't have to worry about whether the campground faucets freeze. You won't empty your tank in a four-day stay.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
 
Re: Camping @ 32 degrees @ a campground - Help...
Reply #9 –
Thanks guys.... Much appreciated.....Good advice...
2004 30' IB in blue