I have been, and continue to be a firm believer in winter RVing. There are many wintertime activities and adventures that can be made more enjoyable by using an RV.
Some people prefer not to use the plumbing system during the winter for fear of doing something wrong and having a freeze-up, and subsequent damage. Others prefer to just use the toilet, and depend on campgrounds for their other needs. It is possible to use your RV toilet for brief periods in freezing weather, and here follows a few thoughts on how to go about it.
Winter capable RV
Purchasing a four-season RV, or modifying one to handle sub-freezing weather is one possibility. I have done this previously with good success. This requires a coach with completely enclosed and heated holding tanks. I prefer to add individual tank heaters, and a separate heater for the utility compartment. I have also added digital freeze alarms to those areas to make sure that the temperature doesn't dip too low in vulnerable areas. Work off the holding tanks only, and dump when necessary. Don't stay connected to outside utilities.
Non-winter capable RV
No-water option
It may be possible to use the RV toilet without the use of water, but extreme care must be taken to prevent freezing and damage. If any of you readers out there have done this, or something similar, I'd love to hear about it (email me at mgy41512 (at) yahoo.com). I have not done this, but have spoken to folks who have.
The process involves using potable RV antifreeze instead of water to flush the toilet. Starting with a completely empty black water tank, add at least 3-4 gallons of RV antifreeze to the black tank, and continue to use the RV antifreeze to flush the toilet as necessary. When you're done using the system, dump as usual, the there should be no freezing problem.
Warmer climate water option
For you snow birds out there, using the coach water system from the cold temperatures to the warm and vice-versa is an option, but I wouldn't recommend doing so unless you're certain that your enclosed tanks are protected well enough for the climate you'll be traveling in. An option is to use the system as pointed out above, keeping the heat in the coach on, using minimal water, and making sure there's adequate antifreeze in the holding tanks. Many folks will start using the system in the Mid-Atlantic region, for instance, headed South, and will re-winterize there on the way back.
Which ever you decide to do, make certain that the toilet is well winterized when you are done. Small amounts of water can remain in the flush valve on some toilet models, which can freeze and crack the valve if not completely removed or replaced with antifreeze.
Enjoy your winter RVing!
We use this system while traveling in cold weather. We flush with a mixure of 2 parts antifreeze to 1 part water. Why would the antifreeze need to be potable? We're sure not going to be drinking it from the toilet!
ReplyDeleteFrom G:
ReplyDelete"Hi Chris
We leave Saskatchewan for Arizona well into winter - usually in December.
My tanks have been well drained and the rv, a 39 foot Keystone Everest, has been winterized in the fall.
Before heading south I fill my fresh water tank after having the furnace run for the previous 24 hours.
My under belly and tanks are enclosed and only heated by heat from the basement. There are no separate tank heaters.
I run the furnace and water heater, while travelling, which is usually two to three days, until we reach warmer weather.
I checked with my insurance company and they have no issues with running while the propane is on and appliances operating.
I can elaborate on this if you wish.
My only problem is my dump outlet is exposed to the outside temperatures as is my fresh water tank drain.
One has to make sure there is absolutely no seepage from your black or grey water tanks or your dump drain will be frozen closed.
As to the fresh water drain, I've extended that drain with plastic tubing so I don't have to crawl under the rv to get to it and I enclosed that in 1-1/2" pvc pipe.
When I get home in March and re-winterize (by the end of May it's safe to leave water in the system without heat), I use my heat gun to "carefully" heat the fresh water drain hose, which is frozen shut, so I can completely drain that tank.
The heat gun fits snugly into the end of the pvc pipe.
I run my full system on the way home and never had a problem.
I use a macerator to dump into my household system once at home as rv dumps are often not available at that time of year.
Although I run a generator, I don't rely just on electric heaters in the rv as they wouldn't heat the basement sufficiently.
Running the furnace, which has duct work running through the basement and an outlet into my water control compartment is a must as far as I'm concerned.
I usually overnight in WalMart or Flying J and if there's room I open my four slides. I have not had a problem with doing that."
Dear G: Sounds like you have it all figured out! Keep being careful with that heat gun, though!
Chris