Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Maintenance and Repair
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 11-30-2020, 04:48 AM   #1
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Arkansas
Posts: 57
THOR #20830
Trying to go another 3 weeks without winterizing ...

We have one more Gulf Coast trip planned this year. 3 weeks away. Poor kiddos have been cooped up all year except when we RV, so I really want to get this one in for them!

The RV (Thor Hurricane 29m) is stored a few miles from the house. No power available.

I live in Northern Arkansas and for the time I need to delay winterizing, the lowest temp should be no less than 20. Daytime highs should rise at least into the 40’s.

What is the temperature point where I should begin to worry about damage? I don’t like the idea of leaving a heater on, but I could some nights if necessary.

Any advice or experience appreciated.

__________________
mburns884 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 05:31 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: North Carolina
Posts: 499
THOR #19102
Blow out the lines with air and dump some antifreeze in the drains. Doesn't take that long to do.

As for the temps, I would worry if it falls bellow freezing for any amount of time. Just think about the cost if you do bust a line.
__________________
Campnjoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 07:40 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2019 Aria 4000
State: Utah
Posts: 336
THOR #15943
I agree with Joe-don't invite trouble. 3 weeks is pushing it, even in Arkansas....
Gary
GVP
__________________
GVP-The Boxcar Children is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 11:56 AM   #4
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Good luck...
But it's not up to you.
Mother Nature is actually running the show.
__________________
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 01:06 PM   #5
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
I agree 20 is too cold. At a minimum blow out the lines.

Another thing you can do without leaving a heater on is leave a 100 watt light on (a real one not an LED thing) in any compartment with plumbing that you want to keep warm. The light will produce enough heat to keep the pipes from freezing.
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 04:29 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Travelin' Texans's Avatar
 
Brand: Redwood
Model: 36FB
State: Arizona
Posts: 1,766
THOR #3610
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
I agree 20 is too cold. At a minimum blow out the lines.

Another thing you can do without leaving a heater on is leave a 100 watt light on (a real one not an LED thing) in any compartment with plumbing that you want to keep warm. The light will produce enough heat to keep the pipes from freezing.
He says it's in storage with no power available.
__________________
Fulltimed 10+ years
Sold '13 Thor Redwood 36 FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
Travelin' Texans is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 04:32 PM   #7
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
He says it's in storage with no power available.
LOL ah yeah missed that...bummer
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 09:32 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Long & Winding road's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
I also live in Arkansas (howdy neighbor).

IMO to risky NOT to winterize it by now. For the most part the temps are mild in AR....but then this morning I woke up and it was 24 deg (My weather ap forcasted low of 31).

I winterized mine 3 weeks ago plus I have indoor storage.

I always figure "28 deg" for a few hours and your fine. But anything below that I would be concerned.

At 20 it WILL freeze (if outside).

Only takes me about 15 / 20 minutes to pump 2 gal of antifreeze and I sleep easy on the cold nights.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
Long & Winding road is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 09:32 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
Just use the pink stuff. Winterize in 15 minutes for under $10. I sometimes do it 3 or 4 times a winter. Really, no big deal.
__________________
Pete'sMH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2020, 11:54 PM   #10
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Arkansas
Posts: 57
THOR #20830
Storage place is going to allowed me to move to a spot where I can get access to 110 power. Going to run heaters in the unit. I’m going to go ahead and load up the lines and the drains with antifreeze this weekend too. I’ll just flush it all out on the way to gulf shores or upon arrival.
__________________
mburns884 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 12:07 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Long & Winding road's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
That sound good.... but my storage facilty says "no heaters". They only want you to use power for charging your batteries. And some lights when you visiting the unit.

Might be some fire hazzard thing. I would real upset if my neighbor burns down the entire building using a heater.

Plus my storage place "says" the power is only "on" for "part" of the day. Who know - they are tring to discourge us. I plugged my fridge up a few times and its always fine the next day.

If its insulated you should be good until you get into the Teens (or lower?).

I know two years ago when we had 10 deg lows two nights in a row and highs of like 20 the inside of my RV shows the "lowest temp 29" (I wanted to check so I know how cold it gets).

But one night in the teens or low 20's and highs in the 30/40 I bet my shed would be 35 deg+
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
Long & Winding road is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 02:54 AM   #12
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Arkansas
Posts: 57
THOR #20830
I’m not inside. Outdoor storage until something comes open. There isn’t near enough indoor storage here. First on the waiting list, so crossing my fingers for one to open soon.

The owner of the storage place let me park at a spot in the back where I could run an outdoor extension cords to the RV from a 110 outlet.

I have two 1000 watt electric heaters going now. Both very secure, sitting in very safe spots, and with tip over safety features. Keeping it about 68 inside the coach. I’ll run by in the morning and unplug it all. Will be interesting to see what the interior temp is.

I’m still going to go ahead and do a winterization of the fresh water lines this weekend and drain the tank. Not in love with the electric heater idea, but beats a busted pipe.
__________________
mburns884 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 04:32 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Palazzo 33.2
State: Georgia
Posts: 269
THOR #8078
If temps are above 25 I think you are fine with the space heaters - enough heat will radiate down to the water pump and lines. If it is colder I recommend you either winterize with antifreeze (RV type) or blow out with air. I bought an adapter for blowing out and it takes me 15 minutes. Easy.
__________________
rudyhehn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 05:14 PM   #14
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by mburns884 View Post
I’m not inside. Outdoor storage until something comes open. There isn’t near enough indoor storage here. First on the waiting list, so crossing my fingers for one to open soon.

The owner of the storage place let me park at a spot in the back where I could run an outdoor extension cords to the RV from a 110 outlet.

I have two 1000 watt electric heaters going now. Both very secure, sitting in very safe spots, and with tip over safety features. Keeping it about 68 inside the coach. I’ll run by in the morning and unplug it all. Will be interesting to see what the interior temp is.

I’m still going to go ahead and do a winterization of the fresh water lines this weekend and drain the tank. Not in love with the electric heater idea, but beats a busted pipe.
Congratulations on finding a solution!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 06:57 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Long & Winding road's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
Ok that sound safer.

But 2000 watts total on an "extention cord". Are you using your 30 amp cord with an dog bone to 15 amp?

Or do you have a 12 gauge extention cord? I would NOT trust a 16 gauge with TWO heater on.... Just saying. Better safe than sorry.

I would think one heater would be enough (for 20 - 25 deg lows) esp if you have the relective bubbles in all of your windows for insulaton.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
Long & Winding road is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 07:35 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2015 ACE 29.3
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 242
THOR #4359
I typ. winterize the lines and try to keep the rv cold so that the wonderful mice stay out ...the one year I keep it heated I had them....
__________________
Tom and Jen
2015 ACE 29.3
Mousemate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 07:38 PM   #17
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Arkansas
Posts: 57
THOR #20830
Quote:
Originally Posted by Long & Winding road View Post
Ok that sound safer.

But 2000 watts total on an "extention cord".
Cords! Two heavy duty extension cords. One for each heater. As I set all of that up I was concerned about putting two heaters on one cord so as with any RV project, I went and spent a little more money! Might have been OK, but the last thing I needed was to throw a breaker at 1am as the temp went down to 24.

Update: As of 7am when I went to check on it, both heaters were working fine. Temp inside was over 60 degrees. All fresh water lines were fine and system pressurized just fine when the faucets were closed and water pump was on.

One more night of this and I should be off work early enough there is still daylight outside, and I am going to just do a partial winterization ... this is more trouble that just flusing out the anti-freeze on the Gulf Shores trip.
__________________
mburns884 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2020, 07:43 PM   #18
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Glad to read that it's working as planned!
Have a safe trip.
!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2020, 09:18 PM   #19
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Colorado
Posts: 29
THOR #19132
I have been told you don’t have to worry about lines freezing if it goes below 32° for up to 6 hours. But any more than that you are risking it. I blow out my lines so not to risk it.
__________________
Yaksterwalk@yahoo.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2020, 10:52 AM   #20
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: freedom elite 24he
State: Alabama
Posts: 35
THOR #21327
It rarely freezes where I live but I rent my rv out and sometimes it goes to more northern areas. If you're using the RV is is safe to do so in freezing Temps or is everyone parking their rvs through the winter?

Are the underside water and drain lines exposed enough to the elements to freeze? Is normal use of the heater enough to keep the lines safe?

I have a rental on Christmas to NC and don't want any issues to arise.



Thanks.
__________________
JoefromGa is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 05:07 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2