Lazy Daze Owners' Group

How much danger in "a few frosty nights"?

March 17, 2016, 04:33:22 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159408

---

Another question from a newbie: bought our 2002 LD 26.5' Mid-bath last month in Georgia. Due to time constraints, we did not have it winterized (emptied everything out, but did not blow out the lines or add antifreeze), so we stored in heated storage here in Illinois.

Here is my question: when will it be safe to bring it home and start prepping for adventures?

The extended forecast (as far as that is to be trusted!) for our area shows three nights in March with lows of 26-27 degrees. In April, it's expected to dip to 31 degrees three times before 4/10. The Farmer's Almanac cites the last frost date at 4/20. Whenever we bring it home, it will be stored on a driveway with access to electricity.

When we bought it, the person who did the inspection said he wouldn't worry about winterizing it, now that the most severe part of winter was over ("I wouldn't worry about a few frosty nights.") Very protective of our new-to-us LD, we put it in heated storage to be safe.

But now are very excited to bring it home and start prepping for our family adventures. What is the wise counsel here? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Re: How much danger in "a few frosty nights"?

Reply #2 – March 17, 2016, 10:48:24 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159410

---

My guidance Is based on Information from this forum, the LD manual, and my experience this last winter. Dump the fresh water if not nearly full, dump gray and black tanks if not nearly full. Heat the hot water tank the night before or empty it.

Inside drape the front cab with a blanket, open all cabinet doors to include access door to the water pump, cup of RV anti freeze in the sinks, toilet, shower drain. Open all inside water faucets. Use a space heater. This might be over the top, but it took little time and I slept better.

Ed & Margee

Re: How much danger in "a few frosty nights"?

Reply #4 – March 17, 2016, 07:29:18 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159426

---

Had our 2005 MB in VA several times in winter when temp dropped to about 20 every night. Coach internal temp maintained to about 65. No problems with internal plumbing, fresh water tank or holding tanks. Minor issue with dump valves; one of them froze. Thawed same with hair dryer. Later installed "electric heat strips" on the drain lines and valves. Plugged in the heaters if the temp was supposed to be below freezing. No more dump valve problems.

Doug

Re: How much danger in "a few frosty nights"?

Reply #6 – March 18, 2016, 12:49:06 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159434

---

Last Jan thru March (2015) we spent winter in our '96 TK in Myrtle Beach SC. We were newbies, and had started full-time traveling late Sept 2014. It went down to 13°at night for several nights during Feb. From Vt, this was nothing. We disconnected the fresh water. Kept the hot water heater running, opened the under sink cupboard and the drawers. We ran the gas heater and a small electric heater. The indoor was kept at about 70°. We were fine but the toilet seat was FRIGID! Around us people wrapped everything with heating tape and insulation. Because they didn't disconnect the water hose at the faucet, the campground water pipe froze and split and they had to pay the repair bill (signs were posted in the campground).
All winter the windows except the back and side ones were insulated with that quilted foil, also the air conditioner,  swampcooler and fantastic fan. We put thick foam in the escape hatch and the bathroom vent. We were fine.
Hope this helps.
Art n Sandy KalleAnka '96 TK VT

Re: How much danger in "a few frosty nights"?

Reply #8 – March 18, 2016, 02:53:22 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159440

---

We didn't do anything. We didn't disconnect them. We were clueless. In retrospect I wonder if the warmth from the sewer system helped. We had a Y connector then. Now we use a maserator.
Sandy