Cold Weather concerns.......water/electrical

[BrianBlair]

We're heading to the Eastern Sierra for New Years.......we'll be camping in the van for 4 or 5 nights. We just bought it this past summer and haven't camped in cold(below freezing) weather yet.

Is there anything we should pay attention to in terms of the water system or house battery? It seems unlikely that the water in the tank would freeze but I could see the water in the lines to/from the pump freezing.

Any advice?

Thanks,

BB

[dhally]

Drain out the water and take jugs? We don't have plumbing for just this reason.

If the battery is old and close to failing, the cold weather may be the final blow. The only suggestion would be not to draw it down too low.

[daveb]

Might also depend on the temperature and what kind of system you have.
I run my cab heater all night so I'm not concerned about inside lines.
I have a flat plate water system powered by Espar. I run my flat plate during the night and early morning if I'm in temps 20-30 degrees. Below that I'll drain the system. It really should be blown out with air.
Warm daytime temps also make a difference. Consistent cold weather will freeze stuff up and won't thaw out. I found if you drive in snow it can cover the lines and freeze them. Also you might want to add antifreeze to the gray water tank or open and drain it.

[mikracer]

Is there is a way to drain the lines after the pump? I'm wondering if you could install a petcock between the tank and the pump that allows you to purge the system. You could close off the water from the tank, then open a valve that allows the pump to move air through the lines.

If thats not possible, maybe get some of that reflectix or other insulation and wrap the exterior lines with it when you get to camp?

[daveb]

Mine has drains and I did wrap the lines but still some water remains. I've cracked a couple of elbows even though they're wrapped with that foam stuff. I've actually thought of extending my flat plate lines and bundle them with the main water runs under the van. Might be a useless attempt but I hate draining the system. It's bad enough just worrying about the flat plate freezing but the coldest I've been in is 7 degrees for a few days. Not bad by what others have to deal with.