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Old 02-22-2021, 11:17 PM   #1
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Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Airdire
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Alberta
Teach me to winter camp

Hey Guys,

As I have mentioned in other threads we recently picked up a 2008 Dutchman Northshore 5er.

We have a mild stretch of weather with daytime highs around 5C(41F) and Lows of -8C(18F)

We are throwing around the idea of winter camping for a weekend at a local park. We would have full services.


I know it’s better to fill the fresh tank and run off that vs running a hose.
I also thought I would throw a small heater in the front pass through where the pump.
We have a enclosed underbelly with the dump valves up in the belly.

I figured I could re winterize the line before heading home.

Am I out to lunch?
Any other suggestions?
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Old 02-23-2021, 11:15 AM   #2
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I use heated hoses and wrap the RV park’s water feed with a heat strip. I use the 110 v outlet at the ped to power these. You can also run a heater to the under belly from that same outlet. Just don’t open your sewer hose, keep gray water inside until it is above freezing. I don’t use the camco hoses because they had such bad reviews... I use the Pirit heated water hose. Www.pirithose.com

https://www.lowes.com/pd/EasyHeat-AH...-Cable/1069433
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Old 02-24-2021, 01:27 AM   #3
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I was out at the trailer this afternoon and opened up the “wall” in the pass through storage.

Found out I have a heat run to the tanks
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I also found this black “valve” at the end of the run of the pressure side of the pump.
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It just stubs out of the trailer. Would this be a low point drain?

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Old 02-27-2021, 08:51 PM   #4
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That is indeed a drain valve, but not the only one. You probably have a cold and hot drain underneath the kitchen as well. Crawling under the trailer will show them.
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Old 02-27-2021, 10:03 PM   #5
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Alberta is going to have different challenges from Tampa. Campground water and waste system may by closed for the winter.

I recommend you find an open dump site. Then camp in your driveway. Put thermometers in plumbing spaces and bays. Hopefully use remote systems so you can see the temperature without opening the bay. Cheap ones are available and many hardware and home stores.

Be prepared to re-winterize quickly if things don't go well.

If everything is OK, you are good to go!

Be sure to have an emergency winterizing plan while on the road. I carry enough RV anti-freeze with me. You may want an air compressor. I don't expect you want to loose your plumbing if you have a break down or get snowed in.

I use wooden blocks under my jack pads. I can leave a wooden block behind if it gets frozen to the ground. I cannot easily leave my jacks behind.

I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!
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Old 02-28-2021, 12:29 PM   #6
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... I was camping in the mountains... 50 mph winds at 2 degrees below zero. We survived.

Your advice about using disposable wooden blocks , having a compressor and lots of antifreeze is on point
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Old 02-28-2021, 03:50 PM   #7
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My reply to winter camping is don't. Sub-freezing temps don't sound very recreational to me. RV's aren't made for those temps, they lack the necessary insulation to keep out the cold.
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Old 03-07-2021, 04:22 PM   #8
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Go to Florida instead...
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Old 03-08-2021, 12:10 PM   #9
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Us Floridians go north in the winter!
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