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Winter Rving

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Need advice please

I have a 5th wheel rv trailer that we plan to take to Florida this winter. We will be leaving late February and will probably have a few days traveling until we get to above freezing temps. We are sleeping in the camper overnight while enroute. My questions are:



1. Should I leave the furnace on low (55 degrees) while traveling or only use it while parked overnight ?



2. Should I put some water in the fresh water tank before starting out from home or add only when above freezing ? I currently have the system winterized.



3. My dealer said to use windshield washer fluid to pour into the toilet when flushing down the nasties. I thought it was toxic. Is this a good idea ? Would you recommend I have at least a gallon or two of something in the black water tank ? I have heated waste tanks, maybe I should turn them on when parked overnight.



Would appreciate any suggestions you experienced rvers care to offer. This is our first winter trip. Thanks.



2005 Dodge 3500 4x4 TD, dually, 48re, 4. 10's, Pacbrake, ATS Copilot, Isspro boost/egt/transmission temp gauges, 2004 Forest River All American Sport toyhauler, 2005 Harley Ultra Classic
 
I stay in my LQ horse trailer often in the winter in sub freezing temps. I usually leave my furnace on 65 - 70 mainly because if something was to go wrong and I had to go back there it would already be warm. I alway fill my fresh water tank about 1/2 to 2/3 full. That way I will have water if I need it, also if something happens and it freezes it will not crack the tank. My trailer has a valve on the tank so I can turn the supply to the pump off, and then I also have a drain valve on my hot and cold lines that I can open and drain the lines completely. I always make sure my waste tanks are never above 1/2 full so if the freeze they should bust. I usually keep some rv antifreeze and pour it in the shower drain at night after I use it. I have done this several times in 10 degree weather with sub zero wind chills with out any problems.





Have a great trip.
 
I've towed my 5th wheel at -10 below on a nice dry road... with the furnace running the water lines would have frozen had I not drained them... . my 40K BTU furnace wouldn't keep up to keep it from freezing..... at 60 mph at -10 the heat leaves faster than you can put it back... .



Once we stopped for the night we found we couldn't get the thing warm... . we installed a second 35K gas heater that we use... . on these cold nights when we travel... I drain the tanks and blow out the lines before winter... and when we get to warm weather we charge the (water)system. . and blow it back down on the way home...



I now can also use it hunting... . as with both heaters it will stay warm... . I just haul a 30 gal cylinder with us to hunt... ...



For us its 2 days from here to get to warm weather... . at least one night either in a motel... . or use both heaters.....



Hope this helps.....
 
Years ago I had to make the trip that you will be making. If you are dry camping on the way down have a big battery bank or you will not have much heat.

I did not put anywater on until SC. Do the RV antifreeze for the toilet flush. I used a portable LP heater with a 1 lb can that got me about six hours of heat. Just leave a window open alittle. Rob
 
I've left the furnace on till I get to my first overnight stay. I try to use a full hookup campground that way I can dump in the morning. Try to watch the temps from the weather reports to see my next overnight. We have been lucky the temps have gone well above freezing the next day. No fresh water till its safe usually Tennesee. Carry a couple of jugs in the truck or Rv to flush the toilet wash hands etc.
 
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