Preventing Frozen Water Lines In Your Camper

Winter camping is a thrilling experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure your pipes don't freeze. Frozen pipes can cause serious damage to your RV's plumbing system, so it's important to take the necessary precautions. This guide will discuss easy and affordable ways to prevent your pipes from freezing, from insulating your pipes and using heat tape to choosing a sunny campsite and installing holding tank heaters. We'll also offer tips on keeping your water tank from freezing and provide essential advice for a safe and enjoyable winter camping trip.

Insulate pipes, tanks and bays

Insulating pipes, tanks, and bays is a crucial step in preparing your camper for freezing temperatures. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:

Pipes

To insulate your pipes, start by purchasing insulation materials such as pipe sleeves, foam insulation, or pipe insulation tape. These materials can be easily found at a hardware store or online. Cut the insulation to fit the size of your pipes, and apply it to the exterior, paying attention to pipes under sinks and in the bathroom and kitchen. Make sure to cover all exposed pipes to provide an extra layer of protection from the cold.

Tanks

To insulate your water tanks, first, determine their location. If your tanks are above floor level, you can wrap a drum heater or heater blanket around the exterior to provide extra protection. For tanks located in the underbelly of your camper, consider using heated tank pads or installing skirting to block cold air and wind from reaching the tanks. You can also pour non-toxic antifreeze into your grey and black water tanks to prevent their contents from freezing. Remember, always keep your fresh water tank as full as possible, as it is harder for a large quantity of water to freeze.

Bays

Your RV storage bays are also susceptible to freezing temperatures. To insulate them, use materials such as foam insulation, foam boards, or fiberglass insulation. This will help maintain a warmer temperature in the bays and protect any pipes or tanks located within. Additionally, you can heat your storage bays using electric heating pads or portable heaters, but be sure to follow safety precautions when using these devices.

By following these steps, you can effectively insulate the pipes, tanks, and bays in your camper, reducing the risk of freezing and potential damage. Remember to plan ahead and take the necessary precautions to enjoy your winter camping trip to the fullest.

Use heat tape or heat cable

Heat tape or heat cable is an effective way to prevent your water from freezing in a camper. It is an electrically heated wire designed to keep water pipes, hoses, and other plumbing components from freezing in cold conditions. They come in different lengths and wattages and can be used on metal or plastic pipes, as well as on RV hoses.

When using heat tape or heat cable, follow these steps:

• Measure your RV water hose, including any attachments such as adapters.
• Purchase the appropriate length and wattage of heat tape or heat cable. Choose a self-regulating option designed for water pipes and ensure it has an exterior jacket.
• Secure the heat tape or cable to your RV water hose. You can either wrap it around the hose or secure it along its length with electrical tape, starting at the end closest to the water source.
• Plug the heat tape or cable into an electrical outlet. It will automatically turn on and off to maintain a consistent temperature, preventing the hose from freezing.

It is important to note that heat tapes and cables should not be used on the RV's water tank or water supply. They are intended for use only on the RV water hose and water lines.

Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. By investing in heat tape or heat cable and following these steps, you can help prevent your water from freezing in a camper during the winter.

Skirt your RV

Skirting your RV is a great way to protect your pipes from freezing because it increases the ambient heat beneath your vehicle. An RV skirt is a semi-permanent structure that wraps around the base of the RV to insulate the underside, trapping heat inside and keeping everything warm, including the pipes. This is a particularly good option if you're staying in one spot for an extended period.

There are several different types of materials that you can use for RV skirting, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common options:

• Vinyl: Vinyl skirting is considered one of the easiest materials to work with and install. It is also long-lasting and doesn't need to be replaced frequently. You can either hire a professional to install vinyl skirting or purchase a kit and do it yourself.
• Plywood and insulation boards: While plywood and insulation boards provide an effective barrier against the cold, they can be challenging to cut, move, and store when not in use. They are a good option if you're camping in a location where you won't be moving for several months.
• Tarps: Tarps are easier to remove and reinstall than other options, but they may not provide as much insulation or wind protection as solid materials.
• Foam boards: Foam boards can be used to skirt an RV, but ensure that the material is strong enough to withstand moisture and cold temperatures.
• Straw or hay bales: Straw or hay bales are effective insulators but can be cumbersome and messy. They also tend to attract mice and other small animals. Additionally, straw bales can trigger allergies and be more expensive than hay bales.

When choosing a material for your RV skirt, consider factors such as ease of installation, durability, and insulation properties. Remember that skirting your RV can significantly impact your camping experience by helping to keep your pipes and water tanks warm and functional during cold weather.

Keep the fresh water tank full

Keeping your fresh water tank full is one of the most important things you can do to prevent water from freezing in your camper. The logic is simple: a full tank of water is harder to freeze than a partially full one. This is because water, due to its unique chemical properties, is denser as a liquid than as a solid. Therefore, it takes more time and significantly lower temperatures to freeze a large volume of water compared to a small volume.

To ensure your fresh water tank is as full as possible, start by emptying your grey and black water tanks before your trip. These tanks hold wastewater from your shower, sink, and toilet, respectively, and you don't want them taking up valuable space that could be used for your fresh water supply. If you're boondocking or dry camping (camping without water hookups), you'll want to maximise the capacity of your fresh water tank as much as possible.

Another way to keep your water from freezing is to add antifreeze to your fresh water tank. However, this is not recommended for drinking water, as antifreeze is typically toxic. Instead, consider using a non-toxic antifreeze designed specifically for RVs, which is usually pink in colour. Remember to add enough antifreeze to account for the dilution that will occur as your tank fills with wastewater.

Additionally, you can invest in a heated tank pad designed to fit your fresh water tank. These pads will help maintain the temperature of your water, preventing it from freezing. However, this option requires access to a power source, such as a DC current or a 120V outlet.

Finally, consider the location of your fresh water tank. If it's above the floor, you can wrap a drum heater or heater blanket around the exterior to provide extra protection. This will help insulate the tank and keep the water inside from freezing.

Add antifreeze to grey and black tanks

Adding antifreeze to your grey and black tanks is a great way to prevent your water system from freezing when camping in cold climates. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

First, it is important to note that not all antifreeze is created equal. When adding antifreeze to your RV's tanks, you should only use antifreeze that is specifically designed for RVs. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and can be dangerous if ingested or spilled on the skin. The safest option for your camper is propylene glycol antifreeze, as it is non-toxic and will not harm the good bacteria in your tanks. Ethanol-based antifreeze will kill the good bacteria and can dry out rubber seals, while ethylene glycol antifreeze is highly toxic and not suitable for RVs.

Before adding antifreeze to your grey and black tanks, completely empty your black water tank and close the dump valve. For a 14-gallon tank, you will need to add around two quarts of non-toxic RV antifreeze down the toilet. The amount of antifreeze you need will depend on the size of your tank, so you may need to add a little more or less. You will also need to add more as the tank fills up, as the waste material will dilute the antifreeze over time.

If you have a grey water tank, be sure to add the same amount of antifreeze down the sink or shower drain. Try not to let the tanks fill more than halfway before emptying them and repeating the process. This will help ensure that your tanks do not freeze and cause damage to your RV's plumbing system.

It is also important to note that while RV antifreeze is safe to dump at a dump station or down your home cleanout port, it is still harmful to humans, animals, and the environment in high concentrations. Always dispose of used antifreeze properly and store it away from children and pets.

By following these instructions, you can help keep your water system from freezing and enjoy your winter camping trips without worry!

Frequently asked questions