TimLoon
Middlesex, CT
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Joined: 07/21/2003
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I'll be working in the Greensboro, NC area Nov./Dec. and figured I might as well stay in the fifth wheel. How do folks protect the water line coming in? Years ago I remember using heat tape but is there a better way? I'll probably leave a ceramic heater on real low during the day and set the gas heat at a low setting. I expect temps during the day in 40's and 50's and some 30's at night. Come January, I'll head to an apartment. Thanks for any advice. Tim
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tandkj
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Joined: 08/04/2003
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Fill up the fresh water tank during the day and have the water line disconnected and drained during the night.
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NC Hauler
Asheville NC
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Joined: 05/20/2005
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Have done a lot of camping in WV, NC, TN, SC & VA when it has been cold. Guess I've been fortunate, never used heat tape and I never carry fresh water, just use city water at the site. I've wrapped my water hose in insulation that you can buy for water hose at Lowes or Home Depot. Greatest trick I learned quite some time ago was to "just barely" turn the water on in the kitchen sink before going to bed, just a slight trickle coming out will normally keep the water line from freezing up, has worked for me down to 19 degrees. I've had others camping around me whose lines have frozen and mine hasn't and that was bascially all I did. I will turn a light on in the basement on occasion, figuring what little bit of heat it might generate would also help to some extent. Again, this has always worked for me, give it a shot.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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For temps no lower than around 25 degrees, if you're living in the RV you should have no problems with your water lines. Might be a good idea to operate from your own storage tank for fresh water though so you don't leave the hose attached overnight as that could freeze.
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Dave H M
IL
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Joined: 08/11/2006
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tan has the answer for me, Why not just fill the fresh tank every three days or so? 
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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I have to agree with filling the tank, and avoid a freezing hose. I can't help but think that there is very little chance that you'll get a freeze that will effect anything. Usually, it's Jan/Feb that it gets that cold...and even then, it seldom freezes enough to effect the water.
Adding a lightbulb for heat, and maybe getting some rigid insulation for around the tank won't hurt though.....and you might make it through the entire winter...depending on just how much Global Warming we have this year!!
The "let the water flow" thing works too. We used to do that up in PA, when we had some really low temps!
Might not hurt to talk with some of the full timers, who stay at the CG year round...there are usually some!!
Enjoy the Tar Heel State!!
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JIMNLIN
Big Cabin, OK
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Joined: 09/14/2003
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we stayed in our 5er one winter while the house was being built. We had temps down to zero with 40 mph winds so leaving a drip doesn't work. The normal way is as you suggested. I wrapped my line with a temp controlled heat tape. Then added pipe insulation split tube type. Then wrapped it all with fiberglass insulation. Then using duct tape start at the bottom and wrap the whole thing to gether. Keep in mind the tape will shed water. Plug it in and forget till spring. You can find kits at a mobilehome/RV supply store or at Lowes.
Jim
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