I just recently purchased a new Fleetwood 08 Highlander Niagara. This new unit has black, gray and fresh storage tanks. I want to do some winter camping where the temps will be below freezing for days.
So what do I need to winterize not to have any issues? My last camper, an 01 Coleman Utah CP had fresh water so I would just winterize that and use water storage bag for water not using the built in water system/pump.
I am thinking all would need to do is winterize the fresh water system only since it has the smallest hoses that could freeze using my normal antifreeze process. Then I could continue to use the sink, toilet and the gray and black tanks by adding antifreeze to the tanks. I realize when I dump the tanks I will need to add more antifreeze to both tanks to prevent them from freezing.
Am I thinking about this correctly? Any other suggestions? Anyone know if I can use both antifreeze and the black tank chems? I would like to use the hot water heater but am afraid the water hoses going to/from (and the cold side)the heater may freeze between uses. Never tried this on my 01 Utah...was too afraid.
I know they sell tank heating strips but I will be without 110V power unless I decide to run my genny so don't think that option will work. I don't want to be constantly worried about my water system while camping.
Any help would be appreciated!
-Steven70-
2002 Ford F150 SuperCrew 5.4L V8
2008 Fleetwood Highlander Niagara
I suspect that with open belly on your trailer you'll need to winterize the water system in order to safely use the trailer in freezing weather. Heated tanks work well as long as they're in an insulated area but when open to the air they're not very effective. Some with open belly RVs use RV antifreeze to flush toilets and prevent a hard freeze in the black tank (not a good thing to have) and if you use ENOUGH antifreeze I suppose you could do the same for the gray but you'd want to have at LEAST a 50./50 mix to assure not damaging your holding tanks.
Of course if you're talking about 30 degree camping then there is a good chance your trailer will leak enough warm air to keep the tanks safe unless it gets windy.
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