I'm thinking of taking my TT to South Dakota during pheasant season. Temperatures can get below freezing and my tanks are not heated. Can I relocate a fresh water tank under the bed {heated area} and pour rv antifreeze in grey and black tanks? I'll be in state parks with only electricity availabe. Would this work???
Sounds like a pretty good idea, though you may just want to get some water bottles and bring them along. Yes, it would be nice to have the shower, and hot water, but if the water lines are running under the TT, and are exposed you may have problems.
Moving the tank under the bunk will work, if the tank actually fits there. I would then think about installing some heat tape and insulation on the water lines between the tank and the faucets. Maybe even put some block valves to isolate the un-used lines like the outside shower (if you have one).
Freezing lines are usually ok, if the temps don't stay sub-freezing for very long.....depending on just how low they go. Keeping cabinet doors open at night, to help get the warm air under the sinks will help....especially if you decide to only use bottled water...and pour it down the drains (you want the traps to stay warm enough)...so periodically chase it with some anti-freeze.....bring a couple of gallons with you, it's cheap enough $4/gallon at Walmart).
Depending on what type of TT you have, will dictate what you can do. I think you would probably be fine without water in the tanks......and the anti-freeze in the toilet....for your trip...
Have a great time.....Good Hunting!!
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I use to use rock salt in my old rig that did not have heated tanks. If you have exposed pipes underneath the rig I would not try to use the pipe system it would almost surely freeze.
Depending on hour your RV is built it MAY work just fine but if your plumbing runs below the floor in an unenclosed belly THAT'S where the danger of freezing would be. Pipes will freeze a LOT faster than water tanks or holding tanks. If your plumbing is routed above the floor your plan sounds like it would work.
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I do a LOT of winter camping. My TT has completely exposed black and grey tanks, but my fresh system is 100% above the floor. As others have said, it is important to verify that ALL your fresh plumbing is above the floor.
If so, you ought to be good into the low teens overnight, providing you get some warming during the day. Under these conditions, I poured a quart of pink (potable) antifreeze into my black tank and left my grey valve open (I was boondocking). I got some MINOR solidification at the valve and nothing else.
Even when daytime temps didn't rise above freezing for a week, I got nothing worse than separation and frosting of the precious black tank ingredients. Eventually I will apply heating pads for use when hooked up, but when boondocking I think antifreeze is the way to go.
If you have PEX fresh plumbing, and it is all above the floor, your PUMP is likely the weak link in the system. Make sure that you leave a cabinet door open to get heat flow into it. Good luck!
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