Impact of an unexpected cold snap

[Randy Randall]

Hi friends,

Just purchased an Alpine 3021re 5er in Houston, camped in it the first night down there, where the outside temps were typical Houston temps this time of year. Got the rig home to DFW area and wouldn't you know it, we are going to have an unexpected cold snap with 3-4 days spread out over the next 10 where the night temps are going to dip below freezing. Since we are going to hit the road on the 11th for a few weeks in the southern part of the state, I just have the 5er parked at my house and not connected to shore power. I have drained the holding tanks, but I have not drained the water heater other than to just open the faucets and let them drip out. So, my question is whether I need to freak out about my anything freezing. I "think" it will be ok, but being a newbie, I'm not sure. The 5er has the four seasons package, and I've read all the coroplast threads, but I thought I would see what you folks have to say about it. Maybe I'm overthinking it Thanks for any feedback!

rr

[gearhead]

Others may have different ideas but I think you have 2 choices:
Do a full winterization like they do "up north". Probably be good practice.
I'm in the Houston area and have never done a winterization. I have drained all tanks, poured RV antifreeze in the toilet, hooked up to a 20amp house outlet, and set the furnace very low. No issues.

[jkohler70]

If you have an air compressor just blow out the lines and add anti-freeze to the traps. Drain the water heater and turn the bypass valve first. You can do a quick winterization this way in about 15 minutes.
If you have a black tank flush, you need to blow that out. If you don't, you may wind up with a cracked anti-siphon valve.

[RoscoeV]

If it's just for a few days, I would connect shore power, open the propane tanks, turn the furnace on low. That should keep anything from freezing.

[KimNTerry]

I agree with Roscoe and of course keep an eye on things.

[Tbos]

I agree with Roscoe too. Just set the heat to stay above 40 or so and you should fine.