Camping in Snow/Freezing Temperatures
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2970
Printed Date: 25 May 2025 at 1:57am
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Topic: Camping in Snow/Freezing Temperatures
Posted By: plains
Subject: Camping in Snow/Freezing Temperatures
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 2:51am
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We are in Montana for the next week and I just noticed the forecast is calling for snow and a low of mid 20's for a couple of the nights while we're here. I am wondering if anyone has any tips regarding dealing with freezing temperatures, while still living out of the Pod (and using the plumbing, as there are no open bathrooms at the campground). My plan as of now is to the run our electric heater with the thermostat set to 70 with the propane furnace set to 65 or so as a back up. In addition, I will ensure that the grey and black tanks are drained and have plenty of room for expansion (and maybe some RV antifreeze). My only question is what to do about the fresh water. I think I have two options: 1) Stay connected to the water lines at the site and allow the sink faucet to drip through out the night, keeping things moving 2) Disconnect and allow the water pump to purge as much water as possible from the system, and leave the faucet fully open so if anything freezes, it has room to expand I feel pretty confident that most of the pipes won't freeze as they run inside the Pod's conditioned space under our dinette and shower, but I think the one running to the sink does not, and I'm afraid the heater won't be able to keep it warm.
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Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 8:30am
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I think the only exposed hose is the water intake from the fresh water tank, so you may want to drain that tank and then run your pump for a few seconds, as you mentioned. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: podsuperior
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 5:58pm
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I am in the same boat - hoping to get out weekend after next - would like to have water if possible - I see some below freezing temps are coming this weekend (25 - 30 degrees F). I was thinking I would drain the low point drains Blow out the city water connection with the air compressor Drain fresh tank / and run pump until it runs dry Keep heat on for the few nights below freezing Do you think I will be safe with that line of defense?? I have gotten spoiled with hot and cold running water apparently. ------------- 2011 RPOD 177 - 2017 Tacoma |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 9:52am
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If you blow out the low point drains as you blow out the city water connection I think your precautions will work. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 1:33pm
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You may wish to think about how to keep the single pane windows from dripping with condensing moisture or melting frost. I bought some 'insulating' mylar-coated 'bubble wrap'. The mylar is shiny like a mirror to reflect heat back into the Pod and the bubbles provide an insulation layer. I cut the material to fit the windows...and added some self-stick velcro to the window frames and the wrap. I found it to very effective in keeping water from dripping from the windows...it also helps to reflect sunlight/heat in the summer. It does make the Pod darker in the day...so I remove the wrap, turn up the furnace and turn on a portable 12VDC fan to help circulate the air. ------------- TIDALWAVE |