Snowing In South Carolina

[Delores]

I’ve watched all the “How To Interstate Videos” several times, read the manual over more than once, downloaded and keep for reference, the Airstream Interstate 3500 book by Rich Luhr, and I’m still learning something new all the time. Hope to be out the Newbie stage by spring. Safe warm all.

[PSchw]

Originally Posted by Delores

Update. This morning checked coach and things appeared fine. Didn’t want to turn on water pump just Incase tanks were frozen. FYI, I left coach plugged in all night and turned on generator to use heater. Didn’t hear generator running when I checked but found out The water heater switch was in the on position by accident. I guess too much for water heater and coach heater at same time. A learning curve indeed. Coach was still warm inside so that was good. Turned off generator switch, heater, and left tank heater switch on. Will plug in small space heater tonight and give it until weekend to check water system out. This girl will not get caught without the pink stuff again. Too much worries!! Thanks all for your comments and help. Learning takes time to fully understand it all, but you guys are always there to fill in.

If you did not empty the water heater you want to leave it on so the water in the heat does not freeze.
If you empty it and had the electric water heater on you need a new one the heating element it burned out.

[Rocinante]

When this is over, also check the status of any outside shower fixture you may have. Folks often forget this, but it’s usually the first to freeze.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

When this is over, also check the status of any outside shower fixture you may have. Folks often forget this, but it’s usually the first to freeze.

My outside shower had been frozen and cracked at the dealer's lot, before I bought the rig. It leaked during our first trip with the new rig and was replaced by the dealer at no cost.

This year, I blew the water out of the outside shower with 40# of air pressure applied to the city water inlet. I also drained the water heater and taped a warning over the switches to prevent accidentally turning it on. All low-point drains were opened under air pressure and then shut

Even with those precautions, I removed the bottom drawer to allow heat from the ceramic heaters to more easily get to the water pump and outside shower.

After three nights of low 20s, it was 54 this morning and in the 60s now with bright sunlight. Tomorrow, I bring the AI home for a couple of days to install my new MPPT solar controller and refit the sewage piping with a Valterra drain cap as has been done by some others on this forum. All parts are on hand.

[Rocinante]

I hope the OP has done something similar. If not, it's probably the first place to check for damage.

[Delores]

Another night of freezing temperatures. This makes night 4. Looks like It will be a low of 21 on Sunday, then start to warm up on Monday. If any of the tanks or water heater has frozen during this time, how would I know? I don’t plan to turn on any water source to check until sun melts all the snow and temperatures get back in the 60’s. Probably another 3 Days.

[Rocinante]

You could have your dealer test your water system to see whether everything is OK - and then winterize your RV in case any other freezes happen before your next camping trip.

[Delores]

There are no Airstream dealers near me, and since I purchased from a private party in Florida, other RV dealers have not been too anxious to serve in the past. But thanks for suggestions

[Camerons]

Hi Delores. I have the same model and year. Just came north from Florida and winterized in the parking lot of Walmart. It's not too hard to do. Nor is it time consuming. It does require a helper to see when antifreeze is coming thru pipes. And about 6 bottles of antifreeze. Happy to walk you thru it. 4164020345. Cameron

[Delores]

Thanks may need to take you up on offer. Need to wait until we thaw out in a few days.

[Rocinante]

Any competent RV service center should be able to winterize your RV. Honestly, a water system is a water system. You don't need an Airstream expert to get that right.

[Delores]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Any competent RV service center should be able to winterize your RV. Honestly, a water system is a water system. You don't need an Airstream expert to get that right.

True. I suppose they were trying to imply that they had to service the customers who purchased from them first, and because of backlogs couldn’t take on mine. This was for a generator check, but then I figured out the issue on my own. They actually did me a favor without knowing it.

[Delores]

Must give an update since I started the conversation. All is well, nothing froze and I am preparing to drain the tanks tomorrow and winterize tomorrow. Again many thanks to all who gave an input. All I was seeing was $$$$ if anything was damaged.

[GCinSC2]

Delores,

Glad to hear alls well.

Winterizing if you're able should be a DIY task. Manual should have details but learning how saves you $$ and avoidable repairs and worry.

Maybe getting to know some folks in the Low Country unit might give you some assistance.

If that don't work, drive up my way for a Saturday afternoon and we'll do the training. We'll even get Linda to learn and help.

Gary

[Delores]

How far away are you, just Incase. From Moncks Corner

[GCinSC2]

Pm sent.

[Delores]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Pm sent.

Much Thanks, got it taken care of.