Water heater use in the winter

[PSchw]

Was wondering if you use you rig in the winter do you use the hot water heater?

[TBRich]

Yes, unless you have the rig winterized ... in which case the water systems and water heater would not be available for use.

Some people who, after have winterizing their rig, and end up using their rigs occasionally in the winter, leave the rig winterized and just don't use the bathroom facilities or the water systems. You can't have the water heater on in this case either.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by TBRich

....
Some people who, after have winterizing their rig, and end up using their rigs occasionally in the winter, leave the rig winterized and just don't use the bathroom facilities or the water systems....

You can have limited use the toilet in winter. Just keep a gallon of RV antifreeze handy and use it to flush toilet.

[PSchw]

Would the water freeze when you not use the heater? Is their a trick to prevent it from freezing between use?

[wayneskid]

Originally Posted by PSchw

Would the water freeze when you not use the heater? Is their a trick to prevent it from freezing between use?

Turn the bypass valve to bypass and drain the water heater.

[TG Twinkie]

If you are camping and only use it a few times. If you keep the burner on. It won't freeze.
If you are storing the coach. Bypass and drain the unit.

[PSchw]

Storage in my case would not be a problem as I have it inside.
So open the drain and drain the heater would be enough to keep it from freezing when I drive from one place to another.
I was thinking about leaving the heater on but if you drive the only way would be using gas which I am not sure if it would stay on with the frame. If I use the electric heater I have to run the generator when I am driving.

[Skater]

Originally Posted by PSchw

Storage in my case would not be a problem as I have it inside.
So open the drain and drain the heater would be enough to keep it from freezing when I drive from one place to another.
I was thinking about leaving the heater on but if you drive the only way would be using gas which I am not sure if it would stay on with the frame. If I use the electric heater I have to run the generator when I am driving.

Unless it's insanely cold, it's not going to freeze while you're driving. I'd worry more about the pipes before the water heater.

[TG Twinkie]

If you have used the water heater while camping. The water will be hot.
There would be no need to drain the unit while traveling.
It would take a long time to freeze 6-10 gallons of water.
You are right, it probably won't stay lit while driving.

[PSchw]

I hoped the pipes and the tank would be ok as they are in the inside which would be heated.
I guess it's right having this large amount if water heated and have it close to a heated room should get me a few hours of travel and when I take a break I can run the gas heater and heat the water back up.
I hoped to find a generator driven by the engine to run the heater and I learned to difficulties about rpm changes and their impact on the generator which makes it not usable for all applications.
Thanks Peter

[73shark]

I am not sure that the water heater would not remain lit while under way. It might be easier to verify that before you invest in a chassis generator.

[avanti]

In my '05 Interstate, I run the water heater all the time while driving. I have never had a problem. It takes very little propane--certainly less than running the genset. Also, obviously, escaped heat from the water heater helps keep the adjacent pipes from freezing.

I have camped in extremely cold weather using the full water system. It is a challenge keeping everything working. The peripheral pipes are the biggest issue. I have occasionally resorted to a small electric space heater positioned in the far back where some pipes come too close to being "outside". it is kind of a fun challenge, actually.

[PSchw]

Thanks Avanti that is what I will try first. of course the simple solutions usually the last I am thinking off but some how I could not imagine the pilot light would stay one.

[73shark]

Not sure but I think it has electronic ignition instead of a pilot light.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by 73shark

Not sure but I think it has electronic ignition instead of a pilot light.

That is correct, at least in my case. But even if it is actively heating while driving, it has been all good.

[PSchw]

Just learned something again. Great maybe my winter problem is solved still working on a solution for the house AC running driving down the road.
Thanks peter