Winter camping

[Dallas47]

My montana 5th wheel has an elect. Fireplace as well as a heat pump an tank heaters which I run to conserve propane during times spent camping during the winter months. My question is if the temperature is below freezing should I be concerned about water lines under the floor freezing with the heater that’s ducted through the floor not running or is there enough heat from the tank heaters (5) to prevent any problem. It is a “4 season rig”. The one thermostat is either heat pump or gas heater.

[1retired06]

Did a full winter in Colorado. Got into the teens regularly. Never had any water lines internal to the rig/basement freezing. Kept warm between the furnace, two electric oil heaters, and heat escape from the living area was sufficient to protect tanks. Did not have tank heaters on that unit.

[AZ Traveler]

Dallas,

Your tank heaters do not do anything to protect your lines. You are likely good without running your furnace unless you have sustained temps (over a 24 hour period) below 20 degrees. The furnace is the only thing that really keeps the lines below the living area warm.

Winter is one of the best times to get out, don't let fear of freezing lines keep you away.

[DQDick]

As stated, you'll have to run the furnace when you need to protect the water lines. Just take an extra propane bottle or two.

[beeje]

If you are worried, hang a drop light with a old school 100 watt bulb behind the connivance center. That will keep most of the pipes warm enough not to freeze.

[Rondo]

There is a two inch spiral aluminum duct running from the furnace to the underbelly for heat to try and heat that area. That is not much but it will help. If you are worried about the lines freezing I would suggest you putting a small ceramic heater down in the basement and possibly behind the basement wall into the area where the furnace, water heater and other items are. Make sure the heater has a thermostat on it so it runs only when it reaches a certain temp in there. This is assuming you are plugged into city power and not running of a genie. Do not rely on small electric ceramic heaters to be the only heat in your unit. The furnace has to run to put some heat into the belly to help keep the water lines from freezing.