winterizing etc

[Marjorie27]

I am planning on winterizing my 2021 Montana 377FL before leaving the Midwest for AZ for four months. However I wanted to leave the heat on in the camper at about 50 degrees but not use propane. I won't be here to check the propane so us there a way I can just leave it on electric by itself and set the thermostat to 50 while I am gone? Thank you!

[Mikendebbie]

Marjorie - my Monte has the following “machines” that will produce heat…
1. Living room 15k air conditioner has a heat pump function that works off 50 amp elec service AS LONG AS the outside temps are 40* to 55* (this is not a HARD range. It works when temps are just cold enough that a coat would work better. You will not be using the heat pump. It does not work in temps in the 30s and 20s.
2. Electric fireplace - it takes the chill out of our living room in mild cold weather. It will not heat the basement and I would NOT leave town with it turned on.
3. Gas furnace - runs on propane. If you get 3 days with temps in the 30s or 20s, and your thermostat is set to 50*, the furnace will use up all the propane in both tanks and quit working. The furnace blows hot air thru the ducts in the floor and heats the basement a bit.
4. The kitchen stove…dont use the stove to heat the RV! Never!
5. We have a ceramic heater that we use in the front bath for DW, but i would not leave it running without us there, and it will not heat the basement.

Basically- i dont think you have any “auto-pilot” options.

[DutchmenSport]

You will run out of propane quickly and then the furnace will go out. If you really want to have heat, using your air conditioner / heat pump (if yours has the heat pump) will be a better option. But, heat pumps only work well to about 40-45 degrees (outside temps) and then they blow only cold air.

How cold do you expect it to get where the camper is located? If you are going to be gone for that length of time and going through the task to winterize, then why not just shut the whole thing up, turn everything off, and lock it up?

[Marjorie27]

I have to clean out the refrigerator,all the canned goods, and anything inside the camper that will freeze. Was hoping not to have to take everything out of the camper that could freeze. UGH!

[Cat320]

The only way to really winterize your RV, if you cannot check on it daily, is to pump RV anti freeze through it. IMHO, doing it your way, is risky, you could run out of propane and the electric could go off. As noted, the heat pump is no good below 40.

[Marjorie27]

Yes we'll thank you for your reply. I don't know if I can leave the refrigerator on or not since it's on solar power or if I need to take everything out of it too.

[Mikendebbie]

Originally Posted by Marjorie27

Yes we'll thank you for your reply. I don't know if I can leave the refrigerator on or not since it's on solar power or if I need to take everything out of it too.

Be sure to prop the fridge doors open so mold will not start to grow.

[Marjorie27]

Ok thanks, I will

[Derby6]

Originally Posted by Marjorie27

Yes we'll thank you for your reply. I don't know if I can leave the refrigerator on or not since it's on solar power or if I need to take everything out of it too.

I would say no. Way too risky. Especially considering any snow will cover your solar panels rendering them useless. I recall in another post you are already prepared to winterize.
Shut down and empty fridge and freezer as well; as already mentioned, leave it propped open. As for other foods, even canned goods, I wouldn't worry about them. Ony possible dry goods issue is rodents; depending on where you are storing that may or may not be an issue.
Of course take ALL bottled and canned soda and water out as it will freeze and possibly explode leaving you a nice mess to come home too...

[Marjorie27]

Thank you! Good to know! I appreciate your help greatly! Blessings, Marjorie

[JABURKHOLDER]

Take the RV with you to AZ.

[richeyb]

I live in Idaho. Each winter I winterize by blowing out the water lines and then adding antifreeze to insure lines don’t freeze. I plug in a radiator oil heater in the kitchen and let it heat the kitchen area all winter. Never had a problem with any stored kitchen items freezing…. Usually memory frig just incase power goes out.

[Marjorie27]

Thank you so much! Some great advice!!