Freezing Weather Travel in a 2016 3100RL

[Slickear]

My wife and I are new to this lifestyle. We purchased a 2016 3100RL. We live in the harsh climate of Eastern Washington. We plan to brave the elements of whatever is upon us here, after Christmas and work our way to a warmer climate. I assume some things, but thought best to check here with all who are experienced and "in the know".
When on the road in freezing conditions our plan is to spend several nights in the RV until we reach warmer, less severe nightime temps.
The fresh water and grey water tanks are "heated". How much protection from freezing things up does this offer?
SInce there is a heat vent piped into the pass through storage, I assume keeping the zone 1 and zone 2 areas set to heat and say...60 degrees provides enough heat to circulate and protect the water pump and water connections on the "unheated" side of the adjacent shield while traveling down the road? Or, is there also some heat vented into this area as well? Of course, once the hot water tank is filled, it must remain heated (lit) until out of freezing conditions.
Thanks for any pointers or helpful advice!

 

[Theunz]

We bought our 2015 and a 1/2 3100 (same as your 2016) at the end of January 2016 in Denver. We drove to Colorado Springs where it was snowing and stayed for a few days. Very cold nights, but decent temps during the days. We had no problems with anything freezing up, although we did go through a tank of propane every other day. Keep in mind that when you are driving the movement should keep your tanks from freezing. Use your onboard fresh water because unless you have the proper equipment the city water hose and connections can freeze. If you are in extreme cold you can place an electric heater in your pass through. Run your tank heaters 24 7 as they are 12 volt and thermostatically controlled.

 

[jsb5717]

Welcome aboard! Glad you found us.

Using your propane furnace along with the 12v tank heaters should keep your tanks in good shape. It’s the outside connections that can get you.

I wouldn’t leave the sewer hose connected unless daytime temps get above freezing. You can use the city water connection but you’ll need a heated potable water hose. Otherwise, as stated, you will want to keep water in your tank and use the water pump. I would keep some water in the tank as backup regardless.

Think logically and practically about water in freezing temps and prep accordingly. It’s doable and many RVers manage cold temp travel all the time.

 

[Slickear]

Thanks

 

[Slickear]

We bought our 2015 and a 1/2 3100 (same as your 2016) at the end of January 2016 in Denver. We drove to Colorado Springs where it was snowing and stayed for a few days. Very cold nights, but decent temps during the days. We had no problems with anything freezing up, although we did go through a tank of propane every other day. Keep in mind that when you are driving the movement should keep your tanks from freezing. Use your onboard fresh water because unless you have the proper equipment the city water hose and connections can freeze. If you are in extreme cold you can place an electric heater in your pass through. Run your tank heaters 24 7 as they are 12 volt and thermostatically controlled.

Thanks, makes sense.

 

[PnG 79]

In addition to what jsb said, last year in our super c I coiled the extra heated hose around the parks hydrant and covered it with a heavy furniture pad with a foil space blanket over it and held it in place with bungee cords, no problem with the hydrant freezing as the heated hose gave off enough residual heat.

 

[Mark77]

I have a couple of trips under my belt exactly as you are describing... ND to AZ in January and February.

You will use a LOT if propane just sleeping in the rig, say nothing of trying to keep it heated while going down the road. There are also dangers of having gas fired heating appliances running while going down the road, though I have done the same. You just need to be aware of it.

What we do, usually for at least 2 days / nights now is leave the rig "winterized" until we get to warmer weather. You can fire up the furnace, or electric heat if you stay in a campground and use either RV anti freeze or windshield washer fluid for flushing the toilet. You can use bottled water for drinking.

We do the reverse coming home as we do not stay south until freezing weather has passed in the midwest.