How To RV in the Winter - Prepare Your RV So You Don't Freeze!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 พ.ย. 2011
  • You're planning to RV in a cold winter climate, and want to be sure you don't freeze! See how we've set ourselves up to be sure we stay warm in a winter wonderland!
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    0000 Steel Wool: amzn.to/2E1utXl
    Granted, the Lower Mainland of British Columbia isn't exactly Manitoba when it comes to winter, but we're far enough up in the mountains to get some freezing temperatures and snow here.
    We show you all the steps we're taking to winter in our motorhome. We'll demonstrate how to keep the water hose from freezing and how to keep ourselves warm too. We'll cover water hose insulation, heat tape, the differences between all five sources of heat we have available, moisture & humidity control, and even pest control.
    We'll also be using our Extend-a-Stay (also known as a Stay-a-While or an Extend-a-Flow) to connect to a large external propane tank.
    SInce this is our first time dealing with winter in the rig, we've done a lot of reading and learned a lot from our friends and neighbors up here in beautiful, friendly BC. The site we're on has 30-amp electric, so we have to be particularly aware of our power usage.
    Luckily, Birgit & Greg, whose site we're using, were nice enough to let us tap into their super-size external propane tank (we'll be paying for the propane we use, of course). So propane shouldn't be a problem, but we'll still want to keep our usage to a minimum, since it's expensive, and propane use can cause excess moisture to build up in the rig.
    There are lots of RVers who know way more than we do about RVing in REAL winter deep freeze conditions, but we wanted to give other cold weather newbies a feel for some of the steps we've taken to prepare for it. We've seen a lot more online about winterizing an RV for storage, and we wanted to add some information about living on board too.
    NOTE: We mention using fine 0000 steel wool in this video. It is EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE, and care should be used in storing and using it. To see our video demonstrating how to start a fire using only steel wool and a 9-volt battery, click here:
    • HOW TO: Start a Fire w...
    The piano music is my own performance of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag from 1899.
    WONDERING WHAT'S THE BEST GEAR TO USE ON YOUR RV?
    Here's all of our favorite equipment that we use ourselves and recommend to friends:
    thervgeeks.com/our-favorite-gear/
    Join us at TheRVgeeks.com for more great RVing content!
    Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.
    Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time & money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.
    We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
    We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and The RVgeeks participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But our opinions are our own, you won’t pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.
    Comments welcome! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe! #RVLIFE #RVDIY #WINTERRVING #FULLTIMERV #RVREPAIR #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV #RVGEEKS
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ความคิดเห็น • 927

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks azimmey! I guess I just like helping those who see things differently understand why we do things the way we do. I'm grateful that the majority of comments are so positive, especially considering how vitriolic so many people can be here. Thanks for being one of the really positive ones! :)

  • @larrylawson8105
    @larrylawson8105 8 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Just a couple of things.
    When building your heated white-water hose, put the heat tape into the foam insulation pieces BEFORE you put the hose in. If you leave it on the side near the join the heat from that heat tape can soften the glue on the foam edges and cause it to come unsealed at any stress spots such as places where you've turned a fairly tight corner or coiled the hose. It won't happen immediately but it's no fun getting out there in the dead of winter to try to tuck hose and heat-tape back into the insulting foam tubes.
    Also, always leave yourself a good length (about 4 to 6 feet) of extra heat-tape at your inlet end of your white hose supply and about a foot or two at the other end. It's a lot less expensive to use one longer heat-tape than it is to buy two. This allows you to attach heat tape to the stand pipe as well as to the brass connectors (including pressure regulator and filter) at the RV end. By doing this you only will need to use one electric receptacle instead of two. (Yep, you"ll quickly need that extra receptacle! Maybe for your water compartment heat source)
    Some people use the liquid RV roofing material to 'paint' a coat of protection on the entire hose now that it's heated. Others just wrap it in sealing tape of one kind or another. But that foam insulation will soak up any moisture created when the heat melts the snow that falls on it and your hose then lies in a puddle of melt water.
    To control your water compartment heat source (a 60w bulb in your example) you can order (Amazon) a small thing called a THERMO CUBE that plugs into the receptacle then lets you plug your heat source into it. It turns on only at 2C (35F) and off again at about 5C (41F). They run from $13.99 to $39.99 so hunt around bit for a good price. I use the cheapest one - it is exactly identical to the most expensive - and it's just perfect. I don't need to monitor the temperature in that compartment unless I want to. I just set it up and forget it, knowing that it will turn my heat bulb on and off as required.
    The last thing I want to mention is fans. Two of them AT LEAST!! Get some 12v ones that you can hook into your Rv wiring and some 120v ones that you can just plug in to the regular house receptacles in there. The rule about fans/moisture/mildew is simple: If you're not rolling, then the fans must be on! I keep four on 24/7 and I have been boondocking here for 2 years with nary a sight of mildew, mold or moisture.

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks! And congrats on joining the wonderful world of RVing! Safe travels.

  • @JeffTheFarmer365
    @JeffTheFarmer365 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I had a 1974 fifth wheel I live in up north in Ft.Macmurray. did heat tape on there and spray foamed underneath. I also put carpet inside of it tape plastic saran wrap over the windows to keep drafts out. never froze a pipe. now I own a brand new fifth wheel. things have changed since I lived in that 1974 back in the 70s

  • @Inquire98
    @Inquire98 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    "Good", that was VERY good 😉 Thank GOD and thank you for your support and time 😎

  • @rogerhanks8391
    @rogerhanks8391 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hi. That was a very informative video. My wife and I do plan on taking a few trips in our R.V to the snow

  • @nealdavis350
    @nealdavis350 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't plan to spend the entire winter someplace cold and snowy, but I do want to do some cold weather camping and these ideas are excellent! They also make me more confident that winter camping can be fun. Thanks again!

  • @petten33
    @petten33 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a wonderful account of love and charity. Go, King, go!

  • @alformel
    @alformel 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video with great strategies to keep warm...This guy knows his shit when it comes to cold weather...He is Canadian.

  • @paulbunyaniv8509
    @paulbunyaniv8509 10 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I dont rv but I found this video very enjoyable to watch.

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just watched a video reviewing this heater. What a great idea it is to have a low-oxygen shut-off. Thanks for the recommendation.

  • @badguy1481
    @badguy1481 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That 0000 Steel Wool for cleaning off the windshield was a GREAT suggestion. I still use it to remove bug spots that defy just about every cleaner I've used in the past.

  • @partymaniack
    @partymaniack 9 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I love ur voice, ur way of life and ur rv and camping. :)
    tnx for all.
    respect from Serbia.

  • @kelstr
    @kelstr 8 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    This video is absolutely fantastic !!! I'm looking at building a couple Tiny Houses on Flatdeck trailers and I was wondering how to insulate the hookups !!!! Fantastic !!! :) Thanks !!!

  • @VoytekR1
    @VoytekR1 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you very much for posting all this good info. I'm in the middle of research on how to live in tiny house and I'm in Langley B.C. so it's nice to see a video from fellow B.C.ers.

  • @rvsafari5740
    @rvsafari5740 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. I love your channel. Your tips are spot on. We had a good friend who accidentally lost power this past winter, and cracked some plumbing. We leave our rig winterized, but miss out on some creature comforts!

  • @JeffTheFarmer365
    @JeffTheFarmer365 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I worked up north in ft mac and lived in my fifth wheel year round... Full timing in a 1974 trailer was bad but then I did the heat tape on all the trailer plumbing and wired in all new plugs and new breaker panel. Now I just use it at home and I have 220 to it from my shop for the hot tub, stylin'

  • @BlueMags1
    @BlueMags1 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is very informative and useful! Thanks!

  • @duanecovrig1905
    @duanecovrig1905 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    very well done and wise advice. thanks for being so organized and thoughtful

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the great idea!

  • @Charles77598
    @Charles77598 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Amazing! Just when I thought I knew everything, your video proves I don't! Great video and thanks for sharing!

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      We're the same... learning new things all the time, even after all these years. 😊

  • @davidbruton4768
    @davidbruton4768 5 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    One year when I was in high school, I went trick or treating... I wrapped myself in aluminum foil and went as a leftover.

  • @williamlarson3623
    @williamlarson3623 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for putting this out there. Good info, really. Love it.

  • @gleehowell2258
    @gleehowell2258 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow, I'm impressed. So much information. Thanks for sharing guys. I will put the information to good use.

  • @crissytravis2916
    @crissytravis2916 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for all your. Good videos keep up the good videos and be safe out there may god keep you safe amen

  • @LoveYourRV
    @LoveYourRV 10 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Lots of great info, thanks, really enjoyed the video, good job!

    • @morganrussman
      @morganrussman 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey ray. Didn't expect to see you here. :) :D

  • @okellis1
    @okellis1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Some really great tips!! Several I had never heard of, ie tin foil on the hose and tank heat pads

  • @freecyclemichaelczechvar7598
    @freecyclemichaelczechvar7598 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Even though I hate cold weather this is by far the most USEFUL information that I have ever seen in an RV video. Bravo!

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Michael! We'll be spending the winter up north again this year, and we expect to have a few additional new tips. :)

  • @BirdyMcKee
    @BirdyMcKee 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Don't forget to mention covering the windows with some type of insulation during the night-time where temperatures tend to be much colder

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  11 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Dozens of major retailers (Sears, Lowes Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc) sell vent-free propane and natural gas heaters specifically designed for indoor use. Properly functioning propane appliances produce an "ideal burn" during combustion and present no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Surely you noticed the cautions about keeping a window cracked for ventilation and having a properly tested and working CO detector.

    • @frandegroat7943
      @frandegroat7943 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's great information , thanks..

  • @Hadassah28
    @Hadassah28 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are just awesome. We are newbies just getting started with our first motor home. Thanks for your help.

  • @nealdavis350
    @nealdavis350 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great ideas, especially the use of the aluminum foil to ensure that the heat tape keeps all the city water hose warm. Thank you!

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  12 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    @NewBeRVer Thanks! We just got 2 feet of snow here! I'm going to get outside and do a follow-up video about how well out winter preparations are working.

  • @RussEastburn
    @RussEastburn 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    When using Propane heater run a dehumidifier. This will then take care of the moisture issue but will also act as a small heat pump!n Next time you use your dehumidifier feel how warm the air is coming from the fan you'd be amazed! Works the same as an air conditioner in reverse. Feel the air coming off a window air conditioner it's usually so hot that you'd get a burn from touching the housing vents.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Russ Eastburn (ESP1000) Great tip!

  • @gerrinagy4031
    @gerrinagy4031 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your very informative video. You touched on most all winter rv living questions.

  • @Firewalker688
    @Firewalker688 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been full timing for 7 years and these are all great tips. I wish I would have seen something like this in the beginning. (Learned many along the way) Thanks for producing and sharing this video. Safe Travels.

  • @Hitmanfan45
    @Hitmanfan45 9 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You can buy Copper wool home depot or lowes. It comes in a roll and it won't rust so you can reuse it.

  • @sabriath
    @sabriath 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I used to own a camper years ago, I was hooked up to my parent's house and thought I would use enough water to keep the line from freezing, but that didn't happen.....so I came up with an idea, what I thought was genius, since the water tap and the outside electric sockets were pretty near each other anyway, all I did was wrap the line around the hose (the twist was was about 1 revolution each foot or so). When the snow came, there was a good 4 inches on either side of the hose completely melted of snow, and the hose never froze. I didn't insulate any of it, and although it drew a little bit more electricity for the distance, I thought it worked perfectly fine.
    I miss those days, honestly.....the freedom of not having to pay a damn thing in rent, and just pay utilities? Hell yeah.

  • @TeriBlaschkeHiddenValleyRV
    @TeriBlaschkeHiddenValleyRV 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loved the vid and learned several tips. Will definitely pass these on to our RV Park guests, Thanks. Teri

  • @FordRVRefrigeration
    @FordRVRefrigeration 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great information! It's amazing how many camp in cold weather. In extreme cold it may be necessary to restrict some of the lower vent letting air in at the back of your refrigerator. This reduces cold air and allows the boiler on your refrigerator cooling unit to reach the temp needed to circulate the chemical properly.

  • @WSallai
    @WSallai 8 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Good tips. I would highly recommend installing combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector units in the RV to forewarn of build up of CO and possible fire.

    • @odontomatix
      @odontomatix 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Check the expiration dates on any smoke, carbon monoxide, or propane leak detectors you have. The date should be somewhere on the back of the device. The detectors don't last forever, so replace the unit when it reaches the expiration date or you'll just have a false security. For example, smoke detectors only last about 10 years. If you can't find the expiration date or manufactured date on the unit, check the manual and your purchase date or the manufactured date of your RV. If it's 10 years or older, just replace them anyway and keep track of the new expiration date by writing it on the unit. When disposing of an old detector, consult your local hazardous waste disposal site. Some smoke detectors have a small amount of a radioactive element in them, which should not be discarded in the general waste dump.

  • @PhiLeo7973
    @PhiLeo7973 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Sir, Your video is uniformly superb. In practical info,experience, clarity of production values, and your resonant voice and speaking cadence. Surely you must do voice overs, be involved in radio, or are a professional announcer. If not, I suggest you entertain the thought. Most importantly, you graciously took the time to answer questions and offer assistance. I hope to someday RV full time. May you and your wife always be safe,healthy,and prosperous. Your kindness and knowledge are inspirational. Stay warm, phil

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Well Phil, you certainly just made my day. Thank you so much for you very kind comments. My only "announcing" is right here on TH-cam, so if that qualifies as "professional" I'll take it! :)

  • @candidethirtythree4324
    @candidethirtythree4324 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for this. We are not RVers, so we would not know any of this. We were flooded out of our house 3months ago and have been living in an RV since then. It will be our first experience with living in an RV in winter and even though it does not snow in south Louisiana, it does get below freezing sometime. A freeze is in the forecast for this weekend so we better get started on these great tips right away. Wish us luck.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      So sorry to hear about your house, Candide. Glad we've been able to provide some tips to get you through this winter. Best of luck.

  • @mrbluethailand
    @mrbluethailand 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    clever tips. thanks for taking time to make it

  • @CelticSkye28677
    @CelticSkye28677 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video and very informative! I'm planning on getting my own RV within the next year and I'm doing all the research I can so I know what to expect. I do have a question though. Once you winterize the RV, do you need to un-winterize it once spring rolls around? Or can you leave the pipe insulation as is?

  • @1stupormundi
    @1stupormundi 10 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Good information!

  • @NewBeRVer
    @NewBeRVer 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid! Excellent explanations, very informative and well done!

  • @stephaniefitch4713
    @stephaniefitch4713 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sorry for just now discovering your post, but you really are a genius with the heated hose. 😮👏👏👏👏👏👏🙌

  • @guardemdog
    @guardemdog 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Mice, I have an army of ginger cats a mama keeps dropping off and vanishing. I'm on 32 acres of old orchards. I give them a warm place and food and they protect my RV. (They are all fixed) We are in southern Oregon. This is a great video. thanks.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      We need to get a couple of cats before winter hits! ;-)

    • @rosestephens2640
      @rosestephens2640 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for caring for your cats so well especially getting them fixed.

    • @user-lc9lc3my4y
      @user-lc9lc3my4y 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not so ideal for the mice !

  • @JohnMFlores
    @JohnMFlores 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

  • @foghornjimmy
    @foghornjimmy 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely excellent tips. Very well put together. Keep up the good work.

  • @babbalouie3074
    @babbalouie3074 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video. Thanks for all the information. Hoping not to be doing any winter weather RVing but one never knows.

  • @alecamal
    @alecamal 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have my motor home skirted and ran a hose from the external vent for the furnace to the underside of my RV.The CO detector never sounded off last winter and I never felt any ill effects but I did notice a big difference in how less often the furnace kicks on as opposed to when i vent the furnace to the outside.Really made a difference for me.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Skirting is panels or other material that fits around the edges of the RV, and goes down to the ground to block wind from blowing underneath. It’s usually custom fit to the specific RV, and helps keep the whole rig warmer.

  • @PetraKryvinoff
    @PetraKryvinoff 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    How I would design an RV for Canada.
    The RV would have to have 3’’ insulated walls and roof, the whole water and fuel system would have to have a bladder that could withstand -35c the back compartment would have to contain a fold out 10 minute set up, skirting system when needed. Solar powered and propane and gas or diesel. With extra fuel tanks, Lets not forget the generator that when the sun don’t shine or is low will kick in automatically. A melting system that would take snow and melt it trough a filtration system back into the holding tank for water. Strong diesel engine with a 4x4 drive system, a covered trailer system that holds a car and a snow mobile. A small pellet burner if all else fails. 28ft long so that cabin fever would not set in if we are snowed in.
    This is the Canadian bug out or camping RV. Beats living where it’s warm all the time giving crazy canuks the fun of winter and summer. When the snow hits we don’t stop we just get frisky. Oh yeah Eh‼!no smaller than 28ft. no slide outs.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sounds like a great design! Post a link to your Kickstarter/GoFundMe campaign for building one of these! LOL! ;)

    • @PetraKryvinoff
      @PetraKryvinoff 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i lack capital

    • @scowler92
      @scowler92 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A true 4-season 33' (25' cab, 8' garage, feasible if you ditch propane appliances for more batteries) toyhauler with minor offroad capability would sell well among younger boondockers.

  • @jakerio8
    @jakerio8 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is gonna be very helpful for a long time. Great share

  • @dlou3264
    @dlou3264 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video! I’m impressed with your knowledge and preparation. You are obviously hands-on RVers, not leaving everything to the manufacturer or service professionals. Interesting info about steel wool and mice! Good info for anyone in any type of dwelling! Also, your forethought for the protection of pipes, water, and basement temperature were very thorough. This is my second video on your channel after your narrow boat excursion with David on Cruising The Cut! RVs and Narrow Boats! Water, earth, and sky!

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are so kind, Debra! Thank you for the lovely words. 😊

  • @mad4461
    @mad4461 10 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    My tip is: Don't leave that propane heater on when you go to bed! Maybe also consider getting a carbon monoxide alarm.

  • @st8kout961
    @st8kout961 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I was going to recommend an electric blanket but you covered that at the very end. It's almost like getting into a hot tub when I preheat my bed and I fall asleep almost instantly. It almost kind of sucks when the weather starts turning warmer and I can't use the blanket anymore.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      We know what you mean! Nothing beats sliding into a pre-heated bed on a cold night. :)

  • @NaomiCurtis
    @NaomiCurtis 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was a single woman Raving 20 yrs ago before TH-cam. I wish I had this information then. This was a very informative and hands on useful video. Just what a winter RVer needs!

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Naomi Curtis Great to hear, Naomi! Thanks! 😊

  • @williamJsingleton
    @williamJsingleton 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job...I added this to my favs...Thanks!

  • @imwteach
    @imwteach 9 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    It's unfortunate that you pay a high price for a RV and proper insulation is always last on the list. An RV with 2-3 inches of foam insulation would negate hitting it with a bigger hammer (large AC units and multiple heaters)

  • @oldfish64
    @oldfish64 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I just head to Charleston Sc or Indian county Fla. That's what RV's are for, going with the seasons. Who wants to fight cold and snow?

  • @masterSe7en77
    @masterSe7en77 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for the information from your vids, theyve been helping me alot, im a 28 year old man going through a divorce and i bought a 89 keystone challenger fifth wheel 28 footer, for basically nothing, a thousand bucks, and a friend is letting me park it on the side of his home and live here, which is awesome, and im totally new to RVing so far your vids have helped me tremendously Thank you again!

  • @anjhindul
    @anjhindul 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you guys! I am RV living in Central WA and really appreciate the tips!

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +anjhindul Excellent! So good to hear.

  • @lanebefus3392
    @lanebefus3392 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for your reply. I chose Victoria and it has rained foe the better part of 2 1/2 months and now snow. Was wondering what Osousis might be like. Don't want to back to the island again.

    • @donnareinhart3538
      @donnareinhart3538 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We spent part of a winter in Osoyoos British Columbia a few years ago in an RV. park. It's located in a north/south valley so very short days. Lights were on at 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon.The lack of sunlight almost drove us nuts! It was very wet and slushy although not a lot of actual rain. Just raw and damp. We lasted 3 weeks. Couldn't wait to get back to Sk. where we could freeze in the sunshine.

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  12 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    @metube1976 ...continued... All coaches aren't the same though. We have a traditional propane RV furnace that blows hot air. Some coaches use diesel to heat with an "Aqua-Hot" hydronic system and don't use propane at all. Another system uses propane hydronic heat. Hydronic heating is like a radiator that blows air across a heat exchanger. Both of those systems can use electric too, but I'm not sure what they do automatically. Maybe someone else with more knowledge can comment on that.

  • @RubberTrampsReviews
    @RubberTrampsReviews 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    great video!! thank you for sharing

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent suggestion! I should have thought of that. :)

  • @OKRMetric
    @OKRMetric 7 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    its not necessary to use the foil. working as a plumber I can tell you just your heat tape inside foam wrap is sufficient.. also instead of running it straight along one side, you can spiral the heat tape in long loose wraps around the hose..

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks for the tips, Mike! We mostly used the aluminum foil to try to keep the heat tape from overheating one side of the hose, since it's really design for metal pipes.

    • @OKRMetric
      @OKRMetric 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      RVgeeks
      actually most new plumbing water pipes are a plastic.. it works just as well on them.. the heat tape is not real high temp.. its just warm enough to keep the water from freezing. it doesn't take much.. The box your water line comes into in your RV is unprotected.. if warm air is not vented into that box it could freeze the lines inside there if it gets really cold.. you could stuff some insulation up inside there if necessary.. I dont know how cold it gets where you are but im talking very very low temps..

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Mike Crane Thanks Mike! 😊

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  10 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    @NativePrairie WolfTwo - In the park where we stayed, everyone we spoke with used the exact same heat tapes without problem and recommended them to us. Most of the people who spend the winter there have a length of water hose they keep with heat tape foam-tubed onto it for use every winter, and we haven't heard one report of failure after repeated winters. Neither of ours had any problem all winter either, so if they're "prone" to failure, that was not our experience.
    Our RVs walls have R-11 walls and R-16 roof and floors. The furnace uses a lot of propane because it's not as efficient as the one we installed ourselves.

    • @WOWfunnyVideos
      @WOWfunnyVideos 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      +RVgeeks : I hope you're using a good quality (and regularly inspected) carbon monoxide detector. A lot of people have died because of those "widow maker" propane heaters. We live in Michigan and Deer season is a state holiday here. A lot of people have died over the years from propane heater malfunction in their campers. So be warm, but most importantly... be safe!
      Thanks for sharing this information!
      Have a safe, healthy and happy New Year! :)

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We sure are! And there’s always a window open a little bit for a source of O2. Happy New Year!

  • @twilson1973
    @twilson1973 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

  • @TheDUNLOP6
    @TheDUNLOP6 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    You did a great job look forward to more info thanks!

  • @scarletfluerr
    @scarletfluerr 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Use foam panels to insulate your cabinets and closets, think about spray foam where you can. I have heard of doing the underside of the RV, just not the pop outs.

    • @CarolynsRVLife
      @CarolynsRVLife 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great ideas! I feel the cold air pouring through my closets, especially! Thanks!

    • @barbibutton9619
      @barbibutton9619 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I use a bubble wrap that is covered in a foil type material..get a big roll for 38.00 at Lowes. I did inside every cupboard I did both sides of my door panels going outside and underneath the couches and the one back wall and my one bedroom floor I completely covered underneath the rugs but this reflects a material because it gets so cold in there. We also put insulated panels underneath the RV and it really helps keep the floor warm so far

    • @CarolynsRVLife
      @CarolynsRVLife 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great! thank you so much!

    • @rosewilliamson402
      @rosewilliamson402 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      scarletfluerr h

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    @wazzup105 Since the heat tape is designed for metal pipes, wrapping it separately from the hose helps prevent the heat from over-softening the rubber, since it gets pretty warm. Works great without damaging the hose.

    • @alandan3899
      @alandan3899 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      .

    • @Brantley169
      @Brantley169 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      What happens when the power goes off?

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Jerry Giddens We can run the generator if needed.

  • @markpenman485
    @markpenman485 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video I'm just getting ready to buy my first Lance travel trailer and living in Colorado we have some pretty cold nights during winter so those tips will be very helpful...thank you.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Congratulations on your upcoming purchase, Mark! Hope you love RVing as much as we do. 😊

  • @randyo308
    @randyo308 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very nice video! Thanks for taking the time to share your ifdeas. We have a great place on the river we full time rv if your ever down this way.

  • @BlueSky-qv7cd
    @BlueSky-qv7cd 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    With Alaska and Canada accessible by RV you would think someone would build an RV really designed for arctic conditions but nobody does. They have built mobile buildings for use in the north slope oil fields of Alaska for years so the technology is out their.

  • @repalmore
    @repalmore 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Better to wrap the heat tape inside the aluminum against the water hose. The black button of the thermostats are supposed to go against the hose.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Robert Palmore That would work okay too, but the reason we chose to put the heat tape outside the aluminum foil was because the heat tapes are primarily design for metal pipes, and we didn't want to slightly reduce the amount of heat against the rubber hose to avoid over-softening it on one side when the heat is on. We also left the thermostat out so that anytime the outside temperature dipped near freezing, the tape would just come on.

    • @repalmore
      @repalmore 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      RVgeeks The frost king tape is a self regulating style heater. As the material heats the resistance goes up and causes the heat to go down. It's probably the tamest of all the heating tapes you can buy. Ace hardware sells a much warmer tape that is also safe against plastics. All the manufacturers have made sure their products are plastic safe due to PEX being so prevalent. My experience comes from being a contractor and having lived in Alaska. You won't melt your hose. Best of luck. Cheers.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      +Robert Palmore Thanks Robert! We'll keep it in mind next time we winter somewhere cold (which will hopefully be a long way off.... we're currently enjoying temperatures in the upper 80s in the Desert SW). :)

  • @dj2ndhand
    @dj2ndhand 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    nice , thanks for the tips . Stay warm .

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @mterib1 Thanks Teri! Glad you liked it.

  • @scottwall4669
    @scottwall4669 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Also..... warm California last thanksgiving was down to 14 degrees!!!! RVers at Boulder Creek all had froze hose!!!

    • @CarolynsRVLife
      @CarolynsRVLife 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That was me this morning in Carson City, NV! Holy cow, I had no idea how cold it can truly get inside my Rv! lol

    • @MsBeachboxer
      @MsBeachboxer 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Watched yyyyour video and thought u really hadn't experienced cold yet. Lol Try to get ArcticPac on ur next RV, they are around & often similar $ when used. Cooler in Hot weather too! Meanwhile great tips here! I've had cold & snow S of Tucson-neighbous water froze

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +MsBeachboxer 😊

    • @MsBeachboxer
      @MsBeachboxer 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry didn't mean you.. lol - was talking to Carolyn'sRVLife . I think this is her first winter and she did a video w Bob Wells videoing. I am learning lots about Single Female Boondocking fm her. :-)

    • @CarolynsRVLife
      @CarolynsRVLife 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      MsBeachboxer no thanks I'll stick with my plan to head down south! :-p

  • @silentdeath9237
    @silentdeath9237 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My grandfather had a pump house for water on his farm and he heated it with a 100 watt light bulb it cost him a lot of electricity being on continuously I picked up a high voltage thermostat and wired it inline on an extension cord and plugged in an electric heater and it cut his electric bill by 1/3 in the winter.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      What a great tip. Thanks!

    • @silentdeath9237
      @silentdeath9237 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      RVgeeks your welcome

    • @finscreenname
      @finscreenname 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don't know dude. Was his bill $14 and that's today's money?60 watts x 720 hours/month = 43200 watt-hours / month = 43 kW-hrs /month.
      Look up your cost of power, I'll assume $0.10 per kW-hr
      43 kW-hrs /month x $0.10 per kW-hr = $4.30 per month.

    • @silentdeath9237
      @silentdeath9237 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      fin screenname I don't know where you got 60 watts from I said it was 100 W lightbulb and he really didn't use much electricity other Than that he didn't have a TV very seldom cook for himself we would cook at my house and take it over to him. And as far as the cattle barns and stuff like that that was on a separate meter that me and my fiancé covered and electric heater takes less power to run even if it's an on and off cycle then it does to run a hundred watt lightbulb continuously because the LED that indicate whether the heaters running or not I relocated to the outside of the pump house and it Was barely ever on. His bill was average of $60/month after using the heater vs the 100watt lightbulb his bill average was $40/month

    • @RubenKelevra
      @RubenKelevra 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You could also use such a snake heater, just get it around the pump and along the water outlets and it will turn on automatically if needed.

  • @Pipewelder37
    @Pipewelder37 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your info is very good, thanks. we have to work the winters in the cold we purchased some rv skirting and are saving $ now. also using foil insulation on the windows part time, it all helps. keep up the good work

  • @jaekib
    @jaekib 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Top notch ideas and execution! Thanks!

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  11 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'd suggest that the best source of this kind of info is the forums on iRV2(dot)com. Tons of knowledge from RVers of every type and experience level.

  • @johnearlwright3509
    @johnearlwright3509 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Hey I paid through the nose to heat with electricity for my RV and also with propane which put out so much moisture that my place was cold and also wet like a sponge. Then my neighbor came up with the perfect solution. A Kero Heat Kerosene Radiant Heater. Due to youtube info I now run it on diesel, 91% Alcohol and some Fuel therapy Diesel Injector Cleaner and it heats perfect. Please do your own research and also make sure you really vent your place. But it is a cozy 70 degrees and I am no longer freezing or suffering and it is very low costing.

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent question! We were only on 30-amp service, so didn't have enough power for 2! If we'd been on 50-amp service, we'd have been sitting pretty, but we made due just fine anyway.

  • @blurayffan66
    @blurayffan66 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great tips- thank you for shariing!

  • @ElvenJustice
    @ElvenJustice 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Those thermostats are s'pose to be pressed against the pipe so that it knows the temperature of the pipe, not the open air.

  • @JackHarwickPhotographer
    @JackHarwickPhotographer 9 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The best preparation for winter would be to drive to Arizona.

    • @mikeyhuerta63
      @mikeyhuerta63 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jack Harwick lol noo man Arizona is freezing in the winter man it’s desert!!

    • @Gram801b413
      @Gram801b413 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Do you ever use a dehumidifier ?

    • @malorie8557
      @malorie8557 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Depends in Arizona. Currently have over a foot of snow at temperatures of 12 degree's. The Valley is in the 30's and if you're really in the desert, say Tucson - you're looking at colder temps. Drove up from the East Valley to Pinetop/Show Low and hit snow at 2,880 elevation - Show Low is 6,300.

  • @harrisonhicks9697
    @harrisonhicks9697 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video. Thank you.

  • @409mark
    @409mark 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    l watch a lot of videos on youtube and yours was far and beyond all others l have seen very informative thank you

  • @CarolynsRVLife
    @CarolynsRVLife 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great tips! I had my water pipes freeze a little bit this morning and took a while to get water! I plan on heading to the desert! But these were great tips. THank you

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks Carolyn! Whenever we're in danger of freezing overnight, we watch the weather forecast like a hawk, pull in the water hose for the night, and run off the fresh water tank. Nothing worse than no water on a cold morning! Desert SW, here we come, too! :)

  • @randybeard6040
    @randybeard6040 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I Believe that it would be Better to Go South in the Winter and North in the Summer, Waterfowl had this figured out for thousands of years and Man is Much Smarter than a Duck or Goose Hopefully...ha...

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      We're on our way. ;-) But sometimes, there are reasons to stay North in the winter for family, skiing, etc. Not usually though! LOL

  • @bobb7993
    @bobb7993 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done. Thanks. Very good ideas

  • @tfroofing6715
    @tfroofing6715 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you so much for your info on insulating the inlet water hose im liveing in my 5th wheel in canada in -10 to 15-20 degrees Celsius. . and i have 30' of hose. works great

  • @DawnNLN-ee2kh
    @DawnNLN-ee2kh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The Only Way to RV in winter is "go to Florida or Arizona"!!

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  9 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Three years ago this coming week, we published one of our most popular videos: How To RV in the Winter. We'll again be spending this winter in a cold climate, so it's perfect time to revisit the subject.

    • @smalexander1828
      @smalexander1828 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for the info on: M4 Products and LEDS; utility blocks; cleaning the windshield with steel wool; baby power on slide seals....all useful. Now one of the advantages of full timing it in an RV is being able to avoid the cold weather. If you need snow, fly in, rent a nice hotel room and fly back to a reasonable climate.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      SM Alexander We're with you on that! We swear this is our last winter in the cold! We've been snowbiring for nearly 12 years now, and this will only be our second time staying north. It's all part of a big trip we have planned for this coming year, so worth it this time. And we'll be taking a 2-week Caribbean cruise in January, so the winter isn't a total loss! lol

    • @smalexander1828
      @smalexander1828 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You guys are wonderful. Thanks for the great info. BTW, Steve at M4 is really helpful. We are half way through the LED conversion. Thanks for getting us the 5% discount! We now have 800W of solar and LEDs, we are ready for winter in comfort with little or no generator needs. Enjoy your January trip and I'm "WOWed" you took the time to reply to my post.

    • @RVgeeks
      @RVgeeks  9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      SM Alexander Thanks so much for the comments. Enjoy your winter, and your LEDs! Steve is the best. :)

    • @bumblebee62
      @bumblebee62 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      How does this compare to the cost of factory made winter hoses over the warranty time period of the factory made hose in relationship to performance and long term costs.

  • @williamsantiago7303
    @williamsantiago7303 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bravo,bravo,bravo, great video.I really enjoyed it.

  • @RVgeeks
    @RVgeeks  12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @CampColombo We just got back to the RV after being in south Florida for a couple of weeks, and it's 28 degrees here. Glad we were prepared for cold weather, but it could be lots worse. Thanks for the comment. Love you channel too, and just subscribed.