Winter use

[LesE]

Hi l plan on using our motorhome over the winter months in the UK, is there any precautions l should take to prevent the onboard fresh and grey water tanks from freezing. As l say they are inside but in lockers with only sheet metal under them.

 

[Okta]

First thing to check is the grey water drain. If the drain is an external pipe with a tap on the end then it is not winterised, the first thing to freeze is the exposed external pipe and tap.

 

[LesE]

Thank you for your input, have you any suggestions!

 

[Pudsey Bear]

We go up to Scotland every winter xmas time ish, tanks under the van, never had one freeze up, or the pipes.

 

[colinm]

If the tanks are inside the vehicle it's unlikely they will freeze if you are using it. One thing to check is the pipe runs, on some vehicles they can go under the floor!

 

[Okta]

If you have an external grey water tap leave it open draining into a can.

 

[trevskoda]

Put a pint of antifreeze down the sink plug in very cold winter, dont fill the main water tank but do keep a few 5ltr bottles of drinking water inside the van.

 

[izwozral]

On external pipes use https://www.bing.com/aclk?ld=e8VKSP...kdWN0cw&rlid=87bcab9a8993152823c8c378a056bef4

Tape or cable tie them on.

 

[myvanwy]

Also if you use gas, propane rather than butane.

 

[Boris7]

Put a pint of antifreeze down the sink plug in very cold winter, dont fill the main water tank but do keep a few 5ltr bottles of drinking water inside the van.

To explain a bit clearer Trevs suggesting anti freeze down the sink to stop grey waste freezing and only half filling fresh water tank is to stop the tank splitting should the fresh water freeze.

In Northern Sweden during January a few years back we used to empty the fresh water tank and just use bottled water, then fill the fresh water only when showering, but it was -24c not likely to have that issue in the UK

 

[Fisherman]

Hi l plan on using our motorhome over the winter months in the UK, is there any precautions l should take to prevent the onboard fresh and grey water tanks from freezing. As l say they are inside but in lockers with only sheet metal under them.

Well first of all you are doing the right thing using your van in winter. Winter offers some great scenery, it’s much quieter, you will be more welcome in some honeypot summer locations, and it’s not good to leave a van for months on end sitting on your driveway or elsewhere.
First pick your days if you can, check the forecast and avoid periods of relentless wind and rain. The colder the better for me, some of my best trips up here in Scotland have been in frosty weather when it’s been down to minus 15c.

1) if using Calor gas make sure you use the orange propane and not blue butane. Butane won’t function in low temperatures.
2) if your grey water tank is outside and not insulated and heated consider leaving it open in sub zero temperature and collect the grey water in a suitable container.
3) remember that even bright days your solar will be much reduced in winter. Consider fitting another battery if you only have one, and lithium batteries which can be used down to 10% capacity offer more usable energy than lead batteries. But they may require modifications to your charging system if you have an older van.
4) if you have external covers use them. They provide better insulation, and prevent excessive condensation. If you don’t have a set consider buying them.
5) keep your van warm even when not inside it when out and about, I don’t allow the temperature to drop below 10c, this prevents any freezing of pipes within the van.
6) make sure you have sufficient food in case you are stranded due to bad weather. We carry additional canned foods in winter. Also ensure you have sufficient drinking water, and gas or diesel for cooking and heating purposes.
7) it’s more critical that you take notice of weather forecasts, constantly keep checking them.
8) when you return make sure that you carefully drain your whole system. This includes the boiler and your tanks and water pipes. This involves running the pump and opening all water openings including ones you may not have used including external showers, toilet, taps, and internal shower.

 

[barryd]

The only additional tip I can think of is be careful where you stay if you are stopping a few days as regards snow and ice. Last Christmas and New Year our lake district trip was cut short because of freezing weather and snow. We were ok for about ten days then the forecast was for snow and ice. We were five miles from any main road and no chance of the lanes around where we were being cleared or gritted. In the end we went home early and as it turned out it was the right decision. The whole place became a snowed in skating rink.

 

[myvanwy]

Of course, if you are just doing down sarf, get thicker shorts.

 

[r4dent]

Many fresh water tanks have a built in 12v anti freezing heater which is operated thermostatically but with a manual switch to cut power.
Check your manual.