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Old 07-05-2010, 10:12 AM   #1
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Cold Weather Mods?

Hey Escapees, has anyone tried any insulation of the water pipes and tanks to help make their Escape's water systems more freeze resistant? We like to camp in the early spring and late fall and frequently the temps will fall to below freezing at night. I know that the mass of the water in the tanks themselves will help prevent freezing in temps that are below freezing only for a few hours, but I wonder about the pipes? I am thinking of using the black uv resistant type pipe wrap on the pipes themselves. I also thought that I could glue rigid foam insulation onto the tanks themselves to help make them even more freeze resistant. The problem with that would be that the insulation might not stand up very well to road conditions?

I would love to hear from anyone who has tried any solutions and/or has any ideas about this.
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Old 07-05-2010, 09:47 PM   #2
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Re: Cold Weather Mods?

Hi Eric
We have camped down to -15 C (5 F) with no problems, the furnace kept everything
from freezing. We even ran out of propane (long story) at -7 and by morning we ran
into town filled the tanks came back hooked everything turned on the furnace,
and although the water in the bathroom was down to a trickle once the place warmed
up all was well.

As for the holding tanks we put RV anti freeze in them, that kept everything
liquid enough to dump. :
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Old 07-06-2010, 07:53 AM   #3
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Re: Cold Weather Mods?

Thanks Doug and Ellen,

That is good information for me!

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Old 08-18-2010, 01:34 PM   #4
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Re: Cold Weather Mods?

I full time in my 17 and have experienced some real weather extremes. Had factory add pipe insulation during build, seems to be effective. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes on cold nights. I also placed a layer of closed cell foam around my bed to reduce condensation that forms between mattress and wall.

Best reccomendation: go south!

Alan
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Old 08-18-2010, 04:27 PM   #5
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Re: Cold Weather Mods?

Alan - can you tell me which pipes Reace insulated?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ace Brown
I full time in my 17 and have experienced some real weather extremes. Had factory add pipe insulation during build, seems to be effective. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes on cold nights. I also placed a layer of closed cell foam around my bed to reduce condensation that forms between mattress and wall.

Best reccomendation: go south!

Alan
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Old 08-18-2010, 05:47 PM   #6
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Re: Cold Weather Mods?

Eric (Cheesehead No. 2) forget all this insulation stuff and take the best advice Ace gave you. Go south! Tropical Texas, Ozarks, Gulf Shores all need to be put on your radar.

Cheesehead No. 3
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Old 08-18-2010, 05:56 PM   #7
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Re: Cold Weather Mods?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fudge_brownie
Eric (Cheesehead No. 2) forget all this insulation stuff and take the best advice Ace gave you. Go south! Tropical Texas, Ozarks, Gulf Shores all need to be put on your radar.

Cheesehead No. 3
We should, but we sure do love the big ol' Lake Superior in the Fall.
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Old 08-30-2010, 02:34 AM   #8
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Re: Cold Weather Mods?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric T
Alan - can you tell me which pipes Reace insulated?

Well, all that can be accessed. The tank to the pump to the faucets. I do not have a hot water heater, shower, or comode to worry about.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ace Brown
I full time in my 17 and have experienced some real weather extremes. Had factory add pipe insulation during build, seems to be effective. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes on cold nights. I also placed a layer of closed cell foam around my bed to reduce condensation that forms between mattress and wall.

Best reccomendation: go south!

Alan
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