-10° huh

[Cummins12V98]

Agree with move insulation out of the way!

Does your heater have a fan so it's blowing the hot air or is it just radiating??????

Radiating, replace it!

[oldbird]

Yes, it has a fan. Last night it got down to 4° and after I had disconnected the inlet line (suction line) it still froze. Tonight it's suppose to be about 16° but instead of just disconnecting the suction line I'll blow it out and see what happens tomorrow.

[wingnut60]

Glenn,
Are you using the furnace and/or space heaters? If you are using the furnace a lot, there should be a 2" flex duct hanging loose in the area behind the doors that may help to aim it down into the area where the tank line comes from. Somehow cold air gets to the area (duh) and some warm air needs to be directed there. Man, what a hassle this type of fight is...how does the song go? When it's springtime in the Rockies, it's 40 below!

[oldbird]

Joe, we never use the furnace but maybe in this case I should. I've been thinking since I posted last that there is probably a check valve in the suction line so like the other night it will not do any good to blow it out. Thoughts?

[wingnut60]

Should not be a check valve in the line from the water tank unless someone has put it in--the OEM setup relies on the internal check valve in the pump itself.
If you have been surviving without the furnace, or minimum use, you are a way tougher guy than me. I have always used the furnace + space heaters when in really cold temps, no way could I have kept the basement and the interior livable. Altho propane use is expensive, I have found it the only way to survive even with 50amp service. I had a 3rd 40# tank to swap with the outboard tank, but this assumes you have a propane supply within decent driving distance.

[oldbird]

I guess we just like our space heaters, lol. I just now made a bigger effort to blow the line out. If its frozen in the morning I'll turn on the furnace until it thaws out. I appreciate the help!! Warmer weather ahead!

[Cummins12V98]

Another good reason to have CheapHeat if connected to shore power in COLD WEATHER!!!!!

Underbelly gets blasted with hot air every time furnace cycles.

[oldbird]

I've read about it Ron and cheapheat does sound good. I never installed it because I spend six months in AZ wintering in our home. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have to escape AZ in my 5er in the cold! Anyway, this morning my WP took right off. I don't know if it was because I used compressed air into the suction line before bedtime or the fact that I built a small temporary insulated 'box' around the sewer pipe drop down area from the ground up. If this wind will ever quit I'm going to remove that drop down box and see if I can find the suction line and maybe put a heat tape on it.

[wingnut60]

Well, wait long enough and warm weather will solve it all....hope you get it working.
Joe

[oldbird]

Thanks Joe, hope your enjoying your new Tiffin! In many campgrounds I have talked to people and they love their Tiffin and the support they get.

The problem with waiting it will be fall before you know it and I'll be right back into the same situation. Once I open that area up I'll be able to see if a heat tape will be any help. Or, sometime this summer install cheap heat. Of course I don't know if heat tape on a garden hose type suction hose works or if its not recommended on that type of hose?

This is supposedly the last cold day for the ten day forecast. Up to 70's later in the week!

[MTK46]

Glenn
Not sure what part of Arizona you left early. But it was 95 yesterday here around Palm Springs Ca. 90 in Quartzsite AZ. yesterday

[oldbird]

Originally Posted by MTK46

Glenn
Not sure what part of Arizona you left early. But it was 95 yesterday here around Palm Springs Ca. 90 in Quartzsite AZ. yesterday

Mike, we left Lake Havasu City and the house sitter told us about the heat coming. Makes no difference because what I've learned is that it takes 152° to kill the virus. In the Black Hills here its getting into the 60-80° range now.

I did drop down that sewer hose area cover and I couldn't believe my eyes. I could see the whole suction hose coming down from the WP and disappear at the bottom to where the fresh water storage tank it. I put a heat tape on it but don't plan on using it unless it gets really cold. The cover itself didn't have any insulation in it and I insulated it all around. Also put some insulation above the cover but was careful not to put any near the heat tape on the hose. I caulked around the cover and I should be in a lot better shape now.

[MTK46]

Lord willing we are going to be in the Black Hills around the third of July for ten days.
Wife is from SD and our daughter now lives in Worthington MN. We were back there last year when our first grandson was born.