2006 Journey--Fresh water tank in 15* temps

[al1florida]

I have a 2006 Journey, 36G with the 90 gallon fresh water tank located in the lower center of the RV between the front and rear axles. This tank is housed in a medal frame mostly exposed to the outside air.

We are planning a trip this winter to spend 7-9 days, where we have a chance to be in well below freezing temps for 24-48 hours. Chances are we won't be exposed to this cold of temperatures for this long, but there is still a chance.

Questions:

-- Is there any insulation between the water tank and the medal frame?
-- Does anyone have any experience a RV with this kind of exposed water tank.

I know 90 gallons of water is not going to freeze to the point of damage in just 4-6 hours of 15* temps. But if the temps hover between 30* and 15* for 24-36 hours I am not sure what will happen.

As far as the water pipes in the storage compartments and living areas, I am prepared to take care of them to keep them from freezing.

[creativepart]

Once the outside air gets into the teens and doesn’t rise above freezing during the “heat” of the day for more than 24-hrs I think you have some risk. But not so much for the large water tank. Just for any exposed pipes or drains.

The bulk of the RV and the fact that the RV will be heated should protect the mass of the water in the fresh water tank.

A layer of frozen water at the top of your tank wouldn’t be of concern unless the tank was so full that expansion couldn’t take place without bursting the tank.

Depending on how long you are in those condition, some kind of skirt or wind barrier abound the under carriage might be a help.

We’ve done it before, but not for more than 30-hrs consecutive below 27 degrees.

[thataway4]

We did a lot of ski camping for years (back in the 70's and 80's before the heating systems were as sophisticated as today). Several of our units were Winnebagos which had the warm air from the furnace passing over part of the main water tank form above. We never had tanks freeze--never had interior pips freeze despite constant temps well below what you are going to be exposed to. However be sure that all of the interior cabinets are cracked to allow heat to circulate. The grey and black water drains may freeze--you can put some RV antifreeze in the tanks to help prevent this. Our current Via has heating pads on both black and grey water tanks. If you are really worried you can put the heating pads on the bottom of the water tank. They are 12 volts and cost about $50.

[grtharris]

al1florida, Yes there is insulation between the water tank and the medal frame. We have been as low a 7 degs in our 04 Journey. Put a drop light near the water pump and run the gas heat to put warm air in the basement. Some electric heat is ok but must run the gas also.

[al1florida]

Thanks to all who replied for the suggestions and info.

Especially good to know that there is some insulation for the fresh water tank.