Watch the Weather

Over the past few weeks, I’ve continued to see posts in various RV social media groups from people dealing with frozen water lines, frozen holding tanks, and, in some cases, significant water damage after pipes burst.

Many of these posts came from snowbirds spending the winter in southern states.

It’s easy to assume that once you’ve escaped the northern winters, freezing temperatures are behind you. The reality is that places like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and other southern states can still experience cold snaps that are capable of damaging an RV if you’re not prepared.

One post really caught my attention.

The couple had been away from their trailer when temperatures dropped below freezing. Their water lines froze, and when everything thawed, they discovered extensive water damage inside the RV. Reading their story, you couldn’t help but feel for them.

The good news is that many cold-weather problems can be avoided with a little planning.

One of the easiest habits you can develop is simply checking the weather forecast every day.

Don’t just look at the daytime high.

Pay attention to the overnight low and, just as importantly, how long temperatures are expected to remain below freezing. A brief dip to 30 degrees is much different than spending several hours in the teens.

If freezing weather is in the forecast, take the time to prepare your RV.

I’ve written another article that goes into detail about protecting your plumbing system during cold weather, but one simple habit deserves repeating here.

Whenever we’re expecting freezing temperatures, I turn off the campground water supply before going to bed or leaving the trailer for any length of time.

In fact, it has become part of my routine whenever cold weather is expected.

Water lines can fail at any time, and if they do while you’re away from the RV, the resulting damage can be extensive. Turning off the water only takes a few seconds and provides some peace of mind.

I’ll admit that on warm days I don’t always disconnect the water before leaving.

But if freezing temperatures are even a possibility, I don’t take the chance.

It’s one of those small habits that helps protect our home away from home.

A few minutes spent watching the weather and preparing your RV can save you from a very expensive repair—and a vacation you’ll remember for all the wrong reasons.