Cold Weather Prep

[cofrari]

Coming on to my first cold-front, I'm trying to determine the best way to get me through the winter. I'm still in the conversion phase, so I'm not really driving the bus other than a 50 mile drive each week or every other week just to keep the bus from sitting. My tank was filled at the end of August. It is about 2/3 full, so I'm entering winter with the summer blend in it.



I just purchased an 80oz bottle of Power Source Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost. My plan is to add 16 ounces to the approximately 40 gallons I have in there. On my next trip out, I figured I should top off the tank with the Winter Bland.


Assuming I'm doing the right thing with adding the supplement, how often do I need to add the supplement? If I add 20 gallons of new fuel, do I add an additional 8oz of the supplement at that point? Possibly I won't re-fill again until Spring, so do I need to add more of the supplement at any point since the current fuel would have already had it added? Is it possible to add too much of this supplement?



In terms of the heater, is there any benefit to running the heater if I'm not planning on starting the bus? Do I just need to run the heater the night before I do plan to start the bus?


Is there anything else I would need to do to survive the winter? I'm in CT, so we will hit 0 or a few degrees below. But nothing extreme here compared to other areas.


Thanks!

[PNW_Steve]

You need to make sure that your RV plumbing does not freeze. I drain my tanks and water heater then add non-toxic RV antifreeze to the traps and tanks. Run each faucet enough that you see the pink antifreeze.

I had a challenge getting the fresh water tank in my travel trailer flushed properly this year and for the first couple of trips the water tasted funny. I may substitute Everclear this year. Then I wouldn't have to flush the tank.

[cofrari]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

You need to make sure that your RV plumbing does not freeze. I drain my tanks and water heater then add non-toxic RV antifreeze to the traps and tanks. Run each faucet enough that you see the pink antifreeze.

I had a challenge getting the fresh water tank in my travel trailer flushed properly this year and for the first couple of trips the water tasted funny. I may substitute Everclear this year. Then I wouldn't have to flush the tank.

Good advice! I was so focused on the engine and fuel that I didn't even think about the "living" side of the bus!



Is there a proper Everclear to water ratio, or is it just straight Everclear?

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by cofrari

Good advice! I was so focused on the engine and fuel that I didn't even think about the "living" side of the bus!



Is there a proper Everclear to water ratio, or is it just straight Everclear?

You can add water. Just don't add too much or you can dilute it to the point that it looses it's effectiveness

I

[WIbluebird]

That pink RV antifreeze stuff has a very strong..er.....scent!

I don't drink water from the tap when camping so taste doesn't bother me but showering in RV antifreeze is not fun

[ermracing]

Originally Posted by cofrari

In terms of the heater, is there any benefit to running the heater if I'm not planning on starting the bus? Do I just need to run the heater the night before I do plan to start the bus?

Thanks!

Block/coolant heater I presume? Just plug it in the night before you plan to use the bus. No need to have it sucking up power all the time.

[cofrari]

Originally Posted by ermracing

Block/coolant heater I presume? Just plug it in the night before you plan to use the bus. No need to have it sucking up power all the time.

Kind of what I assumed with running the heater. But just wanted to make sure it wasn't something I needed to do more often.