Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:16:40 -0400
Reply-To: Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Winter Survival Kit Question
In-Reply-To: <2827993.31415.1256911851214.JavaMail.mcneely4@127.0.0.1>
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Not sure about the American Westies (with the in tank water pump). But
I know for a fact that the Canadian water pumps (which are outside of
the water tank) will freeze and break if you leave them full of water
when it gets much below freezing. I'm thinking that with the pump in
the tank (American style) you could camp at lower temps using the
water system than I can --- since it takes a long time at low temps to
freeze 13 gallons of water..........
No need to enquire how I know the pump will freeze and break :-)
Cheers,
Doug
On Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 10:10 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> so, you don't worry about damage to the tank, tubing, and faucet when
> camping in winter? I bought my camper in April, and have not camped in
> weather colder 30 F so far, and no freezing occurred. But I have been
> concerned that at real winter temps, if there is water in the lines and
> pump, they would be damaged. I had just figured I would take water
> otherwise, and not use the sink. If I understand you correctly, I
> needn't worry. I would not likely be camping at temperatures colder
> than maybe 15 F, unless very unexpected conditions occur. David
>
>
> On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 9:34 PM, Bob Stevens wrote:
>
>> I almost always pick up the plastic 2 1/2 gal. containers of
>> spring/drinking
>> water
>> leaving on a trip. I've also started carrying one of those 7 1/2 gal.
>> containers
>> just leaving it in the van and filling it whenever needed. Both have
>> gotten
>> frozen without any problem. Drive a few hours on the road toward the
>> destination and everything in the van is drinkable. The only container
>> I drain after every trip and let dry out, is the 13 gal. Westy tank.
>>
>> While camping in freezing conditions, it takes about 20-30 minutes of
>> Propex-time for the sink faucet to function, and that's with the
>> coffee
>> pot percolating on the burner as well. I ALWAYS fill that the night
>> before whether summer or winter camping. Just habit.
>>
>> I've never been without water due to freezing nor had water leak
>> from a cracked-after-freezing container. None. So far! ;-)
>>
>> bob
>>
>> On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 7:49 PM, Max Wellhouse wrote:
>>
>>> Well, it's almost Friday so this slightly off topic question will get
>>> asked. We are all aware that packing any winter survival kit for our
>>> Vanagons should include fluids to stay hydrated. My question is how
>>> do you folks keep your fluids from freezing when winter gets really
>>> cold out. Bringing water or other beverages into and out of the car
>>> each time we drive isn't the answer, so what's Vanagon driver to do?
>>>
>>> Generic gallon water bottles won't survive the expansion once the
>>> water does freeze, and draining 1/4 or so of the fluid to allow for
>>> expansion, but then you don't get as much fluid. Would loading
>>> sugared drinks or juices lessen the chance of freezing? I was
>>> hoping to put maybe some cranapple juice in a Lexan Nalgene bottle or
>>> two and wondered if the stiff walls and a little bit of space for
>>> expansion might be a solution. I'm not so worried about the fluid
>>> freezing as it can be warmed up in several ways, but I would like to
>>> find a fairly bullet proof method of storing the liquid. thanks in
>>> advance
>>>
>>> DM&FS
>>>
>
--
http://www.dougalcock.com
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