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MY 39MB Water Froze internal fresh water tank

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(@Anonymous)
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OK community, I have read a lot about the RW and their claim to be Residential Living. So can anyone tell me your set up in 18degree weather.
For the last 4 years on my older unit a Carri-Lite I was able to get through the DEC JAN FEB months at my RV Park using my Fresh water tank.
I just purchase this RW 39MB unit and this is the first cold weather we have had since ownership.
Currently the furnace is keeping my place warm and comfortable with the fireplace making the living room very toasty warm.
But I notice water lines outside frame and I asked RW about these drain lines and I was told these are no issue. Not sure if that is the issues because I do not have drawings of my fresh water lines or know how they are run from the tank into the furnace area.
Well I have no working water right now at 18 degree weather.

I have not gone into research mood yet but does anyone have any suggestion why my water is frozen internally with me using the fresh water tank on board?

 
Posted : January 20, 2016 8:40 AM
(@Anonymous)
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So UPDATE> I was told by RW that 4 season living is supposed to be like hooking up a mobile home. And it was suggested that I leave the water running at all my outlets.
That having a on board fresh water tank is not part of the 4 season living package to operate in freezing weather. It was confirmed that non of the water lines that are hidden and under the bottom wrap that is not insulated have no weather protection and why my lines are frozen.
I used to own a EXCEL unit ( caught on fire from Dometic Refrigerator failure) but they advertised their unit would survive -10 degrees.
Some of the answer I got from RW really have disappointed me in my first cold weather battle. Owning this RW is like getting a date with the prettiest girl in the world but not knowing whats between the ears.

 
Posted : January 20, 2016 1:39 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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I suspect that the furnace is not heating the tank areas. In below freezing temperatures it is critical that the furnace is heating the RV without any supplemental heat that could impact the furnace cycling. We have been out in similar temperatures, with our 2013 36RL and operated from the filled fresh water tank with no problems. Has the problem been troubleshooted/diagnosed by a certified RV technician authorized to work on Redwood's?

 
Posted : January 20, 2016 5:14 PM
(@Anonymous)
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REM> Thanks for your input. Action taken today. Contacted CS at RW Talked about the theory of COLD vs FRESH WATER TANK. RW wanted me to understand that I should expect this event to repeat itself unless the following things.
1. Hook Unit up like a mobile home and have a constant drip moving water through unit from an outside source. ( That will not work in the RV PARK in MD )
2. Insulate and wrap the water lines and use skirting around the unit ( that will not work in this park as it is against the rules )

I spoke with a company called Ultra Heat who has this happen with a lot of owners after they purchase because of the insulation applied or in my case what insulation that was not used in my tank area. The question present to me was if you are going to spend $$$$$ MSRP 39MB for a top of the line unit would you pay an additional $800 to make sure you YEAR ROUND RV would work and a 4 season RV. ANSWER IS YES So my question is why doesn't RW make this part of their standard Equipment if they know a customer will freeze up if they use their FRESH WATER TANK in below freezing weather. ( as per the conversation with CS @ RW )
So now off to the RV shop Order the part HOTEL FOR A NIGHT OR TWO and problem fixed but why would CS tell me they know this will happen ALL SALES STAFF indicated that this is the best UNIT FOR 4 SEASON USEAGE I guess they think all folks head to KEY WEST in the winter. Not a happy RW owner right now

 
Posted : January 20, 2016 5:48 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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Why our fresh water tank does not freeze and yours does, at similar temperatures is puzzling. Our RW 2013 sales brochure included a statement that independent tests by Bosch confirmed that Redwood is rated for sub zero operation. Later brochures do not include this statement. So far so good for us. I did consider adding Ultra Heat to the three tanks however I took the wait and see approach as we do not full time. If full timing in extreme sub zero temperatures I would revisit tank and piping heaters as sub zero is not defined as -10 below or something lower. If your tanks are within an enclosed location perhaps adding a furnace duct to that location with a cold air return ( to allow full circulation of the heated air) would help. I trust the hotel stay is short and that the heater fix gives you back your water supply. Stay warm!

 
Posted : January 20, 2016 7:48 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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Might have something to do with the MB and where the water tank is. I our RL's the water tank is upfront and picks up heat from th furnace and basement area easily. In the MB the tank is midship and I'm not sure how it's supplied with heat.

 
Posted : January 21, 2016 2:46 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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the water tank in the 39mb is aft. of the axles. and has nothing round it to help with heating it. I think it is too far away from heat source to do any good in frigid weather. I read the manufactures install manual for the water pump and said the tank sound not be more than 12 away from the tank but RW puts further away.

 
Posted : January 21, 2016 10:24 PM
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