Will RV holding tanks freeze in the winter seasons? overnight? Camping or parking into the winter season comes with its pros and cons.
Having an RV holding tank freeze on you isn’t only a hassle, it can get costly to repair too.
If you have a newer RV you won’t have to worry about such expenses because they come with heated and enclosed holding tanks that protect against debris and freezing.
Which leads us to our main question: Will RV Holding Tanks Freeze? We will also explore other RV FAQs like:
- How Do You Keep an RV Holding Tank from Freezing?
- How Long Does It Take For RV Tanks to Freeze?
- At What Temperature Will RV Tanks Freeze?
- And more…
Related: 13 Ways To Keep Moisture Out of RV in Winter
Will RV Holding Tanks Freeze?
Yes, your RV’s holding tank has the capability to freeze if it is stored in the underbelly of your Rig, especially during prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures.
RVing in the colder months can present some annoying water system problems and plumbing issues. It all depends on the position of the tank.
For instance, holding tanks placed above the floor level will get warmth from the cabin and will likely not freeze.
Luckily, there are some simple, cost-efficient, and effective tools to use when camping in cold weather that will help prevent the headaches that come with frozen RV holding tanks.
Related: Can You Live In An RV in Winter?
3 Preventative Steps: How Do You Keep an RV Holding Tank from Freezing?
- You want to take preventative measures to ensure your RV tanks don’t freeze when traveling in cold climates. One of those preventative measures is using RV Antifreeze.
- Heat Tank Pads are another viable option, some Rigs already have them but you can always install them yourself later.
- Another way to keep your water flowing is to invest in Skirting. If your holding tanks are not in an insulated area, this is a method that reduces heat from escaping the underbelly by blocking cold air.
- Bonus: Dump Tanks correctly by keeping both valves closed and only dump when your tanks are full to reduce the risk of freezing. You can leave the sewer hose hooked up but elevated off the ground on a sewer hose support.
Related: Why Should You Not Dump Antifreeze On The Ground?
How Long Does It Take For RV Tanks to Freeze?
24 hours in below-freezing temperatures can cause your RV tanks to freeze, so taking as many preventative steps as you can prior to your trip or before it gets freezing cold is in your best interest. If the Rig has quality insulation ice will take longer to take over.
At What Temperature Will RV Tanks Freeze?
32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. But, with that being said, there isn’t an exact amount of time or particular temperature because it all depends on how long you remain in the cold.
How much RV Antifreeze To Put In Holding Tanks? You'll need at least 2 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze depending on the size of your rig
Can RV Pipes Freeze in One Night?
No, RV pipes don’t freeze overnight. It takes constant exposure to freezing cold temps to freeze your pipes. On average, it takes at least 24 hours for RV pipes to freeze.
It is very likely that the weather at night will be significantly different once the sun comes up. The weather usually warms up so the pipes won’t be under cold weather for more than 24 hours.
More! How Do I Keep My Water Storage Tank From Freezing?
Here are a few options to fully prevent a frozen solid water tank:
- Do not let tank levels reach capacity or be nearly empty. Keep full if possible.
- Install an RV skirt
- Get a heating system or heating blanket
- Buy a pipe heating cable
- Keep heavy rugs on the floor to trap heat inside
- Continually add RV antifreeze to your gray and black tanks.
- Keep sewer hose elevated off the ground (What is an RV Sewer Hose?)
Keep Warm!
So, Will RV Holding Tanks Freeze? Yes, if you don’t have a heated tank or take the necessary precautions to prevent your holding tanks from freezing.
We hope this post helps you on your journey because if your RV water freezes, you’ll be left in a situation where you no longer have access to hot water. This can be disastrous for anyone who lives in an RV part-time, full-time, or long-term RV renters.
Be Safe Out There!
