Winter Storms

! WINTER REMINDERS !

  • MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A HEATED WATER HOSE. Remember that, even if you have a heated water hose, this does not protect the facet or the filter that you have at each end. You must also insure that both ends are protected from extreme temperatures. Heated water hoses are usable year round. These hoses only need to be plugged in when the temperature gets below 40 degrees.

  • CONSIDER GETTING A GENERATOR FOR TIMES WHEN ELECTRICAL POWER IS NOT AVAILABLE. Red Fox RV experiences a complete power outage about once a year. This is usually due to extreme weather. Generators do not have to be expensive. Remember that all you really need is something that will keep you warm for the night and prevent damage to piping inside your RV.
    • AS A GENERAL RULE FOR GETTING A GENERATOR:
      • Your generator should be at least 3600Watts if you have a 30amp connection.
      • Your generator should be at least 6000Watts if you have a 50amp connection.
      • Your generator should be able to run on both Gasoline and LP Gas. This will provide you with an alternative in an emergency situation.
      • While you should not run your generator under normal conditions during the night time hours, it is acceptable to run your generator during a power outage at any time – day or night – in an emergency situation.
      • Generators should not be run for more than 12 hours without taking a 1 to 2 hour break.
      • DO NOT refill your generator while it is running or when it is cooling down. It should only take about 10 minutes for it to be cool enough to refuel.
      • Run your generator for at least 1 hour every month to ensure that it is ready to go for any emergency. Change the oil as recommended and keep it covered when not in use to protect it from the elements. DO NOT cover it while it is running.

  • MAKE SURE THAT YOU PROTECT YOUR WATER PIPES. You have water pipes inside and outside your RV.
    • To protect your inside pipes, leave cabinets open so warm air can get in and around the pipes. Open cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sink. Face heater toward open cabinets. Place fans to force heated air into, and around, water/drain pipes.
    • To protect your outside pipes: Your outside pipes will usually be protected from heat coming from the inside of your camper. However, in cases of high winds and freezing temperatures, these pipes can freeze rapidly. The only way to protect these pipes from high winds and freezing temps is to have a wind break to decrease air flow under the camper. Contact a professional for advice on how to create a wind break (see below).

  • USE “SPACE HEATERS” CAUTIOUSLY. 
    • DO NOT use propane heaters inside your RV. This is extremely dangerous.
    • Electrical heaters will draw from 1500watts to 2500watts of power. This will require, at least, 20 amps of electricity. Be sure that your breaker can handle the heater that you will be using. Smaller (i.e. 600watt heaters) will allow you to place two or three heaters around your Trailer for better distribution of the heat.
    • DO NOT place the cord to your heater across a walk-way. Never step on your heater cord as this will cause it to be damaged on the inside. Check your cords regularly to make sure that they are not getting hot. Hot cords can cause fires.
    • Make sure that your heater is not near clothes or flammable items. Your heater should have at least 3 feet of open space all around it or above it.

  • FRESH WATER, GREY WATER, AND BLACK WATER TANKS ARE ALSO AT RISK OF FREEZING.
    • As a general rule, you would keep your black water tank closed and flush it every week or so. However, during extreme cold weather, you should keep the tank valve open and the tank drained. Flush it with hot water from time to time.
    • Placing a cover, tarp, rug, etc. over your septic tubes will help prevent freezing during high winds. Keeping the hot water in your sinks DRIPPING (NOT RUNNING) may help. The drip should be about 2 drops per second… and only till temperatures rise above freezing.
    • In the past – we have had RV’s seriously damaged by people leaving their water running and the pipes freezing outside — causing the water to backup and fill the RV.

  • REMOVE OR PROTECT WATER FILTERS FROM FREEZING.
    • Water filters really are not necessary at Red Fox RV park. However, the added filtration is nice. Filter pictures that filter drinking water are best and provide everything you need for good clean drinking water. Water Hose Filters will filter all the water that comes into your RV. The water used to flush your toilet really does not need to be filtered. The water at Red Fox is great for showers, hand washing, and dishwashing. Therefore, filtering all of the water for your RV is “overkill”.
    • Water Filters will freeze and bust if not protected. Even if you have a heated water hose. You can protect it with insulation from towels, foam, etc. However, simply removing it for a few days is the easiest way to protect it.

  • DAMAGES TO YOUR RV DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER ARE NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF RED FOX RV PARK. 
    • Red Fox RV is not an Assisted Living Property. You are expected to be able to take appropriate actions to protect your property in the event of severe weather. Management provides electrical hookups, water hookups, and septic dump hookups. However, Red Fox RV does not provide generators, potable water, or septic removal from damaged RV’s. You are responsible for insuring that your RV will continue to be safe during power outages, water outages, and you must keep your septic tanks and tubing in good working order.
    • Make sure that you have a backup plan in the event of a serious emergency. Motels, Hotels, and Family/Friends may be necessary if all else fails. Have a plan and hope you don’t have to use it (Be Prepared).
    • Red Fox RV Management can offer advice for other ways to protect your RV during severe/extreme winter weather. However, we do not offer emergency response services. In the event of an emergency, CALL 911.

  • CONSIDER CALLING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO INSPECT AND GIVE ADVICE ON PREPARING YOUR RV FOR SEVERE WINTER WEATHER. (Shipley’s, 903-881-0101 or Kennedy’s 903-335-4703)

IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE MANAGER. 

THANK YOU.

RED FOX RV