I have a 2017 Tab S Outback. I would like to do late fall and winter camping in Colorado. Elevations will be 6500-11,000 feet. On my first trip, I had problems with running the Alde on propane. It made a loud vibration and blew black "rich" smoke from the exhaust port on the sidewall. I understand this is an known problem, but it is a big one as propane is obviously the only method of heat when boon docking. Also, the mountain west is, no doubt, a very popular destination for Tab campers.
I am also concerned about freezing of water pipes/tanks. Not sure if heating the cabin will prevent pipes from freezing (I do notice a corrugated plastic underbody cover that may retain a little heat).
Any advice from the experienced?
Fred and Nicole Willison
Tulsa, OK
2017 Tab S Max Outback silver/silver
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Comments
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
Tulsa, OK
2017 Tab S Max Outback silver/silver
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
J.D. & Sue
Durango, CO 2014/15 S M@xx : "Dory's HabiT@B" Keep on swimming...
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
J.D. & Sue
Durango, CO 2014/15 S M@xx : "Dory's HabiT@B" Keep on swimming...
At least, if I worked for Alde, this is the approach I'd take.
2014 T@B CS Maxx
TV: 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI (diesel)
Martha Lake, WA
If you had no fresh water in your fresh water tank, if you had no fresh water in your water lines, and no fresh water in the water heater on the Alde, you’ll be fine.
But, if the temps stayed below 32* for more than 2 hours, you may be in trouble with frozen pipes. Check out the winterizing threads in our Resources category for how to winterize. It takes me less than 30 minutes to complete mine.
And the block of ice could just be humid air that froze as it hit the colder ground. You will need to investigate and get familiar with the water pipes in the Alde compartment.
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
My advice would be to drain your fresh water tank, move your valves into the winterizing mode, use a small compressor to gently blow out all your lines as the winterizing documents instruct you. Please pour about a quart of pink RV antifreeze down your sink, shower toilet....follow the instructions.
Then buy some gallon jugs of water and use them. I was using the toilet, shower and sink on my travels to AZ last week, but I was not using the water pipes nor the fresh water tank. Navy showers can be cleansing and refreshing if you warm the water up on the stove first. I was also dumping the tanks every day. The temps I encountered went all the way down to 20*, so I did not dewinterize until I got to Tucson.
Yes, I figured you heard the freight train loud and clear
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
2018 320S Outback
Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
https://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/4135/heating-the-water-tank
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Mpemba_effect
It didn't burst at all. I'm thinking your PEX pipes themselves could be just fine.
The one place I've seen weak spots is the fittings - valves, connectors, etc, I've seen seepage at the joints, and they likely can crack. The flush valve in the toilet (I learned is replaceable - grimace), and of course, the sewage tanks' gate valves can freeze and crack.
2014 S Maxx
2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!
A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/comment/55073#Comment_55073
Otherwise there are too many loose ends including the tanks, valve gates, monitoring/automation, and protection while towing.
On the other hand if you de-winterize and limit your water usage to jugs and a wash tub you can certainly boondock in the winter with Alde heat on propane. Got a toilet? Switch to double doodie bags. Need a hot shower? No you don't.