Winter tips for newby.

Hi folks,
I am new at this game and wonder if I am doing things correctly.
I have just purchased a Boxer Symbol in wonderful condition body wise.
I had fitted a power lead to the van to keep the battery charged, bought a Taylor made screen protector for mainly winter protection. I have a small 80w greenhouse heater it put in if required. Opened all the taps ( good point from this forum),and drained all the tanks.
Now what have I forgotten?? and no I cant afford to go to Spain yet as money is running out.
Thanks in advance, Merry Christmas to you all.
Mike

Hi Mike,
Youseem to have done everthing right but I would put your greenhouse heater in the van I assume you mean one of those electric tubular things.
But read the thread on ultraheat heaters in the coachbuilt section.


Brian2

Mike,

You say you've opened the taps, but have you made sure that you've got as much water out of the system as possible? Key to this is progressively opening and closing hot and cold taps in washroom and kitchen and, most importantly, the drain plug on the Carver heater whilst blowing down the shower hose. The shower head has to be removed and shower taps opened, of course! Go easy not to 'blow a gasket' in your lungs but you will be amazed how much more water comes out of the system.

Act quickly before the real cold arrives!


Bartfarst

Bartfarst wrote:Mike,

You say you've opened the taps, but have you made sure that you've got as much water out of the system as possible? Key to this is progressively opening and closing hot and cold taps in washroom and kitchen and, most importantly, the drain plug on the Carver heater whilst blowing down the shower hose. The shower head has to be removed and shower taps opened, of course! Go easy not to 'blow a gasket' in your lungs but you will be amazed how much more water comes out of the system.

Act quickly before the real cold arrives!


Bartfarst

Thanks for the information, will make sure I don't blow a gasket and will do what you say in the morning after a Fag. (only joking), I don't smoke.

We are lucky that we are in the south east.

The van now has direct power 240 volts, I have got conformation that the Taylormade will arrive tomorrow. Van seems very dry at the moment ie no condensation on the windows and all looks fine. We that is the wife Sue and I intend using it at the weekends throughout the winter using water in a carrier to make tea etc thus giving it an airing as much as possible although it needs a clutch cable as soon as I can get under to fit it.

Thanks again for you help and information

Regards Mike

Its snowing here in the South East so I will have to save my breath till it stops.

regards Mike

Flying High wrote:Its snowing here in the South East so I will have to save my breath till it stops.

regards Mike

Hi Mike
We have a 2" of falling snow here in Bridlington, with ice underneath on the ground, hope you get your Taylormade screen on soon.
The forecast is for a country wide freeze for the next few days, get your heaters on read up on Murphs thread on ultraheat.
boaby

Flying High wrote: although it needs a clutch cable as soon as I can get under to fit it.

Under what Mike?
It's easier if you drop the lower fascia panel to access the top of the pedal, but you should be able to do the rest while on your feet

Frank

[quote="Flying High"]

Bartfarst wrote:Mike,

You say you've opened the taps, but have you made sure that you've got as much water out of the system as possible? Key to this is progressively opening and closing hot and cold taps in washroom and kitchen and, most importantly, the drain plug on the Carver heater whilst blowing down the shower hose. The shower head has to be removed and shower taps opened, of course! Go easy not to 'blow a gasket' in your lungs but you will be amazed how much more water comes out of the system.

Act quickly before the real cold arrives!


Bartfarst

Thanks Bartfarst,

All done, the snow abated so I blew and blew and blew and loads of water poured out of the Carver heater even though the supplier had drained the system and used the punp before I picked it up. GREAT advice Bartfast, thank you.
Also the Taylor made arrived so now the van is as snug as a bug.

Regards Mike
w

boxerman wrote:

Flying High wrote: although it needs a clutch cable as soon as I can get under to fit it.

Under what Mike?
It's easier if you drop the lower fascia panel to access the top of the pedal, but you should be able to do the rest while on your feet

Frank

Well, what a forum, love it. Well done Frank you are a star.

Flying High wrote: Thanks Bartfarst, All done, the snow abated so I blew and blew and blew and loads of water poured out of the Carver heater even though the supplier had drained the system and used the punp before I picked it up. GREAT advice Bartfast, thank you.
Also the Taylor made arrived so now the van is as snug as a bug. Regards Mike w

My pleasure Mike! I've been through this process annually since 1995/6 and am yet to suffer any frost damage.

One last tip in this respect: I loosely replace the drain plug in the Carver heater then place adhesive tape across the corner of the heater just so that it doesn't drop out. That way (i) any further water that does accumulate in the heater dribbles out (ii) there's a barrier to stop bugs getting in and (iii) when I drive about there's no chance of loosing the plug.

Bartfarst