RVing during the winter season can present some of the biggest challenges for RV owners. One of the most important aspects of RVing in colder climates is keeping your water supply from freezing.
A frozen water hose can lead to a range of problems and headaches, including burst pipes, damage to your water tank, and a lack of water supply.
In this article, we’ll look at two great ways to keep your RV pipes from freezing: heat tape and heated water hoses.
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We are big fans of winter camping! As you can see in the above video, we make the most of the cold and don’t let it stop us from RVing. It’s amazing to visit our favorite locations when they’re covered in a snowy white blanket.
But, of course, RVing in the cold means you need to properly prepare for sub-zero temperatures! One of the key concerns is keeping your RV water pipes from freezing. One of the ways to do that is to use heat tape or heated water hoses.
Heat tapes, also known as heating tapes, heating cables, or heat trace cables, are electrically heated wires designed to keep water pipes, hoses, and other plumbing components from freezing in cold conditions.
Heat tapes come in different lengths, with different levels of wattage, and can be used on metal or plastic pipes, as well as on RV hoses.
Heat tapes generate heat that is transferred to the water pipe or hose, preventing it from freezing.
Some heat tapes have a self-regulating heat source, which means that they adjust the level of heat output based on the temperature outside. Other heat tapes have an energy-saving thermostat, which helps to reduce energy consumption and save money.
Heated RV water hoses are specially designed to keep the water flowing in cold temperatures. They are equipped with heating elements that warm the water inside the hose, preventing it from freezing.
These hoses are designed to handle freezing temperatures and keep the water flowing. They typically have a heating cable or a heat trace cable that runs the length of the hose, warming the water as it flows through. Some hoses are also insulated with foam pipe insulation, which helps to retain heat and prevent freezing.
Heated RV hoses come in different lengths and diameters, and they can be connected to your RV’s water supply through a female-to-male adapter. They’re typically designed to connect to the water spigot at the campsite, and they come with a power cord that can be plugged into an electrical outlet.
While heated RV hoses are more expensive than regular hoses, they provide peace of mind for RV owners who want to ensure access to water in freezing temperatures. They’re a great investment for anyone planning to travel in colder climates, and they’re available at most RV supply stores or hardware stores.
There are a few good options for heat tape, but sometimes the best option is upgrading to a heated RV hose. So, we’re listing options for both. That way, you can decide which is best for you.
This HeatIt Cable is an industrial-grade, ETL-approved heating cable that can be used on both plastic and metal RV water hoses. It comes in many different lengths.
With its self-regulating feature, the HeatIt cable adjusts its output automatically based on the ambient temperature at each point along the hose, eliminating the risk of overheating.
This pre-assembled heating cable comes with a grounded plug with a light, making it easy to install and use without a built-in thermostat. At 120 volts, it provides 5 watts/ft at 50 degrees F for effective pipe freeze protection.
The VEVOR Pipe Heating Cable is a top-of-the-line solution for keeping your RV water hoses and pipes from freezing in harsh, cold temperatures. This heating cable has a powerful 7 W/ft output that can quickly raise temperatures by 70℉ in just 2 minutes.
This pipe heating cable also comes equipped with a built-in thermostat with an accuracy of ±1°, making it much safer and more secure than other options on the market. The cable automatically turns on at 43℉/6℃ and turns off at 55℉/13℃, ensuring that your pipes are always kept at the right temperature.
The 24 ft length of this heat cable is perfect for most RV water hoses and pipes, and the 2 ft power cord allows for flexible positioning. Simply wrap the cable around your pipe like a protective suit and plug it in. The grounded plug features an indicator light to let you know when it’s working.
The Camco Heated Water Hose is designed to provide freeze protection in cold weather conditions. It can effectively protect water lines from freezing down to -20°F (-28°C), ensuring a consistent water supply.
The hose includes an energy-saving thermostat that heats only when needed. Moreover, the hose is made of NSF-61 certified drinking-water-safe materials, so you can safely use it for drinking water.
The hose also comes with a female-to-male adapter for easy connection to the water supply on either end, depending on the location of the electrical outlet. The hose is durable and features a protective exterior jacket that shields it from damage or exposure
The REHOSEUP Heated Water Hose features a smart automatic heat system that self-regulates the external thermostat to prevent water from freezing down to -45℉ (-42.7℃) and thaws ice gradually. The heated water hose is made of certified drinking water safe material and can withstand extreme cold weather conditions, ensuring that water flows smoothly.
It has a durable exterior jacket that protects the smart system and RV drinking water hose from damage or exposure. The five-layer tough water hose design and firm stainless steel connectors ensure that the water hose does not leak water and is extremely flexible.
The installation process is straightforward and comes with clear instructions and videos to help each customer install the water hoses. If the water hose leaks, customers can use double washers at both ends to solve the issue.
The Valterra Heated Water Hose is a 1/2″ diameter heated water hose that provides freeze protection down to -5°F. It has a self-regulating system that eliminates the need for a thermostat, saving you power and energy costs.
It has a light-up plug, and the hose is plug-and-play, allowing quick setup without needing extra tools or hardware. Additionally, heavy-duty insulator cuffs with zippers are added at both ends of the hose to provide extra protection from low temperatures.
Available in 6′, 15′ and 50′ lengths, this heated water hose operates at 120VAC and is suitable for customized setups.
The Farm Innovators Thermo Cube is a small, temperature-activated electrical outlet that turns on at 35 degrees Fahrenheit and turns off at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If your heat cable isn’t self-regulating or you don’t trust it’s accuracy, you can plug it into the Thermo Cube.
When choosing a heat tape for your RV water hose, there are a few factors to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure you choose the appropriate length and wattage of the heat tape for your specific hose.
It’s also important to consider the temperature extremes in your area and choose a heat tape that is designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Installing heat tapes on your RV water hose is a relatively simple process. First, you’ll want to make sure that your hose is completely dry and free of any debris. Then, follow these steps:
You’ll need to know the length of your RV water hose before purchasing a heat tape. Measure the entire length of the hose, including any attachments, such as the female-to-male adapter.
Look for a self-regulating heat tape specifically designed for water pipes and has an exterior jacket. You can find heat tapes at your local hardware store or RV supply store, or from the above list.
Choose a heat tape that matches the length of your RV water hose and has the appropriate wattage to prevent freezing in your area’s temperature extremes.
Depending on the product, you will either wrap the heat tape or cable around the hose or secure it along the length of it with electrical tape. Start at the end of the hose that is closest to the RV water source and wrap around or run the heat tape along the entire length of the hose.
Connect the heat tape’s power cord to an electrical outlet. The heat tape will automatically turn on and off to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the hose from freezing.
It’s important to note that heat tapes should never be used on the RV’s water tank or water supply. Only use heat tapes on the RV water hose and water lines to prevent freezing.
In addition to using heat tapes, there are other steps you can take to keep your RV water hose from freezing during the winter months. Here are some tips:
A frozen RV water hose can be a major inconvenience and can even cause damage to your RV’s plumbing. By investing in a reliable heat tape and following the tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water supply will remain unfrozen, even in frigid temperatures.
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