Frozen Travato, WHY YOU WINTERIZE an RV | Vanlife in a Travato GL

[@jerryhsd92103]

Great video! Your education is our education! Thanks for sharing your whole process, it’s very enlightening!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Jerry. Definitely an education. But a learning curve worthy of the results. Much appreciate you watching and commenting. Thank you ! Journey-ON! 🚐

[@lifeisshort-makeitsweet869]

The Ginger Walkabout winterized her Travato GL. She has great tutorials too. Enjoy your channel Scott. Keep up the good work.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thx LIS. Agree with you on Ginger Walkabout. She's great :)

[@rogerz8051]

You might find this interesting. These are the BTU output numbers calculated by a friend of mine and posted on the Travato Owners and Wannabees (TOAW) FB site. Very instructive in illustrating just how large the difference is between the various electric and gas only mode is on the Travato - although Mix2 and Gas only are pretty close. In a long term freezing situation like yours, the only way to go is to winterize though. With gas only, you'd be lucky to get 3-5 days at most out of a tank of propane. Mix 2 would last longer, but I doubt the propane would make it 10 days on that setting at such cold temps. Anyway, here's the BTU outputs: • Electric only: E1 (850 watts) = 2,900 Btu. • Electric only: E2 (1,700 watts) = 5,800 Btu. • Gas only: Burner in stage one: 7,500 Btu. • Mix 1: 7,500 Btu Gas + 2900 Btu Elec (850 watts) = 10,400 Btu. • Mix 2: 7,500 Btu Gas + 5800 Btu Elec (1700 watts)= 13,300 Btu. • Gas only: Burner in stage two: 14,300 Btu.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey roger. Those numbers look Life they are from the Owners Manual. Great idea to share that info. Looking at it one can see that the propane boost + electric puts out significantly more heat. And I think you’re about the propane supply begin exhausted., though I haven’t tired that yet. Learning her is to winterize the water system and turn the Volta system off in this same type of scenario Really appreciate you sharing that info. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ryanbirr1668]

Yikes! Live and learn I guess. And we get the learning without the hassle you went through. Good info.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks Ryan. Yeah I’m finding #vanlife and #rv has a learning curve. But so worth it

[@TheDarkness3500]

Hi Scott, that is super unfortunate. At least you learned what to do better and you gave us some great advice. I can't wait for the videos when you start full-time RVing and I will see you in your video on Sunday. Btw. this channel is awesome👍🏼👍🏼

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Votex! Appreciate your comment. I’m dedicating time to reading the Operators Manual Supplement to shorten my learning curve and not to make similar mistakes. Thanks for commenting and watching !

[@Mike-is7rj]

Hi Scott, glad to hear everything worked out ok for you and no other damage occurred. While watching your video I got a call from my dealer saying my Travato 59kl had just arrived! So I’ll be flying out after the holidays to pick it up, so not far behind you! Hopefully we get the chance to run into each other and share stories. Good luck and safe travels.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Congrats Mike!! Great choice on you KL. So happy for you. Would be great to connect up on the road. My plans are to head south through KY & GA into FL. If you are in the FL area Dec and early Jan lets see what we can make happen.

[@deborah4579]

Thanks Scott I’m a sponge for everything Travato as I’m waiting to settle on my used GL. Can’t wait to get out there and maybe to a fall meet up.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Oh my gosh.. that would be great to have you join us. Vanboree Campout are being planned. thx for commenting

[@bandmarc141]

Great lesson learned....being in Oklahoma City where our temps get that cold....in the teens....so got to make sure propane is fully charged and on...winterized withcthe rv antifreeze poured into tanks and water systems....plugged into shore power with volta system engaged GREAT AND VALUABLE INFO!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Marcus, the trick I think with the furnace in very cold weather is to half but hey sources going to allow the Tuma to put enough warm air into the coach if it is begin “lived” in. If the rig is stored the heat wouldn’t be an issue with the water system winterized. Learning curve! Appreciate you commenting

[@bandmarc141]

@@gosmall.livelarge Awesome okay...i gotcha...yep Definitly learning curve. Thanks for sharing this...again...really good info...im so glad that the Travato wasnt damaged

[@lbvaliq]

Hey, Scott-- there was ongoing dialogue on TOWB from someone whose wife wanted to remove all LPG for safety reasons. I remembered & posted a link to this video & he found it educational & was grateful. I think you should add some keywords or tags (whichever they use on KZbin) because your explanation of the LPG & Truma Combi element is just as important as why we winterize. Or, just post it as a re-run with a second name if that works because I think a lot of Travato owners really would appreciate understanding the heating better.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Interesting points. I don’t understand the “fear” of propane. But I sure do like having TWO sources of fuel, propane and electric. Plus cooking on gas is a joy!

[@MichaelWellman1955]

This is an interesting topic. As a person who wants to use this rig in cold weather I would love to know how far I can push the envelope. I think it's amazing that the only damage done was to the water filter. I'm thinking that your lines must have froze too but no damage occurred because they were more flexible. Do you think that if you were in your T you could use it in temps in the 20's? teens?

[@gaiusgracchus7475]

You mentioned a forthcoming video on de-winterizing. I would really appreciate seeing one - especially since your explanations are clear and you don't seem to skip steps. The video from Lichtsinn doesn't mention the truma system.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Lots of videos on my to-do list Gaius. You suggestion is among them. Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@theShamrockShepherdWagon]

So in freezing weather the Truma shuts down when there's not enough propane. Got it. (sorry you went through this! but I learned too) Great video, Scott! TY

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi again Sue. I thing the Truma shut down was to protect itself from damage. In my situation. While frustrating, it did’ the right thing and there was no long term damage.

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

Does the Truma manual bit say how much power it pulls off of electric? Maybe 70° was a bit too much for it, but a lower setting, something above freezing, may have been more successful? I'd wonder if using a 1500W space heater set in the cab, say in the middle of the aisle set to keep the inside temperature from getting to freezing (not 70° or human comfort warmth) would have been successful. (maybe one of the oil filled radiator style, so it's not blowing/directing heat at anything specifically) Also, did you put the window covers in all of the windows to act as insulation? Thankfully I'm in the south, when ever I end up in a camper van, I'll mostly be using it in warmer weather, but I have been caught in my camper on a trip in below freezing temperatures. Knowledge from other people's experience is always welcome!

[@lifeisshort-makeitsweet869]

Doesn't it seem like most rv issues are because of us, lol, not the rv.? Glad you got it figured out. Safe travels.

[@henryquintana5562]

Great info Scott, great video explaining the issue, as another viewer said, what if you left a ceramic space heater on shore power sitting in the floor of the rig. This would possibly maintain the temp above freezing inside. Well now that you're headed south no need to worry about freezing temps.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Henry. Yes, space heater could have Been an option. As you say we me headed south tomorrow this heating issues will likely go away. Then I will have to figure out the air condition and moisture issues! I’m learning these new skill sets. Thanks for watching and commenting. Appreciative that

[@rebekahhamner211]

Thanks for the great videos. We also don’t really want to winterize with pink stuff, but do find ourselves in areas with cold snaps below freezing. You didn’t mention whether or not you used the holding tank heater.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

I mostly try to avoid extreme weather, but when cold strikes I run for shore power, plug in, and turn on the heat and tank warmers . Thx R H for commenting on that early video

[@BeckyG-n2h]

Thanks for this post - super helpful!! 2022 59KL. Hi All! Any advice or experience on how long a 1/4 tank of propane will last with +/-37 degree days/+/-24 degree nights? Our rig is parked in Lahaska, PA. My husband and I plan to winterize this Sunday when he returns from a scuba trip and he doesn't have cell service. Temps are colder than we anticipated. We had it plugged into 15 amp power and the cabin heat set at 60 degrees. I don't think Truma system was able to get above 50 degrees and seemed to be struggling to warm up the cabin. I just stopped by our storage location and turned on the LP, Mix 1, to make sure nothing freezes. I dropped the cabin temp to from 60 to 55 degrees in an effort to conserve propane since the tank is only 1/4 full (per the digital screen and I know from my husband that its measurement can be off). I plan to refill the propane tank ASAP - either tomorrow night, if needed, or Tuesday and then I believe I'll be fine until Sunday. Any/all advice is super appreciated as he is our RV expert, not me!! 🙂 Thanks in advance!!! Also - I'm experiencing static electricity when I touch the RV, Truma dials, etc. Is this typical? Anything I should do?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for sharing Becky

[@boardx77]

nice video. I'm waiking for my 59K.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

the 59K is very popular and can't go wrong with that. Just think through your daily needs carefully and you'll arrive at the right decision. Appreciate your comment.

[@lbvaliq]

Thanks for letting us learn from your mistake. What a rude welcome home from overseas!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

So true. thx for commenting !

[@yxq56531]

Hi, Scot, another very informative clip! Questions: is the water filter the only damaged part? Have you emptied grey and black tank before you went to London? Why the white water tank is OK (if it was) considering it sitting at the bottom of the van exposed to outside? As a new Travato GL owner, I am in California and thinking to go skiing with the van. Many ski resort parking lots could be below frozen temp, if I park the van for whole day, could that be a problem?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Strangely the water filter was the only damage component. There was some fresh water in the tank. Can’t remember waste tank status. Tank warmers were not turned on. Testiment to durability of the Travato, or maybe I i got lucky. Congrats on your GL. If you leave the rig with the furnace on you could be ok but I would not have a full tank of fresh water. The expanding frozen water is what busted by filter. Hate to have the same thing happen to your fresh water tank.

[@yxq56531]

@@gosmall.livelarge Thanks a lot Scot! I will take it easy for going to the very cold places.

[@ingolemme5113]

I'm puzzled why the Truma shut down. Did you notice if there was an error code on the Truma control panel when you returned? It will shut down if it detects an overheat situation, but I can't imagine that happening when just on electric. Even if it couldn't keep up with the cold and never reached the temp set on the thermostat, it should have kept running I think. Although it only puts out 5900 btu on EL2 mode (which is just a bit more than a 1500 watt space heater), that should have at least made enough difference to keep the temps above freezing. So the big issue is why did the Truma shut down? It was good to keep that undersink cabinet door open (I'd open it all the way), and it also helps to open or remove the lowest galley drawer. Also, you can open the low point drains (under that drawer) and drain the plumbing. Safest of course is to winterize. You are lucky that the Truma itself was not damaged by freezing! I maintain my G using these measures down to temps into the low teens (with warming during the day), but only if I'm home and can monitor it daily. If not, I drain the water lines, Truma, and water tank and blow the lines out with air. Haven't had to actually use antifreeze yet (but this is only my 2nd winter). And I live in a moderate winter climate (western WA). Glad this worked out as well as it did for you and hope all goes well in your travels.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yeah, the overall situation is still a bit of a mystery. When I get some time in January I’d like to do a bit more research to understand what happens and report out. Not having it monitored I couldn’t tell the degrading state until it was in the state I found it. Much appreciate your watching and commenting. Y0u are loving your Travato L it sounds like? And we used to live in the Seattle area, so a]are familiar with those PNW mildish winters

[@ingolemme5113]

@@gosmall.livelarge Love my Travato, but it's just a "plain" G, not an L (they didn't exist yet when we purchased in 2017).

[@paulhughes1064]

@@ingolemme5113 I do not think the Truma shutdown first. I suspect the Truma on electric-only could not keep the Volta battery pack warm enough to accept a charge and the Volta system went into hibernation first. When the Volta system went into hibernation 12V power to the Truma control circuit was lost, the Truma then shutdown causing everything to freeze.

[@paulhughes1064]

I suspect the Truma on electric-only could not keep the Volta battery pack warm enough to accept a charge and the Volta system went into hibernation first. When the Volta system went into hibernation 12V power to the Truma control circuit was lost, the Truma then shutdown causing everything to freeze. Volta is adding heating kit and Bluetooth monitoring to help manage in the cold weather. voltapowersystems.com/shop/

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Paul, thanks for your comment. You are right about Volta releasing a heating kit for the energy pack. Just did an interview with Jack at Volta about that. Thanks for watching !

[@warrenbarnes9653]

Scott, do you know how long a full tank of propane would have lasted for heating the rig in those cold temperatures? I would be surprised if it had lasted the full ten days.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Don't have a good grasp on full to empty on the propane. It is super efficient though,. I should have winterized the rig instead of doing what I did.

[@LynnAnthony]

I have a 59k. I use electric plug-in only (EL2), to my house, set Truma to 50° (as recommended), and close my blinds. So far I've not had any problems, though your temps have only occurred a couple days in a row here, not 10. Have I just been lucky?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Lynn. Great question. In general, I think your "winterizing method" is mostly sound. I would suggest you looking at the Owners Manual to validate what is recommend for you're K. If you're able to monitor your rig in those conditions you'll probably be okay. I think winterizing, such as draining water and putting in RV anti-freeze would be the best practice is you are in freezing temperature conditions would be prudent. In my GL situation, plugged in - not winterized - and relying on shore power electric Truma-only heat didn't have a good outcome as my water filter froze. At this stage in my experience I would error on the side of winterizing to avoid frozen water and battery issues.. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lucillehjort8110]

A Buddy Heater or two in those extremely cold temperatures would have kept the home warm and the pipes, I think.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yeah, a lot of learning since that last fail !

[@Molly-eq1ix]

It's a year later. Are you going to let us know how to winterize for THIS year? (I figure you're not heading to London this year so you might not be parking in Chicago.) Thanks for the nudge. Hope all is well for you.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Molly. Yes... how to winterize... get yourself and RV out of offending winter weather. If you cannot, ummmmm the Travato manual step you through that. I won’t likely show it because I my my Travato ways from bad weather. Tongue in cheek here, but that has been my experience

[@Jdlucas44]

When you winterize and add the antifreeze solution to the water system do you remove the water filter and cap it off? And if not how does the antifreeze affect the water filter and does it have to be removed and flushed out before normal use? Thanks for the great info, love the videos!!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey JDL. funny thing is I didn't winterize and that is why I had the issues. Thinking back, I do believe that my Dealer, Winnebago Motor Home in Rockford IL did winterize the system after inspecting and correcting the damage (which was only the Walter filer housing). I do think they removed the water filter and filled the fresh water system with the anti-freeze. I might be wrong. if/when I winterize I will definitely be making a video. thanks for the question!

[@leebinz7111]

We are getting out 2021 gl at the end of November. We live in Seattle which rarely gets “really” cold. Do you think keeping the rig plugged into shore power with the Truma set for electric AND propane will make it unnecessary to winterize the lines? We plan on using the rig all winter so keeping the fresh water on while we are out would be optimal. Thoughts?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Should be fine as described. Once lived in Seattle so know about the temperate winters. You will want to check on the RV regularly I think just to make sure everything is working as expected. Me consult the manual on winterizing in case there is a cold spell of extended below freezing temps.

[@kevins6725]

Well that sucks, even connected to electricity the furnace couldn’t keep up... wonder if Coachmen Crossfit has the same situation

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yeah, if you look st Roger Z’s comment he posts the BTU output. You can see the dramatic increase in BTU with propane + electric. Situation would likely happen in any non-winterized RV. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Journey ON :)

[@mrslcom]

Why did the Volta system go into hibernation? Why did the heating system shut down if you’re hooked up to shore power even though it’s insufficient to keep up with the cold temperatures?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Tanah. Great questions. My understanding is the Volta system will go into a hibernation state is the battery pack gets to cold. This prevent battery damage. Because there was no house heat being drawn into the battery back the battery pack got too cold and put itself into hibernation mode. Volta offers owners a free phone consultation so I’m going to Schuler that for next week to learn more. I will share what learn. As for the furnace actually shutting down in think there to the Truma shut it self down as a precaution since it wasn’t able to keep up with thermostat demands because it was in electric mode only. I need to do some more research on that subject to better understand what happened. I will share that as well. That for viewing a view and for commenting. Really appreciate that.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

CORRECTION: Sensta, the company that makes the display panel system for the Volta system offer the consultation, not Volta. I will use Sensta’s consultation and maybe I will reach out to Volta as well.

[@mrslcom]

Thanks for your reply and the opportunity to learn about van life from your channel.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

You, and others like you, are the reason I make and share the videos. I rally enjoy putting them together. Journey ON 🚐

[@markkanarek53]

If I purchase this model and go to extreme cold conditions but living in it, the lithium battery should be ok? I'm worried about it failing due to cold and needing to replace it. Thank you have a good day

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Mark. Is this your fist comment/question? I think maybe, so thanks for reaching out. My experience with the Pure3 lithium energy system has been very good. Very tough to "kill" the battery due to all the safeguards built-in. The lithium battery will discharge in a pretty cold setting. My experience shows if one "kills" the battery getting it back to useful service requires it being in a warm environment; it needs to be 47 degrees or more to accept a charge input. Not a real killer and not fatal to the battery, but I have put my Pure3 system in the situation 3 times now, 2 in cold weather, and it always came back to life. Drive to charge or plugging into shore power and being patient is the key.. But from what I have experienced, heard from my WGO rep, and read, hurting the Pure3 system is quite tough. Hope that helps a little. Thanks for watching and comment Mark !

[@markkanarek53]

@@gosmall.livelarge Yes this is my first time commenting and am new to your channel. Thank you for answering and putting me at ease for a big decision I'll soon make. Keep up the great content the detail you put in your videos/ comments helps so much.

[@crystaldwfan]

So if I understand correctly if you had propane in there the water filter wouldn't of cracked? I'm surprised that's the only issue, would of thought something would of happen to your pipes too.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi DWG. Yeah to get I-dongs heat into the coach I had to use both heat sources to overcome the cold weather and keep the rig at the set temp of 70. Had I been in the rig or at least monitoring it closely (which I couldn’t do from London) I would have noticed this discrepancy in set temp vs actual temp and taken corrective action. Now if I had winterized the water system I wouldn’t need any heat at all. Your right that about the pipes. I too was surprised pipes weren’t busted, only the water filter. When I asked Mick about this he mentioned the pipes used are “flexible” tubing that can expand and contract a little bit, and not break. The water filter has zero ability to expand due to the hard plastic so the frozen water cracked the housing. Overall damage was minor and was thrilled that everything else came through with flying colors.

[@user-cj7dv2kc6d]

Bummer.. you'd certainly think that the installed heater on shore power would work well enough on electric only so that wouldn't happen.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

When the exterior temp is in the low 30s and the 20s propane needed to boost heat output. Not a biggie. Truma very efficient with propane

[@mikeallensonntag]

Is there anyway you can contact me when you have a chance I'm big fan of your channel and I'm really struggling with my 59gl as far as cold weather. I would really appreciate it.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Drop my an email Mike… [e-mail]. I am mostly caught up on email

[@shawnkane4177]

You're fortunate that the water lines didn't burst too.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yeah Shawn. So fortunate. Either bling lick or Winnebago quality. Either way, big smile on my face :).

[@colormedubious4747]

Water lines are flexible. filter casing is not.

[@havenhemmings3574]

My wife parked her Paseo for 3 days in Charlotte without power and the water lines did break. Filter too. The dealer had told her it was 4 seasons. She assumed that to mean winter proof. $1200 to repair water lines.

[@patrickmchargue7122]

How do you 'winterize'?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

There is a process and procedure to winterizing. Patrick.. I have avoided it by staying in middle weather! Sorry I can't provide more details, but the Frozen Travato taught me lesson to stay in midl weather to avoid winterizing.

[@patrickmchargue7122]

@@gosmall.livelarge Sounds like the same plan I'd use, actually.

[@chriswilliamstunes1]

You know, I was thinking tjat a good way to winterize your Rv; would be to fill it with Vodka. Alcohol doesnt freeze 👍👍 lol

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Chris! Love that idea. Fill water system with vodka and then collect again during the de-winterization process. Clever :) Thanks for watching and commenting

[@cyoungledesma]

Go Small. Live Large! Then have a dewinterzation party!

[@madogblue]

That seems kind of ridiculous that the system would shut down because it can't get hot enough. Its job is to follow orders and heat plain and simple. Bummer

[@dougmanck4149]

Bummer. You mention nothing to do with Volta system but then later talk about the Volta system shutting down. I don't follow. If plugged in, Volta system is not part of the equation, guess you were saying that because the van got so cold, Volta shut down. But at that point it would have been fully charged with nothing draining it. Maybe Truma defective. It uses 1700W at electric only, wonder why it would shut down. Also, propane would not last for more than maybe three days.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Doug. Thanks for you comment. With shore power the system jumper pull from Volta to shore power. However the inverter (I think) was on, or at least has a parasitic draw). I did read in the manual of the temp gets too cold without having the battery warmed from house head drawn into battery pack the Volta puts the system into hibernation mode to avoid damage. And the battery pack and to be at 46 degrees to come out of hibernating and accept a charge.’ In the Manual I noticed Volta offers an owners free consultation by phone on the Volta systems. I’m making an appointment with them next week to have that consultation to fully understand what happened and get a more thorough understanding of the Volta system. The Volta manual is written for an engineer not an #RV user, so hard for me to follow the info. I will share my learnings. Thanks for subscribing, watching, commenting :)

[@colormedubious4747]

Doug, charging lithium batteries at freezing temps can damage them.

[@collegepros]

Stupid question from a wannabe. What if you left a small ceramic heater on the floor. If you have a power cord going to the rv anyway.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Jay, that is a good question. That might have saved the day. But i would be concerned about having a separate heat source pointed toward a cabinet in an unmonitored rig. I think had I been staying in the rig and realized the Truma wasn’t keeping up I would have called Mick or read the manual to figure out that I needed the propane boost to produce the amount of head needed.

[@coleslaw4643]

It’s not an iphone

[@gosmall.livelarge]

You are so right InTerp. But is nearly as easy to operate as an iPhone.. Still amazes me to the complexity of the systems and rig, but super simple to operate and drive my house around. First time commenting I think? Appreciate that :)

[@travisalmouth2745]

Uh-oh. That's all I'll say. Be SAFE and enjoy your journey south where it's warmer!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks Travis. Yes, looking forward to getting into warmer weather. Journey ON