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Eriba stuff ......FOR THE NEXT 5 CATEGORIES PLEASE BE PRECISE BY GIVING FULL DETAILS OF THE TYPE OF ERIBA/TOW CAR/AWNING YOU HAVE TO HELP US ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. � Anything Eriba-related �

Early spring frosts and water pipes

in Anything Eriba-related Mon Mar 14, 2022 7:00 am
by rambling robin (deleted)

Our Triton 410 didn't have a water system so frost was never a worry.
Our new old 540 has a basic cold water system fed by Whale - so I've decided to get an Aquaroll.
I'll be draining direct to waste container - not sure if this van has a waste water tank or not...
Reading the horror stories of blown taps etc I'm a bit puzzled as to best practice around this time of year when overnight frosts - like last night - are still a thing.
Does one actually need to drain down the taps and tank for a -1 or -2 frost when using the van?
OK I guess the Aquaroll may want a jacket and presumably one would disconnect the pump? Or would you?
If the water system is all inboard then wouldn't general body heat etc keep the ambient up high enough?
I certainly don't recall seeing hoards of people rushing around draining down their Bailey/Compass/Adria or whatever in previous April outings
Sorry to be asking, but the manual - like most manuals - tells you a lot but doesn't answer any real life questions.

Rather genteel 2004 Troll 540GT pushing a couple of old fogies.

RE: Early spring frosts and water pipes

in Anything Eriba-related Mon Mar 14, 2022 8:51 am
by eribaMotters •

| 5.573 Posts

If using the van in low temperatures it would not cross my mind to drain things down, but I would have some form of heating on. With an aquaroll I'd expect some form of thermal wrap jacket, but others can advise best as I don't use one. With the onboard tank we do not have a problem.

Colin

Forum Moderator. aka Oscar - Audi A3 1.5 petrol _ ex 430, 552, camplet trailer tent, 310, now a nice white 2017 430.

RE: Early spring frosts and water pipes

in Anything Eriba-related Mon Mar 14, 2022 4:56 pm
by Ray Lawrence •

| 671 Posts

I'm sure you wouldn't be living in the van with temperatures below freezing for a protracted period? Your taps are inside so no problem.

Maybe disconnect your aquaroll from the water inlet at night if it's going to be particularly cold, but as the inlet pipe is flexible I can't see that being a problem either.

2007 Triton 430GT - Seat Ateca 1.4TSI petrol manual

RE: Early spring frosts and water pipes

in Anything Eriba-related Mon Mar 14, 2022 7:31 pm
by Inspecta_Gadget •

| 329 Posts

Hi, we�ve rallied over winter regularly and only once has the aqua roll frozen -10 degrees all weekend will do that!
We have an insulating cover and a piece of foam matting ready to sit the aqua roll on for next time, but haven�t needed it in 10 years since.

Winter storage is the issue if you can�t keep a small heater going inside; open the taps and drains and I�ve even been known to blow down the taps.

RE: Early spring frosts and water pipes

in Anything Eriba-related Tue Mar 15, 2022 7:01 am
by rambling robin (deleted)

Quote: Inspecta_Gadget wrote in post #4
......Winter storage is the issue if you can’t keep a small heater going inside; open the taps and drains and I’ve even been known to blow down the taps.

When we had a motorcaravan I used to use the upholstery cleaner tube on the Vax carpet cleaner. Held about 1/2" away from the tap outlet it provided enough suction to draw any water in the tubes out. Obviously all valves and other taps open. The water system was all insulated inboard so not as sensitive to cold as Eribas.
It was also very handy a few months back in clearing an air lock on our domestic hot water system too!!!

Rather genteel 2004 Troll 540GT pushing a couple of old fogies.

RE: Early spring frosts and water pipes

in Anything Eriba-related Tue Mar 15, 2022 7:20 pm
by Morphy •

| 972 Posts

I never thought of sucking the remaining water out of the taps but I have opened all valves and as far as I know all is well at the moment I will find out shortly when I re-introduce water on board. Morphy

New Troll 540GT on the way Silver Skoda Octavia Scout residing in sunny Lancashire.