Practical Tips for UK 5th Wheel Owners: Winterisation

We are asked if 5th wheels can be used in the winter, and the answer is yes, with some considerations. Here's a practical, no-nonsense guide to keeping your fifth wheel happy and frost-free in British winter conditions.

Can You Use a Fifth Wheel in Freezing Weather?

Absolutely, but preparation is everything. Many owners camp through UK winters, and even live full-time, without issues. The key risks come from water expanding as it freezes, which can lead to:

• Frozen freshwater tanks and lines

• Cracked or burst pipework (often hidden under the unit)

• Damaged water pumps

• Split toilet valves or macerator pumps

• Issues with grey and black tank valves or seals

UK damp cold lingers, and continued overnight dips below zero can cause splits if there's standing water. Unlike drier US winters, our humidity creates more risks.

Tank Heating Options

Lots of imported fifth wheels come with factory fitted 12V tank heating pads (especially "four-season" models), but not all 5th wheels do.

Check these:

• Are heaters actually installed? (Look under the fresh, grey, and black tanks, often adhesive pads wired to 12V.)

• Do they work? Test them on a cold night or with a multi-meter.

• Are they thermostatically controlled? Good ones kick in around 5–7°C and heat tanks to prevent freezing without wasting power.

If yours lack them or they're inadequate, retrofitting is straightforward and common in the UK. You can buy 12V tank heater pads (sized for your tanks, e.g., 7x25 inches for larger ones) online, or you can ask about this service at CCRV. Heater pads stick on with adhesive, wire to your leisure battery or hook-up, and many include a thermostat. Pair them with tank insulation blankets or foil bubble wrap for better efficiency. You can also add heat tape to exposed pipes for an extra level of protection.

If you're on hook-up, these run cheaply and are potentially far cheaper and better than repairs.

Drain Down Between Trips?

Our UK winters aren't constant deep freeze like the US Midwest, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles wreck unprotected systems. Even if you think it's "mild," that lingering damp can turn a small pocket of water into a cracked fitting.

So, if temps are forecast below 3°C and the fifth wheel will sit outdoors unused, then undertake the following:

Full drain-down steps (quick version):

• Empty fresh, grey, and black tanks completely.

• Open all taps, flush toilet, low-point drains.

• Blow out lines with an air compressor if possible (helps remove residual water).

• Don't forget the water heater—bypass it or drain it separately.

For short trips or active use, many skip full winterising and rely on heating/insulation instead.

Simple Prevention Steps for Everyday Winter Use

These are low-effort habits that make a big difference:

• Insulate exposed pipework with foam sleeves or self-adhesive wrap (cheap from DIY and hardware shops).

• Keep internal cupboard doors open so warm air circulates to under-sink pipes.

• Use a small oil-filled radiator on low (hook-up only, never leave unattended or on high; watch for fire risk).

• Avoid leaving your water hose connected overnight in frost, detach and drain it, or use an insulated/ heated hose.

• If parked long-term, consider skirting around the base (tarps or purpose-made RV skirts) to trap heat underneath and block wind.

• Keep the interior above 5–10°C if possible. Your heating system will indirectly protect internal RV plumbing.

Black & Grey Tanks

These often get overlooked, but wastewater freezes too, especially grey with soapy residue or black with solids. Note that many of the units we sell at CCRV have heated tanks, check your model for details.

If storing in freezing weather or expecting hard frosts:

• Add non-toxic RV antifreeze (the pink, propylene glycol stuff, food-grade and safe for waste systems). Pour a couple of litres down sinks, shower, and toilet after draining to protect traps and valves. Brands like Elsan or standard RV pink antifreeze work well.

• Never use automotive antifreeze, it's toxic and can damage seals.

• Don't assume residual warmth from living in the van protects tanks forever, black and grey can be exposed underneath. Tank heaters are brilliant here. If you don't have any fit pads to all three tanks for winter camping.

A few extra bits worth mentioning:

• Monitor weather apps, UK forecasts can flip quickly.

• If full-timing or long winter stays, hook-up sites with electric are your friend for running heaters.

• In spring, flush everything thoroughly and check for leaks. This is also a good time to check your RV seals.

Follow these tips, and your fifth wheel should sail through a British winter without drama. It's all about being proactive rather than reactive—better safe than dealing with a burst pipe in February. If you've got questions come over to our Facebook page or contact us for helpful answers.

Stay warm out there!