Freeze protection here in Northern Arizona is a real issue. We can often see overnight temps drop below 0 degrees F.

For our waste tanks, drain lines, and water systems, we use a lot of heat tape and insulation. Of course, the cars have to be left on power 24/7, which drives up the electric bill from the local utility.

For the car interiors, we have 2 levels of heat. 'Normal' keeps the cars at around 70 degrees for passenger comfort. A flip of a toggle switch activates a 'Layover' system, which ties in a different set of thermostats that are set for around 45 degrees. This keeps the equipment protected but saves a considerable amount of energy.

Eric

Would anyone from Strasburg be willing to share their what they’re using? I would be greatly interested as our climates are similar.

https://www.railwayage.com/news/guru-pc ... -it-works/

Thought of this thread when I saw this in Railway Age. I also know someone who bought a barely used RV only to find out that the water heater hadn't been drained before the winter, creating a nice mess in an enclosed area, I wonder if something like this could prevent such problems. Doesn't really solve the problem of unheated cars in winter but a last-chance option to prevent damage.

Another solution to the toilet freezing problems is to follow the example of folks who have summer cabins in the north woods of Wisconsin. When winterizing the cabins in the Fall, besides draining all lines and blowing them out with compressed air, they will put antifreeze in all the toilet and sink traps. Some used to use kerosene but too much of a fire hazard is involved.