How To Protect Your Food Trailer From Extreme Cold

did you know it’s key to protect your food trailer from cold to avoid costly damage?
when temperatures near or drop below 0°C (32°F), you need to take special precautions with your water system. in this guide — based on our video — we explain step by step what to do with the heater hoses to prevent freezing and damage.
how to protect your food trailer from extreme cold (avoid costly damage)
why is it important to protect your food trailer from the cold?
when temperatures drop, the water inside hoses or the heater can freeze, expand, and crack the tubes — which can cause leaks, failures, or even expensive part replacements.
this especially happens in trailers left parked or unused for several days in cold climates.
step by step: how to protect your food trailer from the cold
1. identify when a cold wave is coming
check your city or regional weather forecasts. if you see days with temperatures near freezing, act ahead of time.
2. disconnect the water heater hoses
locate the two hoses connected to the water heater inside your trailer. these carry hot water in and out:
- disconnect both water hoses (inlet and outlet)
- leave them hanging — that’s fine
- do not disconnect the black gas hose! it can stay connected safely
recommendation: water can freeze inside the hoses and ice can burst them. the risk is real; we’ve seen this happen several times.
3. drain the heater water if possible
if you know your trailer won’t be used for several days, it’s best to fully drain the heater to prevent internal water from freezing as well.
extra tip: use thermal covers for extra protection
if you operate frequently in cold zones, consider installing insulating covers on heater connections and use residual heat sources (like heat lamps) inside the trailer to protect sensitive equipment.
at Foods Trailer Shop, we help you prevent damage from day one
all our food trailers are designed to withstand various weather conditions, but when extreme cold hits, prevention makes all the difference.
working with us means:
personalized advice
professional installation
clear guides like this one to care for your equipment
have questions about protecting your equipment in winter?
contact us or check other blog posts with recommendations to keep your trailer in top shape all year round.