How to tell if trailer is cold rated???

A good brand have the cold package install.You got to look if the underbelly is enclose or not,the heater vents have opening in the storage area and then check this website for more info.

Hi,

Enclosed heated tanks are a good indicator.

Mine are enclosed but not heated. I added a 120 volt outlet and a small heater that is controlled by a mechanical thermostat--so I know I am "good" to -34 c.

Dual pane windows and no slides are also definitely "on the list", as is a heated basement.

Mine has an insulated basement but no way to heat it. I've gotten around that by using "magic carpets" which are heated and radiate down into the floor cavity at 47 C. The end result is that areas of the floor that used to be below freezing are now quite comfortable.

Temperature monitoring is a good thing to add, too.

My FW is advertised as a 4-season model. I have to say, it is well insulated, as in quiet, and heats/cools easily. The underbelly is insulated, with enclosed tanks and valves. There is heat throughout the basement.

There is a few things that would not work, if really cold, such as the outdoor shower. The water lines go to the unheated area that the propane tanks are in. Also the low point drains stick out the bottom.

I have used it in overnight temps in upper teens with no problem. To call it a 4-season, in the Midwest would not be a true statement.

The glass is pretty thick safety glass, but not double pane. I think it does help for sound reduction. It would not be hard to make it more winter ready, but not for below 0 weather.

Jerry

If we ever get another 5er (pretty happy with the one we have at the moment) enclosed drain valves will be really high on the list. On our recent trip to FL - it felt like every few days, we were draining the tanks and putting antifreeze in, to protect the (exposed) valves overnight if the temps dipped below freezing. I'm assuming with enclosed valves, that's not a worry assuming daytime temps will be above freezing?

donn0128 wrote:
How to tell? Live in it for a winter in the north!

That only works if you survive the winter.:B

That's why we have had two DRV made fifth wheels. They withstand temperature extremes very well. All the insulation makes for a quiet rig inside. As a result they are heavy, especially on the king pin.

In my opinion most four season campers means you follow the four seasons with it. Winter in warm places, summer in cool. Most RV's come nowhere near to having the R insulation values of a house. However, some are better insulated than others and some are more likely to withstand high and low temps better than others. You might start your search with Arctic Fox products.

How to tell? Live in it for a winter in the north!

Depends upon the brand but basically what goduck10 said.

For most RV companies "4 season" is an upgrade. Example: Heartland models have a emblem by the door that says "Yeti package"

Mobile Suites and Artic Fox I believe are made as 4 season units.

Mine has dual pane windows, heated tanks, enclosed tank valves, even some of the floor is heated, but don't know if it is "cold rated", though we did camp out this past thanksgiving and temps dipped to 4 below with windchill of -10....everything worked fine and we stayed warm. I think some think they have 4 seasons 5er's, and they don't, and some think they don't have one and actually may have one....unless otherwise designated as such, might be hard to tell sometimes.