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wanether's avatar
wanether
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013

First trip, some advice wanted

After a 2 month search I finally found a good RV, a 1989 Jayco Designer 26' Class C with 75K miles. The previous owners maintained it very well, all systems are functioning, it has no leaks and is in good original condition.

I'm preparing for my first trip, a 4 day jaunt from Portland Oregon to the southeastern part of the state, high desert country. Thanks to this excellent site I've planned my route and found some good RV parks along the route. I just had the motor oil changed along with a safety check, and had the oil and filter changed on the Onan generator as well.

Temps overnight are forecast to be in the 20's, but I figure that I'll be plugged in at the park and can run the furnace fan overnight without worrying about battery drain. My question is whether it's ok to operate the furnace while we're actually out driving on the road, I've heard different opinions on whether it's alright to have the LP on while driving.

Any advice here is appreciated, as well as any tips that might be useful to this first timer. Thanks!

12 Replies

  • Congrats on your purchase. We just bought a class c this year and have read about people running the furnace and ac while driving down the road. While we haven't driven in cold weather, we have driven in hot weather during the summer. We've found that the dash a/c was plenty enough for us.
  • We use LP while on the road but use the dash heater too.

    When at a campsite, we use small ceramic heaters when hooked to shore power. Save that LP! In the 20's you will eat up the LP gas. Watch for moisture build up and vent if needed.

    Once I was where it got down to 19 and my water froze up for a few hours, keep check on that.
    Also, always check tire pressure daily before pulling out.
    Take your time and enjoy.
    Good luck!