This is the first real winter for us in our new-to-us Class C. We took it up to Estes Park yesterday. Nothing like driving at highway speeds, outside temps of 5* F, to find out all of the outside-air-infiltration paths! :)Cold air was pouring in from the lower kitchen cabinet. I'm guessing that a big contributor could be the outside refridge vent. I may try covering that up a bit then driving some more and seeing if it helps.I know the motorhomes aren't sealed completely - but that was like driving with a window open.As a test, I put a small 1500 watt electric heater in the coach last night. Outside temps dropped to 0* F and inside dropped to 49* F. That was with the furnace off. Tonight I'll probably try it with the furnace on and see if I can find a nice balance between propane consumption and warmth.Electric blankets seem to be harder to find these days. Walmart just had some smaller electric "throw" blankets. The label says 180 watts. I just might try sleeping out there as a test with the throw.I know most people just park their RVs in the winter, but our kids love travelling in ours. And it's fun having a warm place to climb into when you're out at a distant sledding hill.

They are pathetically insulated. Here is a degree symbol you can use next time.. if you're so inclined. °Rather than go through the Alt-key nonsense, I just copy and paste that. Why keyboard designers have chosen to eliminate this oft-used character in favor of other nonsense ones is beyond me. Rant off.

Be careful how much electric heat you use in cold weather. It is quite possible to freeze the fresh water lines. DAMHIK

Thanks for the help on the degree symbol. I've been on the internet so long that old habits are hard to break. Like using asterisks to indicate *bold* intent.I've also been on long enough to remember the days before smiley faces. ;)

If you have a Sears in your area, Sears has electric blankets of all sizes. We purchased 2 last year, both were Queen.

Cold air was pouring in from the lower kitchen cabinet. I'm guessing that a big contributor could be the outside refridge vent. I may try covering that up a bit then driving some more and seeing if it helps.Fridge outside compartment should NOT have any air leakage into interior of RV for couple of reasonsPath of CO to RV interior should propane flame not be burning correctlyLack of proper draft across backside of fridge cooling unit....means lack of proper fridge coolingMeans fridge was NOT properly installed

Cold Weather! | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

Opie431
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
We got our electric blanket at Kuhl's. full size. I would guess that similar stores also have them. Not as cheap as Walmarts but we bought ours in the spring when they were half off.

We also have a down comfortor that works as well.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Jan 01, 2016
pnichols wrote:
I've read many times of folks who block off their roof vents for maximum heat retention during cold weather.

I question always comes to mind: How do you then maintain some ventilation inside the RV while these are blocked off? We always keep the vents open just a little (we have Maxxaire covers over them) for ventilation .... even in cold weather. This also helps control excessive moisture build-up from cooking and breathing when spending long periods inside.

We've never had a problem with interior condensation because the electric or propane heater dries out the air.
pnichols
Explorer II
Dec 31, 2015
I've read many times of folks who block off their roof vents for maximum heat retention during cold weather.

I question always comes to mind: How do you then maintain some ventilation inside the RV while these are blocked off? We always keep the vents open just a little (we have Maxxaire covers over them) for ventilation .... even in cold weather. This also helps control excessive moisture build-up from cooking and breathing when spending long periods inside.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Dec 30, 2015
Deb and Ed M wrote:
I had sheets of Reflectix insulation cut to fit each window; plus the foam pillows in each vent made all the difference in the world!! On our 5th wheel, we could also screw the A/C vents shut, so heat wasn't being lost up the ductwork (and I also put a layer of Saran Wrap over the A/C grill screen, too)

Those pillows work well. The new ones have reflective material on one side to make the pillow last longer in high UV conditions.

If you can get a roll of Reflectex, you can cut it to fit in just about any area under the cabinets too; just keep it clear of wires or heat sources.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Dec 29, 2015
I had sheets of Reflectix insulation cut to fit each window; plus the foam pillows in each vent made all the difference in the world!! On our 5th wheel, we could also screw the A/C vents shut, so heat wasn't being lost up the ductwork (and I also put a layer of Saran Wrap over the A/C grill screen, too)
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 29, 2015
Find a web site with the symbol. Then cut and paste it. Slow and awkward but it works with any OS that allows pasting.

loggenrock wrote:
First - love the degree symbol!
ksg5000
Explorer II
Dec 29, 2015
We use two electric heaters set on low - we put them on separate electric circuits to help overloading system. In our rig one is in the front and one in the back. We use the rigs furnace as back up system in case the two electric heaters can't keep up.

Write down the "cold spots" and investigate when you get home - in our rig we found a couple of cavities which we were able to stuff some insulation in - worth a try.
tippytoe
Explorer
Dec 28, 2015
Also, before turning engine off, turn the dash air/heater controls to "Recirculate". That will close a flapper that will keep cold air from oozing in through the heater or vent ducts.
loggenrock
Explorer
Dec 28, 2015
First - love the degree symbol! Used to do the whole "alt-" thing on my Windows XP machine - not sure how to create it on my Win 8.1 version... Gotta agree with Don - my exterior shower is just a breach in the insulated wall - plumbing isn't even sealed to it (on the list for warmer weather...). Using the propane furnace doesn't mean plumbing gets any more heat than using electric (or some other source) in the coach. Not all furnaces are ducted, or at least ducted towards plumbing. Just need to keep cabinets open to allow warm air to reach the pipes. I've found a little fan helps in that regard. ST
ncrowley
Explorer II
Dec 28, 2015
I was worried when you said you only used the electric heater. You need to use the propane heat as well as the electric heater because the propane heat will keep your tanks and pipes from freezing. You should use both when the weather gets cold.

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Cold Weather!

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