Arctic/Polar/Cold weather packages.
Hi again. And sorry again if this is covered in 100 other threads... Was visiting a dealer local to me about two weeks ago to look at a camper that we think is "the one" ;) when we can pull the tr...
Forum Discussion
Farm Camp wrote:
Thanks everybody. In the case of the unit I'm looking at the Standard unit has an enclosed underbelly.
The Arctic package says that it includes an "Enclosed, insulated, and heated underbelly" (not just enclosed) and "foil insulation in the roof". I think this is a $700 option according the the manufacturer... Thermal windows are not included in that price but are available as another option.
I want to be comfortable then as well as being able to maybe get a early start/late end to camping. I'm thinking the money isn't a whole lot different and that its a worthwhile option... But that one dealer really made me question if I was just being hyped...
As other have said, cold weather packages can be very different between manufacturers. You need to do your homework as to what exactly is included in aech package.
Heated holding tanks, for example:
Some manufacturers will say they have heated tanks, when, all they have is an enclosed underbelly. A small amout of heat will radiate through the floor, to warm your tanks.
Some enclose the belly and run heating ductwork near the tanks. Some radiant heat will warm the tanks.
Some enclose the belly, run ductwork near the tanks, and provide an opening for heated air to blow on the tanks.
Some enclose the belly, run ductwork near the tanks, provide heated air blowing on, or near the tanks, and install electric heat pads directly on the tanks.
They all say "We have heated holding tanks".
Arctic, Polar, and 4 Season packages could be something simple as an enclosed underbelly or extra layer of plastic wrap, something extreme as an extra 2 inches of insulation, or anywhere in between.
It appears this Arctic package, does nothing for sidewalls and windows. It is mostly pointed at warming your holding tanks.
The key questions, on your Arctic package, should be:
Between standard model and Arctic model, what is the difference in "R" values for the roof and floor?
How is the underbelly heated? (Heated air, radiant heat from floor or ductwork, etc)
