Best Winter RV?

newman fulltimer wrote:
Go back and tell the salesman the wall is only as insulated as the window in it.and see what his response will be

Good point, that's why unless you get DP windows the insulation isn't that big of a deal.

Go back and tell the salesman the wall is only as insulated as the window in it.and see what his response will be

Look at the R values in your selections. Check to see if the dump valves are in an insulated compartment. Are the tanks insulated? Get dual pane windows. You need to read between the lines as they say when deciphering what is meant by all season rated. Lots of smoke and mirrors in the RV industry.

Living in Oregon I would recommended Northwood Mfg or OutdoorsRV. Only because they offer TT/5'ers for the northwest usage. There are others out there as well that are just as good for 4 season camping. But buying local is better in that if you have a major problem the factory is close.

Forest River has a plant in Dallas Or, also. I know they sell Wildcat Maxx. Looking at the brochure online they seem to be well insulated.

We have an Arctic Fox and are very comfortable with it.

How can you tell if an RV salesman is lying?
Are his lips moving?

No RV made, period is really designed for winter use in some place like say North Dakota. They can be modified/setup to handle a winter like that, but they really aren't made for it.

A winter in western Oregon, much easier.

You've had several recommendations for Northwoods (Nash, Arctic Fox, etc). The advantage there is these are made in Oregon and you should be able to find a new or used rig that meets your needs.

Salesman is blowing smoke. Lots of campers have enclosed underbellies, mine does, but that doesn't mean it's a 4 season camper.

Look into NuWA, Arctic fox, and Nash.

I am living in my 2013 Open Range at a Ski Resort and it is a true 4 season RV

Keep in mind that even if they are 4-season RVs, they will still not be as well insulated as a house.

According to where you will be wintering, you may have to also enclose underneath the RV by the use of some type of insulating material, you may have to use heat tape on the water source, supplement your heat with electric heater and you may need to add a larger propane tank.

My son has been full-timing in Kentucky for a couple of years so he has discovered most of these things and is usually pretty comfortable. That being said, he had some pretty uncomfortable days during this past week, but the temps that the whole country had was pretty uncomfortable.

Must have been a Jayco salesman. I am not aware of a four-season line from that manufacturer, and certainly not everything they make is designed for winter use.

The majority of trailers now are covered underneath, since "enclosed underbody" became a buyer checkpoint. Covering might be a plastic sheet, or maybe non-woven fabric. Enclosed space might be less than 2 inches deep, not heated, but it can be said to be enclosed.

For winter use, I would prefer a four season design, e.g. dual pane windows, fewer and smaller windows and vents, thicker walls with better insulation, plumbing installed in heated spaces, etc. Not all four season RVs ate the same, some are much better at dealing with cold weather than others.

Yes, they are hard to find, few manufacturers build for this market, few buyers want to pay the extra cost, carry the extra weight, and live in the less bright and airy box.

Two manufacturers come to mind, Bigfoot and Northwood. For TTs, and Northwood makes some fivers. Prices might be 50% to 100% higher than low cost, high volume model for similar sizes. If you need something bigger than what these manufactuers provide, there are premium builders who build custom RVs for full-time year-round use. Expect to at least double the cost again.

It also comes down to winter where? Many RVs are used as winter residences, taken to places with warm or at least mild winters.

Owldancer wrote:
looking for an RV that can be lived in during winter. Have been told by a salesperson that Jayco's are the only RV that is sealed underneath. True or False?

Another salesperson told us that a true 4 season is difficult to find, although anything 4 season will be better insulated than non-4 season rigs.

looking for 5th wheel or bumper pull.

all information is appreciated!

1) False. Plenty of trailers have sealed underbelly's, most with COROPLAST.

2) Also False. They are easy to find. You have to decide on what features you want.

3) Look at Lance Travel Trailers. A lightweight true 4 season trailer w/ heated enclosed holding tanks, enclosed underbelly, dual pane windows, winterizing bypass, Azdel, etc etc. They are pricey though, but you get what you pay for.

WoodGlue