Cold Weather Camper Recommendations

Ask the manufacturer for the R values in the floor, walls, and ceilings. Your typical trailer will have R7 throughout. A lot of trailers advertise they're 4 seasons, but really they are R7 trailers with tank heating and dual pane windows. When you start seeing numbers like R12 and R14, you're heading in the right direction. Also whatever trailer you end up with, make sure it's sealed up well. The R value of the trailer means nothing if you have cold air leaking past it.

GOSH! He covered everything except the fact is, Pa never has anything but winter N of Pittsburgh. Born there, moved away and go back in
Feb for funerals. Someone always says "It's not always -25 with a -52 chill factor," but I lived there. Our Arctic Fox is about 9K and it was snug at 4 degrees in Branson and a 3 day blizzard in Columbus.

I would pick DC.

Are the waste tanks enclosed? If so, consider a small fan based heater with a thermostat.

I am getting my Keystone Laredo TT ready for Colorado winter. I am ordering tank heaters from UltraHeat.
My question to this forum is, should I go DC tank heaters or AC tank heaters?
A few caveats:

• my fresh water tank already is heated
  
• this is just for waste tanks
  
• I will not be moving the RV during the winter

Thanks in advance - jd

I second the suggestion on the Lance. Heated enclosed holding tanks and insulated tank valve, dual pane windows etc.

All the Lance TT, except for the 1575, can be ordered with the 4 season package.
"Utilize your travel trailer all year long remaining comfortable in extreme heat or cold temperatures with the Lance Four Seasons Certified option that includes along with standard dual pane windows and advanced ducted heating: water heater bypass and winterizing valve, insulated hatch covers and heated holding tanks."

BigSur2 wrote:
What do you guys think about Jayco White Hawk? Was told by a local dealer that they are 4 season models and he has plenty of floor models in stock. ?????

I looked them up but didn't see anything specifically referencing cold weather capability.

I looked too. No where on Jaco's website, does it describe their cold weather (Glacier) package. It doesn't even show an "R" value for floor, walls, and roof. Closest I saw, to any kind of cold weather protection, was an enclosed underbelly.

Also, it showed 20 lb propane tanks. In 10 - 20 degree weather, you'd probably drain one of those tanks, every day.

You should ask that sales person to explain, what exactly is in the Glacier package (I think he'll have a problem doing that), what the "R" values are, and how exactly, are the holding tanks heated (he may have a problem with this one, too).


Here's a link to a list of specs on a Primetime Lacrosse trailer. It goes as far as to list a snow load rating on the roof.

Look at Primetime specs. That's the type of info you want to see on what ever trailer you decide on.

I would recommend the electric tank / pipe heaters. Some manufacturers won't install them, some will do it as a special order, and some have them as a standard option. Check around for Flagstaff or Rockwood dealers. The heaters are available on both of those.

Where are you in PA? I bought my Nash at Kelly's in West Milton, PA. They are the only Northwood Dealer on the East Coast.

http://www.kellymobilehomesandrv.com/- nice small family run operation

Denali by Dutchmen has a four-season package. I looked at this prior to buying mine. I liked it also. I didn't go into it in detail, but it was nice looking and proclaimed it was a four-season, so they must have something to back that up! If I was still looking I'd take a look at those ones!

Hi,

I believe that there are a lot of inflated claims about the level of RV insulation. And, unlike residential construction, there are no codes or enforcement of these claims. So I suggest using a fairly large dose of skepticism when listening to salespersons or reading manufactures brochures.

While light weight, quality insulation isn't without some weight. Double pane windows weight more and closed cell foam insulation is more dense (weighs more) than Styrofoam. So your quest for a light weight unit that is well insulated may have to be balanced by going smaller. Smaller has an advantage too in that there is just that much less area for heat to conduct and convect (if not sealed properly) through.

RV double pane windows don't have anywhere near the insulating properties of residential double pane windows. Yes, many, large window may "look nice", they aren't so comfortable to sit by when it's cold due to radiant heat loss and conduction through (usually) non-thermally broke frames.

Slide-out's are often not as well insulated (esp. the ceiling) as the rest of the unit, and the seals can lose considerable heat through convection.

Take a look at the wheel wells (if you can) as, likely, there is absolutely no insulation over them at all and maybe even gaps.....yet, probably, they are inside a cabinet with water lines running close (or against) them.

Then you can get into the whole battery and charging system design and how it is optimized (likely not) for cold weather use. Or the heating system (do you enjoy listening to a noisy RV furnace, or alternating between being hot and cold as the unit cycles?)

Some are better than others, but most RV's really aren't built for cold weather use. However, if you are willing to put some time, money, and elbow grease into it, they can be "improved".

Hope this helps.

Steve