Covered vs Uncovered Underbelly

The only section on my TT that is covered is insulated. Hard to tell what all is under there but it helps keep it clean and I am sure the mice like it.:)

If you get one without, just make sure there's no raw wood showing or you will eventually have rot.

I like my belly uncovered unless it gets cold

Sandia Man wrote:
Like anything there are pros and cons to either choice. For your described style of camping it's possible that an open underbelly will suit you just fine, but don't expect to do any extended camping in temps below freezing should you decide on this route. Have spent much time on business and also have family in the DFW area, it sure can get cold in a hurry when the occasional winter storm blows through.

I have had open underbelly rigs and have done mods to insulate the water lines in order to camp below freezing, been lucky thus far not to experience any adverse affects to our water delivery system due to freezing. I would more than likely go with a covered/heated underbelly in our next rig. Hope you have many wonderful times in your new RV.

agreed. One thing I found is that in most cases the trailers with covered underbelly's are built that way mostly for production methods and then advertized as a benefit. Trailers with covered underbellys are usually built upside down at the start, plumbing, wiring etc dropped through, then covered, then flipped and finished. As opposed to the wiring etc going through the roof and dropped down.

so, it's easier to get to wiring on covered underbellys, but it's also messier wiring and ducting and plumbing because with nothing exoposed it doesn't have to be neat.

Those enclosed underbellies are a great place to stuff all the garbage from the line, right after they flip it over right side up, and before they set the floor on.

Like anything there are pros and cons to either choice. For your described style of camping it's possible that an open underbelly will suit you just fine, but don't expect to do any extended camping in temps below freezing should you decide on this route. Have spent much time on business and also have family in the DFW area, it sure can get cold in a hurry when the occasional winter storm blows through.

I have had open underbelly rigs and have done mods to insulate the water lines in order to camp below freezing, been lucky thus far not to experience any adverse affects to our water delivery system due to freezing. I would more than likely go with a covered/heated underbelly in our next rig. Hope you have many wonderful times in your new RV.

It is a mixed bag....

Positives: allows for more insulation, helps protect pipes, tanks, etc from damage, keeps everything underneath cleaner, etc.

Negatives: makes it harder to access pipes, valves, electrical, etc for servicing and repairs.

Generally it's considered an upgrade.

Do not let someone tell you that it helps tow better and helps with mileage...that's hype.

JWP127 wrote:
Is the covered underbelly worth all the hype?

I've owned both and IMO it's all hype, in fact I much prefer an open underbelly as access to any cables, pipes, etc is FAR easier. With an enclosed underbelly wires are usually run helter skelter with little attachment, with a properly assembled underbelly everything is neat and tidy. :B