I'm a late camper...last trip is always Thanksgiving. We're heading out this weekend to camp and I noticed that Wednesday and Thursday it's getting below freezing; we live in NW Arkansas. My TT is in an outside storage area; no hookups; and I live in a HOA neighborhood that allows campers for a max of 24hrs. I can't see Thursday's hourly forecast, but Wednesday it hits 30 degrees at 4a-5a, and then 28 degrees from 7-8a. It starts going up from there. Not sure what Thursday night will bring, but plan to have the camper at my house then. Should I be fine on Wednesday?Heating wise...would I be okay to run my electric fireplace and space heaters versus the propane heater? Will the electric heaters keep the lines from freezing that go along the underbelly (that is protected)?

In short, no - the electric heaters on the interior do nothing for the water lines in the underbelly. The main furnace needs to cycle to force air through those ducts. At those temps, though, you should be able to set the thermostat to 40 or 45 and be fine.Rob

I would plan to run the propane furnace. Add one space heater max or the run the fireplace if you want to reduce propane use.

time2roll wrote:I would plan to run the propane furnace. Add one space heater max or the run the fireplace if you want to reduce propane use.But... if you do this, make sure the main thermostat is set high enough - and the electric heaters low enough - that the electric heaters don't prevent the main furnace from cycling.Rob

We are late season campers like you. Better safe than sorry. I can winterize my rig in 12 minutes and do often during this time of year. I use compressed air and anti freeze down the shower trap.

Many newer trailers that are rated 3 or 4 season models, and have an enclosed/insulated under belly, also have a furnace duct that dumps into the belly/tank area. Mine does, and the furnace is obviously needed to get this heat where needed.Jerry

Question around Cold Temps | Good Sam Community

Second_Chance
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2019
In short, no - the electric heaters on the interior do nothing for the water lines in the underbelly. The main furnace needs to cycle to force air through those ducts. At those temps, though, you should be able to set the thermostat to 40 or 45 and be fine.

Rob
time2roll
Nomad
Oct 29, 2019
I would plan to run the propane furnace. Add one space heater max or the run the fireplace if you want to reduce propane use.
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2019
time2roll wrote:
I would plan to run the propane furnace. Add one space heater max or the run the fireplace if you want to reduce propane use.

But... if you do this, make sure the main thermostat is set high enough - and the electric heaters low enough - that the electric heaters don't prevent the main furnace from cycling.

Rob
Oasisbob
Explorer
Oct 29, 2019
We are late season campers like you. Better safe than sorry. I can winterize my rig in 12 minutes and do often during this time of year. I use compressed air and anti freeze down the shower trap.
MFL
Nomad II
Oct 29, 2019
Many newer trailers that are rated 3 or 4 season models, and have an enclosed/insulated under belly, also have a furnace duct that dumps into the belly/tank area. Mine does, and the furnace is obviously needed to get this heat where needed.

Jerry
jbjuices
Explorer
Oct 29, 2019
Yes, mine is 4 season as well. I may blow out the lines after this trip so I don't freak out if it gets below freezing. The only issue is that I have a residential fridge with Ice Maker...makes it more difficult that way
ZINGERLITE
Explorer
Oct 29, 2019
I think if the temp outside only dips for an hour or so i wouldn't worry too much. blowing the lines out wouldn't hurt. id start to worry more if the temps dipped below freezing during the day. your camper would hold the warmer temps for a few hours.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2019
I agree with Zingerlite. What are the temps in the day? If the temp rises to above freezing then you should be OK. Most of the water lines are in floor, walls, or cabinets so there enough warmth to keep them from freezing solid to the point of damage at the temps and time you’ve indicated. A prolonged and/or hard freeze is a totally different ball game. I wouldn’t do anything and sleep well at night.
ReneeG
Explorer
Oct 29, 2019
At temps like that we set our thermostat to 40 so that when it kicks on it will heat the basement as the heater is vented there. We use our catalytic heater inside. If we have electricity, we run a space heater and the fireplace, at night we leave the bathroom cabinet and kitchen sink cabinet open.
librty02
Explorer
Oct 29, 2019
If temps are only dipping below freezing for 6 to 8 hours and above freezing the rest of the day I would not concern myself with it. I have never winterized any of my trailers until temps are consistently around freezing or below for 24 hour periods and I have never had an issue.

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