Temperature Ratings for Travel Trailers

RVnRobin wrote:
I assume this also translates to an ability to keep cool in hot climates.

I would not make that assumption.

Of course it depends upon your definition of a hot climate.

It will take two ACs to be comfortable in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas in the summer - when the temps are near 100.

Even if the ACs are cooling properly, if you are in southeast Texas or Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama - the humidity will be so high that you will be feeling clammy and sticky inside the trailer.

Like many people in the Dallas area - late June, July and August are my least active camping months. It's no fun to go somewhere and have to sit inside 22 hours a day because it is too hot to be outside.

Windows are the biggest problem with cooling. The fewer, the better. Our new 35' Flagstaff trailer has 15 windows along with three overhead vents (and two ducted ACs - on 15K the other 13.5K).

Among the first things I did after picking it was to measure and cut insulated silver covers for each of them. When we camp in the summer - the covers stay on the windows on the south and west side of the trailer during the day.

Most of the less expensive units will install tank heaters and maybe a heat tape on the internal water line. Then they put the all important "Arctic Package" decal on the side (but no extra insulation) to try and make you think it's that much better. You'll still freeze your azz off in it but the tanks won't freeze up...

B.O.

Hi,

Look for a unit with enclosed tanks and a heated basement. From there it is easy to upgrade.

For example I have used 17 yards of 48" material to make covers for all vents, skylights, windows, side door, and a "blanket" to block off the cab area of my class C.

No matter what the temperature rating - you are still going to need to take precautions in below freezing weather.

One of the best ways is to completely enclose the trailer bottom with plywood or mobile home skirting and add an incandescent bulb to heat the area. Of course, the water supply pipe would have to be in that enclosed area.

That's more stuff to carry around than most of us want to do, but if I were going to spend three or four months in an area with frequent temps into the 20s or lower, I'd do it.

We camp below freezing several times in north and central Texas. One thing I do is take in and drain my fresh water hoses - and run off the trailer freshwater tank and pump when it gets that cold.

I've also had campgrounds shut off the water when temps get to 30, always after folks have gone to bed. Get up at 2 am - use the toilet and no water to flush.

We are looking at temps down to near 15-18 this weekend, and I'm not worried, but I will be watching the furnace heating the tanks, the tank pad heaters, and wrap the exposed black and grey tanks valves with a $15 duct sleeve from Home Depot and a regular heating pad on the low setting.

Excel does build a quality rig and is worth the $$$ if looking for a full-time unit, Northwood Mfg. builds 4 season units that don't put such a big dent in your wallet.

Always plan on cold weather as well as hot. We're in "sunny" Arizona....in the last week we had temps down to the 30s. :)

They can all operate in that comfort range if they have adequate heating and cooling appliances.

Be careful about insulation ratings when shopping for a new rig. A lot of the brands tout R-38 or some other outlandish numbers. They do this because the thin-film plastic (Reflectix) makers give them those numbers. The reality is that RV's only have so much wall cavity, roof cavity, and floor cavity space to be filled. Physics can't be overcome by a salesman's or factory's marketspeak.

rrupert wrote:
Isn't Arctic Fox one brand that is supposed to be able to handle colder climates?

Yes, they are noted for the build quality and insulation, BUT they are heavy for their size, so almost every model is in 2500 truck range.

Skip notes there are many that advertise as "four season trailers" but few deliver on that claim....having a true year round trailer is more than just an enclosed underbelly, it's heated tank space, dual-pane windows that don't give you a river of condensation in cold weather, better insulation in walls/floor/ceiling, etc. Other think to keep in mind is that as tight as the unit may be, absorption fridges do not function well in cold temps.

Moved from Fulltiming

Isn't Arctic Fox one brand that is supposed to be able to handle colder climates?