Running heater when RV is covered

[DE47]

I have a 4-seasons 5th wheel that I recently put a cover on for the summer. If I leave that cover on can I still run the furnace over the winter to keep the underbelly warm?

[partsman01]

Well I winterize every year, up here it can get cold, and I use three of these items that are supposed to help keep moisture away.

[memtb]

mtofell1 wrote:
4-season trailer is kind of a joke. - Really, it's just marketing hype. I'll run an oil filled radiant heater to keep from winterizing for short periods and/or if the temps are too cold. Otherwise, I just drain out the water, blow out the lines and pour anti-freeze in the tanks.

I respectfully disagree! Yes... per cublc foot of heated area, it will require more heating than a well insulated stick and mortar home. And, I will not hesitate to use my camper at a -20 F and below.... and have done so!

It's simply a matter of construction.... you can't run a Ford Pinto in the Indy 500 for numerous reasons! :R

[mtofell1]

4-season trailer is kind of a joke. - Really, it's just marketing hype. I'll run an oil filled radiant heater to keep from winterizing for short periods and/or if the temps are too cold. Otherwise, I just drain out the water, blow out the lines and pour anti-freeze in the tanks.

[colliehauler]

DE47 wrote:
Thanks everyone! I winterize my other trailer but the people I bought this from said they just left the heater on low all winter..... I'll winterize this one as well...

Intelligent thing to do.

[JerryandSusie]

Not sure your insurance company would approve.

[DE47]

Thanks everyone! I winterize my other trailer but the people I bought this from said they just left the heater on low all winter..... I'll winterize this one as well...

[rhagfo]

DE47 wrote:
I have a 4-seasons 5th wheel that I recently put a cover on for the summer. If I leave that cover on can I still run the furnace over the winter to keep the underbelly warm?

What is your goal? Do you want to avoid winterizing the water system, or keep out the damp?
I assume you have power to the unit while in storage, otherwise you Gould kill the battery in short order.
If you have at least a 30 amp outlet available I would suggest installing a Cheap Heat system, and run it as it is all electric, dry heat and no heat out the exterior vents! Ice heated air through the heating ducts.

[DavidP]

I say heat it to keep all your seasonal guests cozy for the winter. 😄

[sch911]

You'll need to be prepared to change out the L.P. tanks way more often than you may think. Heating an RV with the furnace all Winter is going to be very expensive...

[lee_worsdell]

seems to be pretty expensive to run your furnace all winter. I would winterize it don't take that long

[Old-Biscuit]

Furnace recircs the inside air so that would not be an issue

Furnace combustion comes in via outside vent and the exhaust after flowing thru heat exchanger goes back outside.

Exhaust is HOT right at the exhaust port but quickly looses heat within 8" - 12" of exterior of rig especially when cold outside.

CO (Carbon Monoxide) COULD----COULD be an issue IF heat exchanger had a crack.
Course that is an issue anytime furnace is operated and why a working CO Monitor is key safety device.


COVER.....would have to cut not just a window but a panel out of area around furnace intake/exhaust ports and secure it so exhaust fumes which do contain CO would not go up under cover and collect
PLUS there issue of heat...which is less of a concern if cut out panel is at least 12" wider then intake/exhaust port area

Lot easier to drain & winterize rv plumbing lines/system and keep cover on and intact.

Just winterize it :B

[DiskDoctr]

How will fresh air get into the camper?

Danger, Will Robinson!

[time2roll]

Better to winterize the plumbing and let it freeze.
JMHO

[ScottG]

No.
Not only is the Co an issue, the exhaust is hot enough to start the cover on fire.