Can I use my fifth wheel late into the season ?

[Bigmoss]

I am about to purchase my first large trailer in a few days, its a 1997 Prowler Fifth Wheel 215B 21 Foot.

I mainly use the trailer in the fall here in Canada for hunting from Sept 1 to Dec 15th or so. Of course here in Canada in Nov and Dec temps can go to -5 to -10 C. I leave the camper on a farm up against a building so it gets wind but does not get towed. I was able to get an owners manual and the unit comes with a furnace that runs on Electric and Battery I am told and I have a propane hot water tank.

My question is this I never hooked up water in my small camper I use to use but it was a 1970 and everything exposed. Being this is a more up to date unit can I hook up water to it and expect it not to freeze being the trailer is probably better insulated or should I plan on using jugs like in the past ?

Any advice for this newbie would be appreciated.

[Bigmoss]

I can't build anything permanent its not my farm and the owner does not want any more buildings, what should I be doing to get it ready for winter ?

[aruba5er]

I would NOT put any water in the lines. Even if it does not freeze when you are there you will have to winterize it before you leave and it sounds like it will be cold to do that job. Insulation? Don't know about yours but mine has 1 1/2 in the ceiling. Coulda left it out for all the good it does. Someone suggested using the money spent for the camper to build something. I second that ,

[Bigmoss]

Thanks for the info guys when I saw the heater was electric and battery I assumed no propane would be used at all, just learned something, sorry what I meant by not moving it was just during hunting season in the spring and summer I move it between two properties.

[time2roll]

While in use and furnace running you should be fine at -5 but -10 might be pushing it. I would use it with water and see how it goes. And take a survey to see just what is exposed. With certain modifications you can make it work but if the water jugs are just as easy that is fine too.

You will use a bit of propane (LP) in those conditions. Check the level daily.

[_40Fan]

How much do they want for the trailer? Since you said you never plan to move it, what would it cost to build a small building with everything you need and better insulated?

Heaters in trailers are 12 volt, so they need a battery to run. LP is liquid propane. As long as you have electricity and propane (LP) you will be fine. Might use a lot, but you will be good to go.

[Bigmoss]

What I meant was I'm ok with not putting water through the system in the fall and just using water jugs and boiling water for dishes so nothing will freeze.

I never said I assumed bigger meant better insulation all I meant was I saw what was in the walls and ceiling of my old 1971 unit I can't imagine this one being that bad.

So are u saying that the furnace always runs off of battery and propane for heat ? I'm not sure what LP gas means ? Could u explain the furnace better ?

I forgot to say the couple also said both batteries were brand new with receipts.

[skipnchar]

Size is NEVER a guarantee of better insulation. Only better insulation is a sign of better insulation. You need to know the R value of walls, floor and ceiling plus provide information about how holding tanks and storage tank are heated and how the drainage system is prevented from freezing. These are the MAIN features that determine how well your trailer will perform in a four season situation. You MAY be just fine but if so it won't be because the trailer is larger than another one.

For what it's worth, your furnace ALWAYS runs off of 12 volt power (battery) and ALWAYS uses LP Gas to provide heat. All the 12 volt power does is operate the thermostat and the blower motor. IF you are connected to 120 volt AC power, that is used to recharge your battery.

Good luck / Skip

[Bigmoss]

Thanks for the replys guys I appreciate I am really new to this. I just used a 16ft 1970 Shasta style unit for the last 3 years and wanted to upgrade to a "newer" unit for space and to get better appliances etc for me and my nephew who hunts with me.

Yes I do have access to electric and plug right in with the trailer up against the back of a large garage beside the driveway.

Can I expect the furnace to keep us good and warm ? I just used the small built in furnace no temp or fan adjustments on the old 1970 unit with an electric heater on the floor running at the same time when it was really cold but that old trailer was not insulated at all. So I just assumed this one would be OK ??

I go to firm up the deal Tuesday morning it is an older couple that have the trailer and bought it from a dealer and they lived in it for 4 months while their house was being built. They tell me they have receipts for 2 new 40lbs propane tanks, 2 new door locks and a brand new power inverter that needed replacing. They sent me pics and the unit is spotless compared to any I have looked at so I an going down with a cash offer and hope to bring it home Tuesday as its a 2hr drive from me and a friend is coming with his pickup and fifth wheel hitch as I don't own one yet.

Being a few of you seem to know this unit well anything I should take close looks at known issues with the unit before I buy ? I asked her to plug the unit in the night before so I could see the fridge and freezer cold and working and have water hooked up to I could test that and all the appliances and lights etc.

[Tothill]

Triple E and Big Foot are two Canadian RV makers that are designed for Canadian Weather.

You did not say where in Canada you are or where it is that you will be parking the rig. Do you have access to electricity?

We have a 1989 Triple E Class C and it has enclosed tanks, all the water lines are above the floor as well as storm (double) windows. We rarely get sustained below freezing temps on Southern Vancouver Island and a small ceramic heater is enough to keep the water lines from freezing. We do leave the cupboard doors open.

[n7bsn]

I owned one of those, the answer is at those kind of temps your water tanks and lines will freeze and maybe bust.
The unit you have is NOT "four season", that tanks are not enclosed and heated.

Me, I would stick with the jugs

[old_guy]

in your area during those times you will need a LOT of heat. even if you are hooked to power you will need a way to key the underbelly warm. DO NOT PLACE A HEATER OR LIGHT under your TT. you will have to build or install a wind break around the lower part of the TT. You will use a lot of propane during those months, you will have to winterize or freeze up.