Winter camping

[lesjones]

We own a 36 foot class "A" that is not really suited for cold weather, 30 degrees to 45 degrees, camping. The furnace will run a lot and/or you use electric heat. Both will cost $. The inside of the cabinets will sweat if the doors are not left open. The coach has two slides.

Does anyone have experience with this issue and weatherizing tips that may help with this problem?

[pnichols]

Also, before shutting the engine off make sure that the cab ventilation system has been set to "Internal" so that cold air cannot enter into the cab through this system - in addition to curtains you may have across the front blocking the cab area.

Another thing with regards to Class C motorhomes with cabover bed areas, putting a curtain across the bed area access opening when not is use for sleeping will cut down on the amount of internal coach volume to keep warm.

[tpi]

Out west I've camped into the low 20s in deserts and been perfectly comfy. There is a big difference-it is a dry cold. So I'd say your problem is mostly humidity and moisture.

I'd agree on the dehumidifier-with decent capacity. Minimize cooking which evaporates water. Ventilate, especially when cooking and showering. If possible try to dry the towels somewhere other than in the RV. Same with wet clothing.

[Just_Jeff]

That's good to hear. The dehumidifier only helped a little for us. I'd guess it depends on the conditions you're camping in, how many people are inside, etc.

[Oasisbob]

You can eliminate the condensation by using an electric water collecting dehumidifier. Totally solved it for us.

[garyhaupt]

Are you going off to winter camp? or just looking for things because you are considering?

If you are just going to go the once? Take a motel/hotel or cabin, if there is one close to hand. Doing the camping thing in your A will likely not a be great time. It takes a number of winter camping trips to begin to 'get it'. And please..don't get me wrong...those that do it often, love it. But there are issues you have to work thru that kind of take the fun out of a weekend or week long time.

But..okay..if you insist? you need power. Lots of it for your heater(s) and furnace, lights, fridge and TV. A generator would work but it needs to be a biggie. Those heaters really eat up the juice. And a dehumidifier. After a couple days of being in the Rv, you won't be able to get warm, no matter what you do. That is the moisture that gets into everything. You would be shocked to learn how much water one body gives off, just living..never mind all the wet clothing drying and food cooking and hot water in use.

And one of things you need to do is counter-intuitive..like having two windows open. One in rear one up front...the air needs to move thru the RV..it drags the moisture laden air out.

Winter camping is a blast...but...so is a nice warm cabin or hotel/motel.



Gary Haupt

[CavemanCharlie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5RGlcLSrM4

[Just_Jeff]

Leave the slides in and you'll have less volume to heat. They'll probably seal better when they're closed, also.

You should leave open any cabinets that have plumbing inside so the heat can keep it from freezing.

Cover windows. Here's one way that may work, depending on your window treatments. Instructions here: http://rv.tothewoods.net/InsulatingWindows.html



Same deal for the windshield...you'll lose a lot of heat to all that glass. We isolated our cab with these curtains, that can be pulled back during the day. Instructions: http://www.rv.tothewoods.net/CabCurtains.html



Moisture will always be a problem. You can help a little by cracking a vent or getting a dehumidifier. One thing to keep in mind...you're only seeing part of the condensation. There will be more inside the walls.

Putting a rug down can help insulate the floors.

You can get small electric heaters, too. I use a Pelonis Classic Ceramic Heater...a little bit spendy, but it has good out put and it's safe. Just be careful about overloading your RV's electrical system.

[azrving]

I have had issues with moisture and had to open the roof vents a little more. It then uses more heat but that's how it is. If you try to use any of the unvented propane heaters it will get even worse. I put refexics over all the windows and at night a quilt over the door area and large window next to the door.