Covered vs Uncovered Underbelly
While looking at travel trailers I've noticed some have covered and some have uncovered underbelly. I realize most have very little to no insulation, and some have radiant heat or forced heat from the...
Forum Discussion
LAJMINNIEPLUS wrote:
Also with the covered underbelly, the manufacturers take less time in cutting penetrations through the floor because the underbelly will cover the large holes. Without the underbelly, holes for pipes are the size of the pipes. With an underbelly, holes are cut much larger than the pipes and are great areas for mice to travel at ease up from the underbelly. It looks like most holes are cut randomly with saber saws and are just about any shape imaginable. Also, no need to clean up any sawdust or debris because it will all be out of sight.
My Passport has an covered underbelly and the company has all but one opening (that I've been able to access) filled with black (rodent proof?) foam. That single opening serves as a cold air return for the warm air the furnace pumps into the underbelly. That opening is near the hot water heater under the bunk beds were it can get some heat from the tank as the cool air re-enters the cabin.
Besides keeping the tanks and water lines from freezing up and providing a warmer space for the heating ducts, the covered underbelly also helps keep the main cabin floor warmer. We've spent several comfortable weeks camping in places that had nighttime temps in the mid 20's and daytime temps in the low 30's.
IMHO, if you're planning to camp in the mountains or the northern state during spring or fall seasons then a covered underbelly is worth the extra expense.
