Question around Cold Temps

[jbjuices]

I'm a late camper...last trip is always Thanksgiving. We're heading out this weekend to camp and I noticed that Wednesday and Thursday it's getting below freezing; we live in NW Arkansas. My TT is in an outside storage area; no hookups; and I live in a HOA neighborhood that allows campers for a max of 24hrs. I can't see Thursday's hourly forecast, but Wednesday it hits 30 degrees at 4a-5a, and then 28 degrees from 7-8a. It starts going up from there. Not sure what Thursday night will bring, but plan to have the camper at my house then. Should I be fine on Wednesday?

Heating wise...would I be okay to run my electric fireplace and space heaters versus the propane heater? Will the electric heaters keep the lines from freezing that go along the underbelly (that is protected)?

[JRscooby]

While camping I use a heat lamp under the trailer. Clamp close to outside of body, shine at the exposed line from tank to inside camper. If it is windy, I use my TV sunglasses (the thing put reduce sun inside) to slow the wind.
Another hint; That woven looking anti-slide stuff they sell to line cabinets and drawers? Get a roll of that for the floor. Much warmer to step on, thin enough the doors open over it.

[badercubed]

librty02 wrote:
If temps are only dipping below freezing for 6 to 8 hours and above freezing the rest of the day I would not concern myself with it. I have never winterized any of my trailers until temps are consistently around freezing or below for 24 hour periods and I have never had an issue.

+1

Unless you are in prolonged temps at or below freezing, you will be fine.

[Lwiddis]

Does the electric space heater and electric fireplace warm the tanks? Gee, there’s your answer.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

At 28 f freeze up is not an issue. If it gets to 22 f--expect to run the propane furnace.

I'd have no qualms doing 100% electric at 28 f, so long as those are the night time lows.

If you plan on lots of winter camping, replace the cold air return grill with a set of twin window fans.

[time2roll]

Second Chance wrote:

time2roll wrote:
I would plan to run the propane furnace. Add one space heater max or the run the fireplace if you want to reduce propane use.

But... if you do this, make sure the main thermostat is set high enough - and the electric heaters low enough - that the electric heaters don't prevent the main furnace from cycling.

Rob

I agree. And in my experience camping in near freezing conditions... a single (as I recommended) electric heater will not stop the furnace from cycling.

[librty02]

If temps are only dipping below freezing for 6 to 8 hours and above freezing the rest of the day I would not concern myself with it. I have never winterized any of my trailers until temps are consistently around freezing or below for 24 hour periods and I have never had an issue.

[ReneeG]

At temps like that we set our thermostat to 40 so that when it kicks on it will heat the basement as the heater is vented there. We use our catalytic heater inside. If we have electricity, we run a space heater and the fireplace, at night we leave the bathroom cabinet and kitchen sink cabinet open.

[wildtoad]

I agree with Zingerlite. What are the temps in the day? If the temp rises to above freezing then you should be OK. Most of the water lines are in floor, walls, or cabinets so there enough warmth to keep them from freezing solid to the point of damage at the temps and time you’ve indicated. A prolonged and/or hard freeze is a totally different ball game. I wouldn’t do anything and sleep well at night.

[ZINGERLITE]

I think if the temp outside only dips for an hour or so i wouldn't worry too much. blowing the lines out wouldn't hurt. id start to worry more if the temps dipped below freezing during the day. your camper would hold the warmer temps for a few hours.

[jbjuices]

Yes, mine is 4 season as well. I may blow out the lines after this trip so I don't freak out if it gets below freezing. The only issue is that I have a residential fridge with Ice Maker...makes it more difficult that way

[MFL]

Many newer trailers that are rated 3 or 4 season models, and have an enclosed/insulated under belly, also have a furnace duct that dumps into the belly/tank area. Mine does, and the furnace is obviously needed to get this heat where needed.

Jerry

[Oasisbob]

We are late season campers like you. Better safe than sorry. I can winterize my rig in 12 minutes and do often during this time of year. I use compressed air and anti freeze down the shower trap.

[Second_Chance]

time2roll wrote:
I would plan to run the propane furnace. Add one space heater max or the run the fireplace if you want to reduce propane use.

But... if you do this, make sure the main thermostat is set high enough - and the electric heaters low enough - that the electric heaters don't prevent the main furnace from cycling.

Rob

[time2roll]

I would plan to run the propane furnace. Add one space heater max or the run the fireplace if you want to reduce propane use.