Heaters underneath

[Muttley]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this winterizing thing with my 2006 RKS...I'm going to skirt it with 1 1/2 inch celotex foam board, but was wondering if I need to have a heater, like an oil heater underneath as well? According to Keystone, the R value of my unit in the floor is 27. Learning as I go.....just want to avoid unnecessary surprises this winter!

[BiggarView]

Here's really good Primer on what you are planning...

https://explorvistas.com/winter-rving/

Should help you with any questions you may have.

[1retired06]

If storing, just winterize with rv antifreeze. If living in the rig, water hose needs to be wrapped for heat, and use your furnace and maybe an electric heater. Watch your dump hose. You did not indicate temps expected, but I would never put a heater of any kind outside under my rig.

[Muttley]

That looks great BiggarView! 1retired06, that's what I'm thinking, but I live in North Idaho and am year round, so want to make sure to stay warm. Temps can get to 0 even lower if we have a snap, but typically teens and 20's at night and high 20's during the day. I will have a heated and wrapped hose, skirting and I only use grey water.

[DQDick]

You could get some more ideas if you let us know what temperatures you are expecting, how much wind, and if you will be living in it.

[exploRVistas]

We did use a short oil-filled electric radiator type heater...a Comfort Temp by Delonghi. We set it at the frost-proof setting of 41 degrees. Worked like a champ! Also, be sure to include skirting your slides, as that will keep your rig much warmer. All winter long, keep a bathroom vent cracked open (with a MaxxAir cover over it) to allow the humidity to escape. Seems counterintuitive, but it works. I'm also a huge fan of a Pirit heated hose. Like BiggarView pointed out, we have a lot of proven ideas on the link he provided. Living in a rig in the winter isn't ideal, but it is doable.

[jcurtis934]

Winter...yeah, have to run the ac to keep cool in sw florida. The downside is that it's not as scenic as the west. Seriously, I think you will find that you'll do well enough with what you are planning. It's all an adventure, what you don't get right this year...you'll get right next. Attitude is king!

[granet]

Muttley-We are about 500 miles north and east of you and we have been facing the winter for 10 years. We use 2 industrial heaters underneath- they are electric -until last year they worked great but at -45 the propane gelled up and they couldn't keep up either! It was very uncomfortable for a week but we survived-we do not run any water lines -we have have water delivered and only use the tank. I'ts easier to keep thawed-we also use R20 INSULATION behind our skirting and stuff the basement with insulation to protect the water pump!
Regards,
Granet
2008-3400RL
Okotoks ,Alberta,Canada

[McRod]

Originally Posted by Muttley

...According to Keystone, the R value of my unit in the floor is 27.

Thats misleading on Keystones part. If you have slides, the only thing between you and the ground is a piece of OSB. R value might be 2, if your lucky.

Best place to put the rigid foam is directly on your slides. (Bottom, sides, roof). Just close off underbelly with vinyl to stop wind. 1.5 in rigid foam (blueboard) only has an R value of 7 iirc.

[DadsHemi]

When I had our 30’ Springdale TT with one big slide I used 1” Polyiso board and had it fully around the trailer and slide. Used a 1500 watt ceramic heater under it back by the tanks and never had any issues. I would do this when working in the Carolinas, Virginia etc.

[DadsHemi]

In our 5th I have a small 800 watt ceramic heater I use in the basement when it gets to 32 or below, worked last winter and we had single and low double digit temps.