Year 'round rvs vs. summer only rigs

[JanetA]

I learned just 2 yrs ago there are 2 different types of RV's. One has the plumbing enclosed w/ a "basement" that's insulated and the others have all their plumbing exposed to the elements. When the ex bf and I went to purchase his 5th wheel, he specifically looked for the 'year 'round' units. We ended up w/ a Travel Supreme 5th wheel,, 34' that was about 15 yrs old and it was wonderful. Even had a stacked w/d in it. THat really came in handy on our trip to Alaska. One thing about Alaska, didn't use the A/C unit ONCE! haha~! We took an electric heater, tho.. and it worked like a charm.. infact, ran us out of there! Course there was a forced air unit too,, but like you said,, we saved on propane whenever we could. We stayed about half and half in pay cgs. Very little dry camping, but a few times. I feel like im living in luxury when I'm on full hook=ups.!

Just asking if all of ya'll have heard of the differences in the rigs. Would love to hear ya'lls feedback...[/b]


happy trails....

J

[BirdbyBird]

I know in class C's there are a small handful of manufacturers that have units that do better in 4 seasons than others. I son't think any of them can keep you warm like a good stick house but some do have extra insulation and enclosed tanks. I am thinking BIG FOOT, Lazy Daze, Triple E, Born Free. The RV.net forum would probably get you answers quickly or at least point you in the right direction...

[carold]

Our HR Class C had a heater in the basement and we did get caught in snowy weather a few times. No problems but brought in the hoses and used our water pump, and didn't leave out the sewer hose. My sister did that the first time out and had frozen s===t no fun. Artic Fox is made in the nw and is supposedly very well insulated for cold weather. Many fulltimers solve that problem by wintering in the warmer states. I loved Alaska's weather when we were there also and everywhere we go that I don't have to use either ac or heat. carold

[Bethers]

My rig is not what you'd consider yearround - but has been to Alaska, and is in the Kaibab forest in COLD weather right now - where it's getting COLD at night - and I never have had a problem because of it. Just somethings to be careful of. Lot's of Class C's made today have the heated tanks. But I bought used and this didn't - and it wouldn't stop me next time, either, although could be a plus - BUT - don't expect the tanks to work well when traveling - some of them required hookups.

[Cedar518]

yep,... some manufacturers call it the "arctic package" .... If I got it in a used unit it would be gravy. For my life I don't need it as I'm still here winters and after Columbus Day weekend i winterize until spring. So I didn't look for that when i got the Rockwood. Reason being that I'm still working and not taking trips. If (when?) my life changes and I'm shopping again (aren't we ALWAYS?) I might seek one of those models out. But then again, I like this Rockwood so much I might never trade again!

[retiredhappy]

I bought my Gulfstream Ultra Supreme when it was two years old and got lucky. The first year I was going to Gallup in December I called Gulfstream and gave them my vin number. I asked if there was anything special I had to do in really cold weather. The young man said "no, you have the Arctic package" and I said, yes, the AC works great. When he stopped laughing he explained that if my heat was on inside it was also heating the outside compartments where my holding tanks were. I don't put out a water or sewer hose if its gonna freeze. I read somewhere that if your compartments aren't heated you can get one of those mechanics lights that have the cage over the bulb. Plug it in and put in in your outside compartment near your holding tanks. Supposed to put out just enough heat to keep them from freezing. My guess would be one light for each tank.

[avalen]

my forced air heater has a duct in the cabinet where the holding tanks are to keep
them warm, although being parked full time in arizona, I really haven't had to worry
about it. We only had a couple freezing days last winter and only one the year before.
I will worry more about my water hose and I might even get a chance to take care of
that problem this year.

[OutandAbout]

I have a truck camper that does not have the arctic package. Unless you are planning on doing some winter camping, I wouldn't worry about it. I have been in high 20's at night and was fine. If the temp the next day is above freezing, the water lines should thaw out with out a problem. If you are in those kinds of temps, just don't hook up water or sewer. Are you planning on doing some winter camping in the future? Linda

[JanetA]

Just trying to eliminate all the worries that I can,, and that seemed to be a good way!

[Bethers]

It's kind of like getting the options you NEED - sometimes we want everything and don't really need it. Yep, if it came on the used model I buy next, I'd take it if everything else was right, including price - but after 4 years (and it snowed here overnight and off and on all day today) that's never been something I've had to have. My holding tanks aren't freezing and aren't going to unless it stays below freezing all day - and I don't intend to be anywhere where that happens if I can help it.