For tips to STORE your RV during the winter CLICK HERE
If you intend to use your RV through the winter, there are several ways to improve the comfort of your experience. Knowing how your RV was intended to be used during cold weather will make the most difference. Some are better insulated, some have multiple forms of heating appliances, all will need a little help to be the best they can be. If you need immediate assistance because you’re using your RV in the winter, please reach out to us we look forward to the challenge of exceeding your expectations.
Our RV has heat pumps:
Heat pumps are great as the main form of heat, they will do an excellent job at heating for most of winter, or until the outside temps drop to or below freezing. At this point the aux heat or furnace, either LP or Hydronic system, should be used. Many of the systems with heat pumps will have auto switching. They are set with temp sensors to auto switch from electric to a furnace system will need to be pre-heated. The auto switching is done to protect the heat pump more than any other reason. When the temps get cold enough to freeze, they will also prevent the lubrication of the internal parts and cause premature wear on the heat pump.
Furnace
Possibly the most beneficial part of the furnace’s operation is the designed prevention of the freshwater pipes freezing. Basement model RVs will also have the furnace dumping a little hot air into the storage area, some basement models will even have thermostats for heat to allow a specific minimum temp.
Electric fireplace
If you have an electric fireplace, they can be a great way to keep from having to have cold feet while watching TV. We have found that generally the terminations for the wiring is not up to the task of long term or regular usage. This can, and should, be made better. It requires a little more effort for the ones mounted in a slide out, but it is still a relatively simple change from quick connect to a more residential/commercial system before it causes a problem. Once the inspection/repair is done they can last for years of great service, very handy when the park is providing power. Just remember: even if the fireplace can heat the whole RV, the water lines are still unprotected when it is freezing outside
What about my water? There are many different ways people have tried to solve the fresh water in the winter puzzle. What we see as the best option is the heated water hose. That takes care of the water in, as long as its properly used, even when the temps are as much as 20 below zero. For the water out in low enough temps or during extended cold streaks tank heaters should be used. Dump the tanks the same as normal, only when 3/4 to full, then remove the dump hose. If a freeze up does occur using electric heat blankets are preferred to hair dryers or heat guns. When thawing out remember to wait to open valves until they are ready, don’t force it unless you are up for a real mess.
Email: [email protected]
Call 256-571-9399
TXT 256-998-7956
We are here for you, need advice, parts, or someone to get your RV behaving correctly reach out or stop in, we look forward to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations.