Community Forums

malk415 · 10-19-2011, 11:36 PM

Gents..
Wondering about basement heat...

Just bought a used 05 Journey 36g. I found a hose that goes into the top of the water tank area and evidently heats the water tank. There are openings to the compartment forward of that where the water pump is located but not sure how much heat would actually get there.

I have read here that some coaches have openings in the floor that go to the right rear compartment where the power cord and water connection is, but I do not think mine has one.

Using a infra red thermometer gun the only area that seems to get any heat is the compartment with the water tanks from the hose that goes into it (probably from a floor vent).

Just wondering about the water connection and sewer dumps freezing if we happen to be driving in a cold snap. Do not plan on camping in cold weather. I am a retired firefighter and I know our older engines would have freezing problems pretty quickly while driving in very cold situations.

Does anyone have a 05 journey that can confirm what I found?

Mark

Mr_D · 10-19-2011, 11:49 PM

We have a blower that we can switch on to turn it on so it runs when the furnace does. It only heats the tanks and wet bay. The water pump is there also. So far we've never had a problem and we've been stranded overnight at a Wal*Mart in a snow storm when the State Patrol closed the freeway. Drove home in the freezing weather too. At home I just put a 100 watt bulb in an aluminum reflector in the bay and have not frozen anything. BUT we live in the NW and our temps never get into the +20°'s very often. I didn't even order the heating pads as we were going to retire and get out of cold areas!! "HAsn't worked out that way yet though and it may not ever.

GG1 · 10-20-2011, 06:08 AM

We had an 02Journey for 8 years and always filled the tanks in December before leaving for the south in the winter for at least a week or more, we also spend a month in Maine and Vermont in October into November with no problems. In December we just keep the gas furnace on around 50 degrees the basement water areas are all heated, maybe not really hot but they prevent freezing, most all Winnebago and Itasca class A's have heated basements. In extreme cold for extended periods I would try temporary insulation in the compartment that houses the black and gray valves at night maybe a light bulb or small space heater on very low and keep the hoses disconnected and boxes closed tight until you fill or dump.

smlranger · 10-20-2011, 07:55 AM

We have a 2002 36G. I don't think you will have freezing problems unless you are traveling in very cold temps (well below freezing for extended periods) as long as you are running the LP furnace to heat the interior of the coach. We got caught one time when the temps hit the 'teens at night so I put trouble lights with 75 watt bulbs in the rear compartment with the water pump and in the compartment with the sewer dump valves. No problems with freezing. While we were moving and running the LP furnace for interior heat, we had no issues.

Old Snipe · 10-24-2011, 09:31 PM

My 07 Journey 39K has ducts that work well to allow heat from the furnace to keep the basement areas heated.

I have a remote thermometer sender in the waterpump compartment so I can keep an eye on the temps in the basement. If it starts getting too cool I kick on the furnace.

I have two tiny electric cube heaters that I can put in my water compartments if the need arises, but so far have never had to use them.

Best Regards!