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Old 01-21-2013, 11:11 PM   #1
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I am new to RVing and have a 2005 Alpine. I have read all the generic advice on winter travel, but am wondering how to know if I would be ok traveling in freezing temperatures. How can I tell if my bays are heated? Is there someplace to look for a vent or thermostat? Will running running the heat for myself be enough to keep pipes from freezing?

I store my rv in caves that never fluctuate in temperature so I have never worried about freezing or winterizing.

Brian in KC
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Old 01-22-2013, 07:16 AM   #2
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This was discussed recently http://www.irv2.com/forums/f104/99-a...ed-145071.html
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Old 01-25-2013, 10:41 AM   #3
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Do a search on this forum--lots of info on winter travel. Basically, the propane furnance is in close enough prox to the tanks to keep them from freezing there are also adjustable vents in the basement and smaller direct vent pipes off the furnance to heat the tank area (this is different for those with hydrohot). So driving down the road you will need to run yr propane furnance if its well below 32. Buy a thermometer for the coach with a remote sensor, place the remote at/near the bottom of the tank area to monitor temps in that area. Running the heat pumps is not an option as they lock out in the mid to high 30s. Light bulbs and/or small electic heaters powered off the inverter are also an option.
Tip--the dash heat in the front cab works best if you run the selector on "max cool" and set the temp knob on hot--this heats/circulates inside air only and provides the most dash heat. Note==this does allow the A/C compressor ro run so if you are going to be in cold weather for an extended period, you can temporarily shut off the A/C compressor {disconnect wire at the compressor} so it doesnt run with the dash controls set on "Max Cool".
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Old 01-25-2013, 01:49 PM   #4
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Since Brian has a 2005 coach, I believe he has Hydro Hot only and no furnace in talking with other similar owners. I don't believe WRV designed HH to warm the basement compartments as was done with the furnace. My neighbor at Quartzsite with a 2005 coach told me that they experienced freezing lines one time even though they stayed warm inside the coach. The good news is that the lines did not burst. I also ddidn't hear what temperatures they experienced.

It would be more helpful if someone with a 2005 or newer would reply with their experiences to assist Brian with his question.
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Old 01-25-2013, 01:55 PM   #5
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Hydro hot units have a heat exchanger in the basement with its own thermostat. The other good thing is they have motor aid so the heatexchangers all work while diving down the road.
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Old 01-25-2013, 02:12 PM   #6
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WAIT !!!!

I more interested in his "storing in caves" comment ?!?!

Pics please !
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Old 01-25-2013, 04:19 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo View Post
WAIT !!!!

I more interested in his "storing in caves" comment ?!?!

Pics please !
Must be the BatRV
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Old 01-26-2013, 08:34 AM   #8
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Hydrohot was [I think] still an option in 05, as it was thru out the WRV production run--so not sure which heating system he has.
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Old 03-07-2013, 03:25 PM   #9
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We spent February in Reno NV & Sierra Valley just north of there. Nights down to 16 degrees coupla times. I consulted Tom Cook who winters at times in Michigan, he said to empty water from water filter canisters (I have an SE w/the filter canisters just inboard of the utility bay door), and keep the thermostat On w/the furnace ON in my case (HydroHot). We were in parks w/30 or 50A.

We only ran the diesel setting for HHot in the mornings to warm up the coach, and nothing froze. Ran daytime on HHot electric heat. We also ran a cube heater in the coach. Nothing out of the ordinary to report; worked fine.
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Old 03-13-2013, 11:00 AM   #10
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WAIT !!!!

I more interested in his "storing in caves" comment ?!?!

Pics please !
Hi John Boy, You will note that the gentlemen storing his RV in a cave is from Kansas City. I am a retired cross country trucker. The greater Kansas City area may have as many as 10 very large commerical caves. I have driven my tractor trailer, combined lenfth 75 ft, in most of these caves. There are many lare commerical warehouses located in them.

It would be an excellent place to store an RV, but the exterior would be very dirty by spring, there is usuakky a fair amount of dust. but dirt washes. Old trucker
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Old 03-14-2013, 01:10 AM   #11
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JohnyBoyToo- Sorry for the delay. The caves are old limestone mines in KC. There area several with warehouses and underground offices. It is 60-65 degrees year round naturally. There is low humidity, I am not sure if it is natural or dehumidified. They even hold 10k runs there in the middle of the winter.

There are two commercial storage places that store RVs, boats, classic cars. They are clean though a little dust after long periods. It is valet parking so they can pack them in tight. I did a tour and it is awesome.

There are pictures on both of these websites. It is real cool way to keep your rv safe. It is more secure than any building and is like having the vehicle in a storm shelter.


http://subtropolis.biz/
http://innerspacestorage.com
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