Community Forums

Up North · 08-28-2015, 02:50 AM

I'm interested to hear how well this system works vs. just the heat pads.
Does it virtually extend your camping season?
We are in northern Minnesota and most campgrounds shut down on the first of October or at least shut their water down and then let the seasonals stay a few extra weeks if they wish at their own risk.
But by the middle of October your dump valves that are typically mounted exposed under the rig are at high risk of freezing overnight as well as the tanks.

I really like the idea that Forester puts the tanks and valves in a compartment that is heated when you run your furnace. I realize I'm not going to be camping into Christmas but if this would enable me a few more weeks it would be a big factor in deciding if my next rig will be Forester or Jayco

HappyGuy · 09-08-2015, 07:52 PM

I have used my artic pack and heated tanks down to the freezing point but not when temps stayed below freezing. I did not have a problem with the waste tanks freezing using just the heat even when we camped through a windstorm that blew a neighbors exposed lines. My freshwater tank is under our 3011DSFs' bed so it would not have been affected. I opted to add the artic pack just in case I ran out of propane at the worst possible moment. It gives me the option of electric, gas or both in extreme circumstances. I hope I never have to camp when it's cold enough to require both at the same time!

Up North · 09-11-2015, 02:52 AM

Thanks for your response. This feature alone has me strongly leaning towards the Forester. Most camgrounds here shut down the first of October but there are a lot of state parks and other places you can boondock all year if you want. We can still get some decent weather well into October and even November at times. My favorite time of year to be outdoors.

The way Forester forces hot air from the furnace into the tank enclosures would allow me to camp well beyond the time the campgrounds close.
I read somewhere that a Forester owner claimed his tanks were around 50 degrees in outside temps 30 degrees and under.

mtnbikes · 09-12-2015, 09:32 AM

Hey Up North. I'm in MN too. I just sent a spec sheet to get a quote on a Sun seeker. I included the arctic package in order to extend my camping season. I'm still looking at Jayco though...going to look at one today. I cannot make up my mind. Are you concerned with the quality of Forest River at all?