Community Forums

kartski · 12-08-2009, 08:47 AM

Have had two previous gas Class As both of which we used primarily for skiing in the Washington Cascades. Out of RVing for 3 years while living abroad. Moving home to the States in June and planning to purchase 2-3 year old DP. No experience with these. I've seen mention of Aqua-hot systems and that sounds good on many levels. Have also seen mention of "arctic" package with more insulation and double-pane windows. My prior coaches had storage tanks in heated compartments--is that common for DPs?

Please offer tips on makes, models or features best-suited for cold weather.

This is my first post. Please redirect me if i'm on the wrong track.

Marty

New Delhi, India and home again in Seattle by Summer '10

RV Wizard · 12-09-2009, 03:13 AM

Marty, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences in the future. Until then, I am sure you can gain all the information you are seeking from our members. I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums.
If you do a search on the main forum page for the key words, like "winter" or "winter camping" or what ever subject you are researching, you will have access to many threads that have discussed these issues. Also look around the main forum and see all the different sub-forums for ideas as to where best to ask for new information or make comments. Don't worry if you put it in the wrong or not as good a forum as possible, we can and will move it for you.
All DP's will have heated storage tanks of some sort. Take your time, research first the way in which you will want to use a coach; ie, full time, boon docking (off power grid) and which floor plans you like most. Then after you have narrowed down these requirements start looking for coaches with the floor plan, equipment and systems you will want. From this list of brands and models you can go to those owner forums to get feedback as to the pro's and con's of each. Good luck. Enjoy the hunt and keep us posted.

Jackm · 12-10-2009, 07:29 PM

Actually, most Winnebagos (DP and gas models) have heated storage tanks. That being said, I'd follow Mike's suggestions. There's simply too much information (and opinions) to address your question in a single thread. Best of luck.

Jack

Cruzer · 12-15-2009, 10:10 AM

Most DPs have the heated basements so you'll be fine there. One huge advantage to Hydrot versus propane is the fact that a 150 gallon diesel tank will run your heating much longer than a 32 gallon LP tank - partly because the tank is larger but also because you use less diesel than propane because there's more BTU per gallon in diesel fuel.

Also, while the hydronic heating and dual LP furnaces both will heat the coach comfortably, the HydroHot's dedicated basement zone thermostat makes it easier to keep the basement water works from freezing in really cold weather. With propane furnaces you need to keep them cranked up in order to keep the basement warm because the basement is heated proportionately to the upstairs and there is no basement thermostat zone.

For more details on the pros andcons of hydronic heating check out RV Tech Library - Hydronic Heating Overview

New RV Guy · 12-15-2009, 09:17 PM

Triple E of Winkler, Manitoba, Canada has the best winter ops motorhomes.
They have both diesel and gas models. They are built with the Triple E’s exclusive climate guard system. This includes an additional ½” thermal break insulation plus the standard 1” Styrofoam block insulation. They provide insulated vent covers. Most units have two furnaces and two automotive heaters, (plus front dash heater) one in the wet bay and one in aft bedroom which gives you two heat sources. Coaches are also built with dual pane windows.
You can check them out at Triple E Recreational Vehicles