Community Forums

HD4Mark · 10-28-2009, 11:10 AM

This Feb we will be leaving from the frozen north to Florida for the first time with a diesel rather than gas powered coach. The gas was similar to driving a car in as much as you can just shut it off while stopping overnight for rest even if it is bitter cold. How does everyone handle starting diesels in cold temps without shore power connections? Run genset to keep engine heater on, keep running or something else. I understand some anti-gel is a good idea but how cold before we should find a way to keep the engine warm?

We try to make it to someplace that isn't as frigid as home first night but while we are still (caution bad word here) working

departure can be after work or early morning depending on the forecast. I am sure many of you know that routine, head out to beat a storm or wait till it passes.

Fortunately we already have the water line routine down and leave the lines full of antifreeze and fill the fresh water tank as close to leaving as possible. Many times bringing the hose indoors and using a hair dryer to get the faucet on the house going.

Flagelpater · 10-28-2009, 11:40 AM

I think you will find the DP is just as friendly as your gas job. Just wait for the indication that it is ready to start before you engage the starter. My unit, maybe all do, has a 12 volt heater to heat the incoming air prior to start. Depending on how cold the first nights stop is you may consider not putting in the water. Putting a remote temperature sensor in the water bay is also a good idea. I put the readout in the bathroom so I get to monitor it often! Also, think about having a curtain between the back of your drivers seat and the rear of the coach to make it easier to heat the front end, with dash air only, while driving at highway speeds, without turning on the furnace.

HD4Mark · 10-28-2009, 11:55 AM

Thanks Flagelpater, We are familiar with the "cold shoulder" from no heat behind and the dash warm from in front. The class C had a curtain to go behind but the dog (then dogs now dog again

) were not happy being blocked off so we were well done on one side and cold on the other.

Never much worried about the fresh water tank as long as the lines were winterized and pump off. The big tank of 58 or so degree ground temp water sloshing around seemed safe enough for a day and never froze. Knock wood the new one will work out the same. We have one of those remote weather stations so I will put a sending unit in the water station, good idea!

Flagelpater · 10-28-2009, 12:26 PM

My 03 knight had a poorly insulated bottom of the water bay. It ended up being a scupper and forced cold ram air into the water tank area. The faster I went the colder it got! It did get cold enough to freeze the water in the tank. It was okay after I resealed it. Otherwise, I completely agree with you on the bay area being safe. Don't forget to have the hot water tank hot. It is right in the slip stream! Have a safe trip. Flagelpater