Community Forums

vatrader01 · 04-23-2017, 10:05 PM

Hi there. I'm considering a 2003 Holiday Rambler Alumacraft 29'. Ad says it is a "four season" 5th wheel. Model is "M-29 RKD".

My "google-fu" is not reaping me much info from the world wide web. I'm hoping there are those in the know here who could educate me on what makes this 5er a "four season" unit.

Thanks in advance.

Pat

TheOldMan76 · 04-24-2017, 05:33 AM

I've spent almost a year, part time, renovating a 2000 30SKS. I have no idea what constitutes "4 Season", but everyplace I've had occasion to open up either the floor, or walls, it appears that whoever insulated, just kinda threw it in there, large gaps, especially in the walls. The unit is well built, aluminum frame work, with a weld each place the metal touches. Floor is constructed with 1"thick OSB, one piece 30+feet long. Ducted A/C in the ceiling, along with LR paddle fan, seems to do a good job. Guess we'll find out how good when summer really gets here. As far as cold weather is concerned, the furnace is ducted through the floor, but I'd hate to spend a zero degree night in it w/o a BIG tank of propane, lots of blankets and an additional space heater. Very frankly, I don't think any camper is built for 4 seasons - maybe some of the really top end expensive ones -

clifford j · 04-24-2017, 06:05 AM

Hi vatrader, I'm in a 37SKQ full time. I'm a happy camper with the rig. Windows are dual pane except the fold out bay window. I used a clear film to creat an air barrier for that. When the outside temps are low 20's high teen's I use about 3 gallons of propane a day to keep the inside temp at 68. I have 2 40 pound tanks but i connect to a 100 gallon propane tank . The a/c's are heat pumps but only make heat when temps are above 38 to 40F.
I love the RV.

CLIFF

steelpony555 · 04-24-2017, 07:32 AM

I think almost all RV's say they have an Artic Pkg or they are 4 Season or something to that effect. They almost all fair about the same. Best thing is to just make sure it has dual pane windows and if you want to spend a winter in one spot to block off the undersides with either hay bales or skirting etc.

vatrader01 · 04-24-2017, 07:37 AM

Thanks for the responses. I have not found anything in the way of specs or brochure info that claims, by the manufacturer, that the unit I'm considering is / was marketed as a "four season" unit. Is this claim in the advertisement "owners opinion", or was it indeed designed to be a four season unit?

....and I agree RV's are a poor choice as far as a year round unit in areas that experience any extreme temperatures. I spent 16 months in a 26' Fleetwood Wilderness 5er a few years back. Insulated skirting, heater underneath, shrink stuff on the windows, fortified insulation on the hatches. Heat tape on the water line. Sewer hookup. Heat lamp in compartment near the hot water heater. Tarped roof. Temps as low as -4, high as 105. Heat source primarily two 1500 watt space heaters. Kicked the propane furnace on 5 or 6 nights when I was concerned about the cold and plumbing in the walls surviving. I found the entire event comfortable, only this time I WILL live a bit more comfortable. I'm a foodie. Need a decent kitchen galley. Anyway, the four season models I have looked at seem to be better built, might hold up better to live aboard use, and have a bit nicer amenities.

Maybe I'm wrong. My objective is to create a comfortable temporary living situation, not achieve the ideal travel palace. I don't care how heavy it is. When I'm done staying in it, it will be sold. I'm going to watch someone else tow it in. And tow it away. I want to stay under 30' to help control utility costs and maneuverability. The unit will not be in a Walmart parking lot. Picture a Deer trail with road signs.