Cold nights in Iowa

[JV2LY]

This is our first experience in cold weather and our roof heaters aren’t putting out heat. Is that normal when the outside temp drops into the 20’s? Do I need an inside ceramic heater? Brrrr

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by JV2LY

This is our first experience in cold weather and our roof heaters aren’t putting out heat. Is that normal when the outside temp drops into the 20’s? Do I need an inside ceramic heater? Brrrr

A heat pumps can only make about a 25-30 degree difference. When it’s that cold you have to supplement with propane or a small (1500w) electric heater if you’re plugged in. They are putting out heat, just not enough to overcome temps that low. Some have a heat strip in them (elec resistance heating) and those put out good heat in any temps. You also might be able to add heat strips to your unit(s).

[Ricci]

Hi - If you use an electric portable heater and/or the heat pumps you will not be giving your wet bay full protection from the cold. Run your propane furnace as it ducts down to the areas that need protection.


Tom

[Persistent]

Winter in IA requires use of a better heat source. Heat strips and heat pumps just aren't up to the task. Many owners use a built in propane furnace. Big rig motor coaches sometimes have diesel power heaters.

[PetesMH]

If you decide to use an electric space heater please, please get a good one. We used an inexpensive cube shaped ceramic heater from China and it helped a lot until one morning it caught fire. It was on our dinette table and fortunately we were right there to deal with it. But we had frequently left it unattended while we were outside or, occasionally, even when we were sleeping. I smashed it (so nobody would try to use it) And tossed it in the dumpster. We now use a much nicer oil filled heater. $130 vs $25 but lesson learned!

[Skip426]

Well , below 40 f , heat pumps are pretty much useless , and as mentioned they provide no heat to your tanks and plumbing.
If your coach isn't equipped with a propane furnace, or the Oasis system , JMHO you've got the wrong RV for fall and winter travel .

BTW : It's nice to know your names , but could you please add your RV's info to your signature line .

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by Skip426

Well , below 40 f , heat pumps are pretty much useless , and as mentioned they provide no heat to your tanks and plumbing.
If your coach isn't equipped with a propane furnace, or the Oasis system , JMHO you've got the wrong RV for fall and winter travel .

BTW : It's nice to know your names , but could you please add your RV's info to your signature line .

Looks like 2017 Bay Star 3401, if so they have 25 gal of propane and 40k btu of furnace, so... crank up that heat!

[BillJinOR]

Yes , Heat pumps won't cut it. Figure out how to set the thermostat to the "furnace", not the heat pump/AC .... Furnaces will also keep the tanks from freezing. Forget the elect heaters and crank up the Furnace Welcome to the cold, the reason people go south in the winter !

[Talloaks]

Originally Posted by Skip426

Well , below 40 f , heat pumps are pretty much useless , and as mentioned they provide no heat to your tanks and plumbing.
If your coach isn't equipped with a propane furnace, or the Oasis system , JMHO you've got the wrong RV for fall and winter travel .

BTW : It's nice to know your names , but could you please add your RV's info to your signature line .

Yes, it sure helps to have that info in the signature line.

Per their profile, the OP has a 2017 Newmar Baystar 3401 35".

[JV2LY]

Correct, we have a 2017 Baystar 3401. It is currently 33 degrees at midnight. I had the thermostat set at 70 degrees with the fan setting at “automatic”in hopes it would continue to put out heat. Wrong idea. As far as I can tell, our unit has no capability of providing propane heat. I know there is a floor duct near the rear masterbed, but no switch or means of providing heat to it. So will look for a good area heater in the morning because tomorrow’s low will be 18 degrees.

[JV2LY]

Originally Posted by PetesMH

If you decide to use an electric space heater please, please get a good one. We used an inexpensive cube shaped ceramic heater from China and it helped a lot until one morning it caught fire. It was on our dinette table and fortunately we were right there to deal with it. But we had frequently left it unattended while we were outside or, occasionally, even when we were sleeping. I smashed it (so nobody would try to use it) And tossed it in the dumpster. We now use a much nicer oil filled heater. $130 vs $25 but lesson learned!

Oh my, that is pretty scary. We will definitely look for something USA made and of quality.

[JV2LY]

Originally Posted by R.Wold

Looks like 2017 Bay Star 3401, if so they have 25 gal of propane and 40k btu of furnace, so... crank up that heat!

This is the only switch in the control panel that might be for the furnace, but I was told that it was just to run the hot water heater when there is no electrical hookup. I just turned it on and cool air has stopped coming from ceiling ducts replaced by warm air. Hope it remedies the problem.

[stratob377]

Out of curosity, do you have anything that looks like this near your kitchen area? Or possibly a smaller one?

[RKins]

"Furnace" is a "mode" on your thermostat.