Community Forums

Gatesway · 09-19-2011, 09:51 AM

We are new to the RV world and just acquired a 2002 Newmar Kountry Star 36'. We are planning on leaving AK in 2 weeks to beat the soon coming weather thru Canada. Heat in the coach is my question.

I understand there is supplemental heat in the water compartment (I see the switch in the tank bay) that provides heat when the furnace is running....but what about driving for 12+ hours in sub freezing weather?

I understand that we should not run the furnace while we are driving, right? So, what provides heat during travel?

Thanks!

John
Wasilla, AK

VSPA · 09-19-2011, 10:38 AM

After leaving Wasilla, how long are you planing to get far enough south that someone will not know what your snow shovel is. Was just looking at Monthly Weather Forecast for Wasilla, AK - weather.com and the weather doesn't look that bad over the next couple of weeks for Wasilla.

RetiredBob · 09-19-2011, 01:32 PM

Actually, we do run the furnace when traveling when it's really cold, not often, though. But when it's that cold, we don't have any water in the tank.

"007" · 09-19-2011, 02:51 PM

I traveled to Nappannee Newmar country back in 1* weather Jan 09 with the furnace running and 3/4 tank of fresh water.
The furnace will keep all your tank bays warm plus your plumbing is in the insulated floor. You can place a insulation blanket in water bay floor to help that area.
Temps will be in 30's -40's and you should be OK, its a dry cold.
Just make sure you have full fuel tank in case you have a stop.
Congratulations on acquiring a Newmar safe driving and welcome to the Newmar family & irv2.
When snow arrives on mountain top in Sept, snow will be on ground in about two weeks so drive carefully.

sdennislee · 09-19-2011, 09:43 PM

Leaving Anchorage to get the RV to the lower 48 for the winter myself, my bay has an electric heater that is independent of the furnace. Are you sure yours needs the furnace.

Left the first week of November last year. So cold through Canada especially MWT and Alberta you couldn't stand outside while fueling. GOing for last week of September or first week of October this year.

Will head back up in late May.

Doubt you will see any temps that will cause you concern this early in the season.

Mr_D · 09-19-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatesway

I understand that we should not run the furnace while we are driving, right? So, what provides heat during travel?

Thanks!

John
Wasilla, AK

Why not? We do it when needed.

Mr_D · 09-19-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdennislee

Leaving Anchorage to get the RV to the lower 48 for the winter myself, my bay has an electric heater that is independent of the furnace. Are you sure yours needs the furnace.

Yes, Newmar runs a hose from the furnace to the wet bay. Unless they have the optional tank heater pads you need to run the furnace with the separate switch on.

Gatesway · 09-19-2011, 11:12 PM

Wow, thanks for this great input! We feel much better. We've heard that Sept. 15 is the cut off for getting out of here...and Oct. 1st is the "drop dead date"! So, for the Newmar owners, what does the "basement heat" switch in the water bay do? Just direct heat down below from the furnace, or is it electric?

Lastly, do any of you have an outside thermometer that you love? My 2002 does not have one and it would be nice to see if the temp gets below freezing.

Again, thanks for this great feedback!

John

PS: We are leaving for 2-5 mos. Not sure where we are going...maybe FL?

Gatesway · 09-19-2011, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Why not? We do it when needed.

The furnace manual (we have read them all!) said not to run the furnace underway. Not sure why, but if it gets way cold - we will. Done deal.

Thanks!

Mr_D · 09-19-2011, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatesway

The furnace manual (we have read them all!) said not to run the furnace underway. Not sure why, but if it gets way cold - we will. Done deal.

Thanks!

Hmmm.. maybe I better read ours again, I don't remember seeing that anywhere. I've been RV'ing since 1957 so that's a lot of manuals that I've read too.

sdennislee · 09-20-2011, 12:37 AM

When we left in November no tank problems. The sewer cap came lose and drug through the slush, by the time i noticed it it was the size of a medium pumpkin. Tried to break the ice away, lost that battle.

Skip426 · 09-20-2011, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatesway

The furnace manual (we have read them all!) said not to run the furnace underway. Not sure why, but if it gets way cold - we will. Done deal.

Thanks!

Just shut it down when fueling up.
Manufacturer, probably worried about the unit ingesting water, into combustion chamber. Below freezing , I can't see that it could pull in enough snow to be an issue; I've always run with it on when necessary.

Skip426 · 09-20-2011, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatesway

Wow, thanks for this great input! We feel much better. We've heard that Sept. 15 is the cut off for getting out of here...and Oct. 1st is the "drop dead date"! So, for the Newmar owners, what does the "basement heat" switch in the water bay do? Just direct heat down below from the furnace, or is it electric?

Lastly, do any of you have an outside thermometer that you love? My 2002 does not have one and it would be nice to see if the temp gets below freezing.

Again, thanks for this great feedback!

John

PS: We are leaving for 2-5 mos. Not sure where we are going...maybe FL?

Basement heat switch , hooks up the duct booster blower to the furnace fan wiring; so when the furnace runs the booster fan runs. There is always air flow through the duct, the switch just means there's that much more. Cold air return in my unit is a grill under the shower door.
I'll hang onto this thread , as I'm looking for a thermometer too.

okmunky · 09-20-2011, 03:27 AM

As to the thermometer -- I have this one
Amazon.com: Acu-Rite 00782A2 Wireless Thermometer: Home & Garden

I just noticed the reviews are rather bad because of battery lifr, but I've had the same set in for over 5 mo and no problems. Amazon has other choices with better reviews, just search for wireless outdoor thermometer.

At first I placed the outside sensor on the outside of my back window, but the sun shining on it gave false high readings. Since I moved it to the propane compartment, which is not sealed, the readings are accurate.