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Ramblin fevr · 12-07-2020, 12:44 PM

We've learned that some RV's have basement heat. Does anyone know if the 2004 Dolphin 5342 has it?

Also, sort of embarrassing question but here goes. The toilet...LOL...yep. I am only about 5 feet tall, and that toilet is terrible! I need a step stoop to be able sit on it. Why are some on a platform type thing, like ours and why are some on the floor. Tony is 6'4 and says his feet don't completely touch the floor either.

Any suggestions? I don't know if the toilet can be removed and placed onto the floor or not. It isn't the original toilet, previous owner had a really nice ceramic one installed.

TonyMac · 12-07-2020, 01:26 PM

My basement heat only heats my water compartment, a full width compartment that contains my tanks and pumps. The built in system heat is a 6 inch by 6 inch 12vdc heater connected by a snap disk, all hanging on the forward bulkhead of said compartment. I don't think the 12vdc produces a lot of heat, but I do know it eats a lot of battery -- ALOT! You need to be plugged in or running the genset to use it. And I question what kind of temperatures it can handle. Cost of failure is a lot. I have a different/better method independent of the system heat.

Richard S. · 12-07-2020, 01:43 PM

The gas furnace has one of it's ducts directed it to the basement area, so when you run your gas furnace it puts warm air into the basement area. Not the storage compartments

sponserv · 12-07-2020, 01:50 PM

With regard to the toilet situation. Two words.......Squatty Potty!

Google it. It is supposed to be so much healthier for you anyway. Its a win win.

Tahiti16 · 12-07-2020, 10:55 PM

Basement heat/ac refers to placement of the unit when you see it in brochure.

What you are most likely asking is what others answered. The tank areas will be completely enclosed and a small duct from the gas furnace will go into the area.

lenjen · 12-08-2020, 08:31 AM

No idea about the basement heat but the toilet in my '05 is not on a platform and is a good height for me, 5' even. You may have a different floor plan than mine. I hope you find a comfortable solution.

Belgian · 12-08-2020, 11:08 PM

I think the OP is talking about the basement A/C unit having heating capability.

If so, YES, the basement unit does have heating. By placing the thermostat switch in 'Elec Heat' it will place the basement unit into the heat mode. There are a few things to be aware of though, 1. if the inside temperature is more than 3F-5F degrees colder than the temperature you set on the thermostat, the gas furnace will come on and heat the inside until it reaches the set temperature. After that the basement heat (Elec. Heat) will come on and heat the inside. 2. The basement heat doesn't work well if the outside temperature is below 50F degrees. 3. The gas furnace heats quicker & quieter. 4 The gas furnace is a drier heat (may be a plus, may be a negative)

the Dolphin came with a porcelain toilet as standard equipment. Not sure about lowering it. Sorry.

GREGORYJ · 12-09-2020, 10:50 PM

About the toilet. It is possible a previous owner replaced the toilet with the original brand Sealand, but the wrong model of toilet. Model 510+ has a seat height of 17 1/2 inches. Model's 111 , 2011 and 511+ have seat heights between 12 1/8 and 13 inches which are meant to go on a elevated platform toilet set up. We once had a 2005 5342 Dolphin and never found the toilet height was an issue, my wife is 5' 2". I hope this explains the possible problem.