Community Forums

kbhine · 12-21-2015, 08:44 AM

I was curious as to what methods people in the group use to stay warm while driving during the winter months. We just drove out 2014 Tiffin Allegro Red Open Road 33AA in below 35 degree weather, and it was pretty cold. We weren't sure if you usually turn on the propane and the gas heater or not while driving. We tried the electric and the temps were too cold. One ceramic heater wasn't cutting it. Hopefully the temps going back home will really be back to 75, as predicted.

xctraveler · 12-21-2015, 10:51 AM

We have never turned off the propane when traveling in our coaches (3 over 15 years). Generally leave the front furnace set at around 70 while on the road and use the dash heat to balance it. If temps were to be under 32 while traveling I would turn on the rear furnace too to keep the utility bay from freezing.

In case of rain or snow in freezing temps we get off the road and wait it out. We have years of winter weather driving experience in cars, enough to know it would not be safe in the coach especially while towing.

Kiawah · 12-21-2015, 07:16 PM

In the winter to exercise the generator, I have (2) up to 1500 watt ceramic heaters to use (one plugged DS, one plugged PS). Also have a fireplace, if you got that option. If you drive with your generator running, you should have quite a bit of heat available to you.

I haven't done much really cold weather driving, but I would think between the 3 elec heaters, dash heat, and two propane furnaces available.... that would warm it up a bit.

stuhly · 12-21-2015, 07:28 PM

Just turn on your furnace and run the front heater on recirculating air. Will be toasty.

bdaball · 12-24-2015, 02:55 PM

Minimizing the area to be heated is best accomplished by hanging a blanket and or sheet behind the drivers compartment running from slide corner to slide corner. You will find out in short order how much cold air comes from the salon area if the blamket and or sheet is not snug up against the slide walls. Large paper clips help seal the blanket in place.

kbhine · 12-24-2015, 03:57 PM

We do have an electric fireplace, but its behind the slideout while traveling. We weren't sure about running the propane while traveling, but good to know we can run it and maybe not use the rear heater, which has vents behind the slideouts. It will be 75 on the return trip, so hopefully, we will be comfy.

xctraveler · 12-24-2015, 05:35 PM

When it is 75 F out if you are driving with the sun shining in the windshield you will need to run the gen and AC as you are sitting in a hot house, we get up into the 80's in a short time. Sitting in our campsite at 2000 feet with ambient temps around 65, the coach gets to 80 very quickly with the sun on the windshield. We close the solar screen as soon as the sun peeks in.

Kiawah · 12-25-2015, 01:06 PM

Quote:

We do have an electric fireplace, but its behind the slideout while traveling.

And you can't use the fireplace why? There's enough space and air circulating. Take another look.

Arch Hoagland · 12-25-2015, 02:03 PM

Today Santa Claus brought me a 12 volt electric blanket to cover my lap while driving.

Works for me!

My wife just turns on her hot flashes so now we are both warm.