Community Forums

sgrafstein · 04-24-2021, 10:29 AM

I have read that the Fleetwood expedition has a heated basement. Does anyone know if the other fleetwoods do too or just the expedition?

OR do you know other brands that have it? I want to do snow trips so this seems key to have. I read that the Thor Mandalay has cold weather package standard but its 40 ft long. Also not sure what that package consists of.

I read that the Monaco Knight in 2002 also had an optional cold weather package with individual heated pads for the tanks. Anyone have experience with these? Curious if those are better than the Expedition method of pumping heated air into the basement.

I was thinking to get a 2000 to 2007 year model as I hear those years are the best made but would consider something newer.

thanks!
Stefan

Gary RVRoamer · 04-24-2021, 10:40 AM

Quite a few coaches have some capability to add heat to the basement, often just one warm air duct down below that adds some heat whenever the furnace is running. Many are marginal, but the more expensive coaches may have more even heat or even a separate heat zone with a thermostat down there. I've also seen coaches (e.g. Monaco brand) that have a separate electric heater near the water bay that turns on when temps get near freezing. Heat pads under the water tanks are more common on trailers, but maybe some motorhomes offer them too.

Most Fleetwood models have at least some means of preventing a freeze in the basement area. Newmars too, I think.

TheCatsRV · 04-24-2021, 11:05 AM

The term "arctic pack/pak" (also often mispelled "artic") is a commn cold-weather option up north. Usually a switch close to the door/house controls that is clearly labelled as such. I'd imagine most if not all Triple E DPs have them.

Ilvmygt · 04-25-2021, 08:31 AM

My Country Coach has Hydronic Heating system that includes a radiator in the water bay with a its own thermostat. Thermostat will turn on the Hydronic Heating system when the out side temperature get to freezing. We have camped in nightly temperatures of 12 degrees with out any problems. The system is also used to preheat the engine. Other coaches that have Hydronic Heating (i.e., Aqua Hot) may have similar systems.