Community Forums

equestrian · 08-09-2011, 10:06 PM

I am purchasing a 73 Prowler that used to be my familys trailer when I was a kid, and now I am getting it back from the person it was sold too. It has a brand new roof and the inside has been re-modeled quite a bit.
I am going to be living in the trailer starting in September for who knows how long.
I am wondering what sort of maitenence I need to keep up with to survive the winter? I've been told I should wrap something around the bottom to help keep the floors warmer, and that I will need some sort of wrap thing for any water hose to keep it from freezing.
I am also getting the propane checked for any possibly leak in pipes, although I am wondering if there is a way to convert the propane water heating to electric? Then I won't even bother with propane because the idea of it scares me a bit!
Any advice would be great! Thank you!

bigeasy · 08-10-2011, 08:14 AM

If you are in a cold climate freezing is an issue, you need foam insulation for your water hose and depending how cold it gets where you live you may want to look at an after market tank warmer to keep them from freezing.
Now propane is not that scarry, there are propane leak detectors you can add. I manage a campground and have never seen a propane fire, electrical fires are more common. also check your fridge because Dometic had several recalls on their rv refrigators which has amonia in them which can be lethal.

John H... · 08-10-2011, 08:27 AM

If you don't want propane, What will you be using for heat. You will need your furnace. I'm thinking your biggest problem will be keeping the water from freezing anywhere. You may need to direct some heat to your tank or hoses.

Nuge · 08-10-2011, 08:46 AM

We use two 1500 watt electric heaters to keep it warm with the gas furnace to help maintain our chosen temperature. Once it warms up the furnace rarely runs and we don't have to make any trips to get the on-board tank filled. Keep in mind we only stay there on weekends and are roughing it without the water on in the M/H; we have use of our neighbors pump house with all the necessary facilities..

equestrian · 08-10-2011, 12:45 PM

I am going to be using an electic heater. Thanks for the bits of advice, any more would be appreciated!

mhs4771 · 08-10-2011, 06:46 PM

I think you're in for a cold winter (you didn't say exactly where you would be living) unless you looking at Florida, South Texas or somewhere else where it seldom gets down to freezing. We had a 91 Prowler and the holding tanks were exposed, fresh water was inside under the sofa, but a lot of those older units didn't have much for insulation. I will say that the Prowler stayed warmer than the 07 Gulfstream Conquest we upgraded/downgraded to. Good luck and hope you stay warm.

GPW · 08-11-2011, 07:12 AM

EQ, Being somewhat leery of Propane myself , we've converted to all electric , and Solar ... Living in a somewhat tropical clime , insulation is of the highest order, as would be in a Cold climate ... More Insulation , less problems heating and cooling !!!

CD · 08-12-2011, 10:10 AM

If you plan on staying in Ab. (I can't find Cityolma) you might want to talk to some locals that are doing what you want to do. You will need well insulated skirting and heat tape for water lines. Possibly some kind of heat for under the trailer.