Community Forums

upstateny · 08-27-2013, 08:02 AM

Hi everybody new to this site and new to Full time RV living best way to heat for the winter

clyon51 · 08-27-2013, 08:29 AM

Most full timers head to warmer places in winter where heating is not a problem.

If you're stuck in northern latitudes, then things are much different. Most RVs aren't built to live in during real cold weather, at least they just aren't insulated that well. Propane being the exclusive heating fuel is not cheap and most RVs can only hold enough for maybe a week. So you must either go get it often or be someplace they will deliver it. If staying in one place, then a rented large tank is in order. Also insulated skirting around the RV is almost a must in real cold weather. Alternate heating would be electric space heaters.

Putting insulation in the roof and A/C vents will help as well as covering windows, at least at night. The water bay may need a supplemental heat source, as well as a heated hose.

It all really depends where you decide to go during the winter. My winter spot is south central Florida, where most of my propane is used up in my outside grill

itgeekgal · 08-27-2013, 08:33 AM

We spent last winter in Florida, this winter will be Arizona. That's the joy of having a home on wheels!

upstateny · 08-27-2013, 08:36 AM

Well we just purchased a Fifth Wheel Avion Westport 35ft and yes we live near Syracuse NY. We plan on putting a skirting on and cover the windows with Insulation foam board . But we are not sure on what kind of electric heater to use and that are safe as we have four Boston Terriers that will be home all the time .
And yes we get a lot of snow.

upstateny · 08-27-2013, 08:42 AM

Rebuilding a house we purchased,but can't get a mortgage due to its not live able so we decided to live in a RV to save money so we can build and finish it quicker .So we are living in a snow region and very cold!!!

clyon51 · 08-27-2013, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstateny

Well we just purchased a Fifth Wheel Avion Westport 35ft and yes we live near Syracuse NY. We plan on putting a skirting on and cover the windows with Insulation foam board . But we are not sure on what kind of electric heater to use and that are safe as we have four Boston Terriers that will be home all the time .
And yes we get a lot of snow.

Well it won't be much fun. Snow won't be a problem since all the heat going through the roof will keep it melted off. With the doggies, you certainly want any elec heater to shut off if it tips over. It would be best to keep in a place they cannot get to them or just use the furnace while you're gone. Good luck.

upstateny · 08-27-2013, 08:58 AM

Thank you and I think we are going to insulate the roof with foam boards .That should help, at least I hope

chief02 · 08-27-2013, 09:09 AM

Use oil filled electric heaters. Condensation will be a problem. you will need a heated and insulated water hose, skirting, foam with reflexite in ceiling vent spaces and shower skylights, extra heat in the basement, turn off and drain hose at night, keep water tank as full as practical in case spigot freezes u can use on-board pump and water, leave cabinets open where water line are, insulate and heat tape dump valves if exposed, park in a mamer to absorb sun and block wind. put fridge and water heater on electric to conserve propane> good luck

**CLIFFTALL** · 08-27-2013, 09:10 AM

Welcome to irv2.

Cliff

upstateny · 08-27-2013, 09:35 AM

Hi , and thank you . Just bought my RV and trying to get it ready for the very cold winter that is headed our way . And looking for a few good tips . This site is very helpful

**JohnRR** · 08-27-2013, 10:06 AM

TXiceman · 08-27-2013, 11:25 AM

I would not want to spend a winter in MI in any RV. Best bet is to move south or get a regular home.

Ken

Medico · 08-27-2013, 02:42 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Florida here as well!

Clay L · 08-27-2013, 02:54 PM

I don't think electric heat will be enough. If your RV is a 50 amp unit it might get you though part of the time but probably not all of the time.If you have to use propane you will use a lot. I would investigate having a large tank installed that will be kept full by the propane supplier. What kind of RV do you have?