heated underbelly

[denlor]

We have a 33FK Zinger and when we purchased the unit we were informed the underbelly was heated. We are going to be spending the winter in Osoyoos, B.C. where it is usually -5C but can get colder although daytime temps. are in the the plus range. (so -5C to plus 5C). We are skirting our unit and will probably put small light bulbs under the TT to help but want to make sure we do not freeze up. The unit was upgraded to the Polar Package for insulation but not sure about the underbelly heating other than when the furnace is running some heat from a vent is going into the belly. Any feedback will be appreciated. Thank you.
Ya I know should go south but for health reasons we cannot.

[Dayle1]

Yes, the underbelly is only heated by the furnace. Most of that heat is radiated heat given off by the main furnace duct as it is not insulated, so heat radiated both up and down. On my '04 model there was also a 1" diameter hole in the bottom as an actual heat 'duct'. In my opinion, the 'duct' was worthless since air flow would be much less than underbelly air leaks thru holes in the frame, etc.

We camp year round with our volunteer work and rarely use the furnace, relying instead on 2 oil-filled electric heaters in the winter. Even w/o the furnace running, we have spent days with temps below freezing and never had problems with freezing lines in the underbelly, even though the exposed city water line froze along with the sewer drain. Also, the tanks are not likely to freeze due to the amount of liquid in the tank, but the fresh water pickup tube for the 12V pump is most likely the first item to freeze, especially since the fresh water tank is frequently located at the back of the trailer.

[BODERRVING]

Hi Denlor,
Since your kitchen is in the front and your bathroom is midway, you likely have 2 gray tanks to include in your heat concerns. Perhaps you should think about a heat tape for the incoming water supply like this one =http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-Kin...8#.UkOefIasiSo

Friends of mine also use electric ceramic heaters during the winter. They are very safe since they will cut off if tipped over and have a thermostat. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Warmwave-1500-Watt-Ceramic-Tower-Electric-Portable-Heater-with-Oscillation-HPQ15M/100683982#.UkOfjYasiSo

Good luck

[denlor]

Thanks for the input folks. I just purchased a Pirit heated water hose for water supply which is rated to about -30C but maybe will put heater under TT inside skirt.

[BODERRVING]

I like the idea of a thermostatically controlled heater under the unit. It would ensure that your holding tanks do not freeze or ice up.

[denlor]

Hi Boderrving: thanks for your comments and wish you and yours great camping and may all your problems be something the DW can solve

[BODERRVING]

Thanks and hope your winter in Canada is a mild one. Please update during the cold months as we will be curious to know how it goes.

[Tim D]

I saw on a Camping world internet flyer they had 50 and 75 ft fresh water hoses that had thermostatically controlled heat the entire length of the hoses. Check that out. I also use two electric oil radiators to heat the house all winter long. Beats listening to the furnace running all the time. They heat a 1600 sq ft house most all winter by themselves. If I were to put one under my TT I think I would use an oil radiator. These are radiant heat, thermostatically controlled, and much safer. IMHO.

[mwebber78]

Skirting, even with DOW foam sheets will help significantly to reduce to chance of freezing. Watch for condensation, it can create mold and when it occurs in the walls reduce your R-values significantly.