Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Full-time preparing for winter

November 01, 2017, 02:57:58 pm

Hi gang-
I have a question for those who have full-timed during the winter.
This question is directed towards folks who full-time or have full-timed  in colder areas of the country.

This will be my first winter full-timing in my 30' rear queen LD. During previous winter I was full-timing in my 30' Airstream.
It was pretty easy skirting my Airstream to help keep the underbelly warm. I would like to hear your thoughts and suggestions for skirting my Class C LD.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Re: Full-time preparing for winter

Reply #2 – November 01, 2017, 04:28:11 pm

Mark, I have been fulltiming since late 2008.  My coldest weather was in NJ in January, 2009, when it was below zero for days at a time, and the coldest was -20.  I relied on my furnace and an electrical radiant heater, and was comfortable inside, though quite a bit of condensation formed.  My grey water tank froze solid, and my black water drain line froze.  It was... interesting.

I have thought about skirting but, with the complexity of the cab area, the steps and the exhaust pipe, I decided not to go that route.  Partial skirting would be of little value and achieving full closure with skirting would be very difficult, I think.

I have been told, but do not know for sure, that my 2008 LD is better insulated than an Airstream.  I have added to the insulation by closing off the escape hatch with a foam block and lining the underside of the hatch with 1/2" closed cell foam insulation, by a foam bulkhead between the cab and the living area, by dual layer Fantastic Fan covers that act like thermopane and no longer form condensation, by insulating the upper inside of the exterior above-floor storage compartments, and by throw rugs on the floor to reduce heat flow.  I winter mostly in southern New Mexico where the winters are relatively mild but where we regularly experience sub-freezing conditions.  And - I am comfortable in those conditions.

Ken F in NM

Re: Full-time preparing for winter

Reply #4 – November 01, 2017, 06:37:32 pm

How cold of conditions are you planning on camping in?
How long will your LD be parked at a time.
Will electrical power be available? 30 or 50-amp?

LDs were not built with winter weather in mind. Big windows and exposed holding tanks present problems.
In very cold conditions, skirting is a practical way to help stay comfortable, LD's floor are always cold, when it's frigid outside.
Long tem skirting can be made of plywood, hay bails, it's all up to your imagination.
Portable skirting can be as simple as blue tarps cut, sewn and hemmed, with snaps located every so many feet, as necessary.
Either way, provisions need to be made for the generator use, in case of a power failure. The skirt needs to be opened up when the generator is run.

-A big blanket or quilt can be used to seal the cab off front the coach. The cab is all metal and glass and loses a lot of heat if left open.
-Always turn the cab's HVAC control to "Off", to prevent cold air from being blown in through the ventilation ducts.
-Vent  insulation is a great addition.
-One or two catalytic heaters are good additions for winter camping.
-For long term parking, in below freezing conditions, the holding tanks and drain lines will need to have heating pads and heat tape installed, if you plan on continue using the LD's plumbing system, even with skirts installed.
-Covering the outside of the holding tanks with a layer of sheet foam insulation will help with the freezing issues, along with the electric tank heaters.
-Install an Extend-A-Stay propane adaptor that allows connection an external propane tank.
-Most LDs are not well sealed between the interior and the external storage compartments. Seal whatever passages or gaps       you find. This is essential to prevent bad drafts.
-Cut  bubble insulation covers for all the windows.
-Buy two smaller electric heaters.
-An electric mattress heater is wonderful.
-Install an EMS, one with a digital 120-VAC power condition readout, to track the amperage usage and keep it under 30-amps to prevent blown circuit breakers at an inconvenient time.
That's should get you started.

My best suggestion is to head south, when it gets cold.

Larry