Cold weather

Chilliwack mike 2012 · 02-02-2014, 04:32 PM

Hi Can anybody help me out and tell me if model number 8528 RKWS 5th wheel can be used in colder weather? I was told it was a four season if so really what does that mean???

Witch Doctor · 02-02-2014, 05:03 PM

I do not know of any true 4 season trailers by FR. If you got the artic pac that would only mean that you got tank heaters. Did your unit come with double pain windows? You probably just got tank heaters and a duct to blow hot air in the basement from the furnace, that is not a 4 season trailer. This is a guess on my part but that is what I got, and it isn't a 4 season trailer. They still call it a 3 season, but I also did not get double pain windows. Who told you it was a 4 season trailer, and what extras did they include? Is that a Rockwood or Flagstaff unit? What make is it?

**bikendan** · 02-02-2014, 05:11 PM

Flagstaff is definitely NOT a 4-season trailer.
of course, your mistake was believing the salesman!!

only thing that makes it handle colder weather is heated holding tanks.
but definitely NOT a real winter, unless you live in the Southwest or Florida.

WFD · 02-02-2014, 06:24 PM

Even a trailer with an arctic package would not be up to the challenge of Canadian Prairies, or even a Northern WI, MN, ND winter....was 20 below here last week. A brick and mortar house is hard enough to heat and keep warm, nevermind a trailer....3 season at best unless like a previous poster said, you are down south.

Rick

Weezer · 02-04-2014, 06:49 PM

We used our former TT, the Flagstaff V-Lite 30WIKSS in 20 degree temps. It had the arctic pac. We had no problems with anything freezing up. Instead of using the LP furnace constantly we used the electric fireplace, occasionally kicking in the furnace to augment the fireplace, and stayed downright toasty.

A lot hinges on the OP's definition of "cold ER weather".

The 8528 is a Flagstaff product. Would we camp in 10 degree weather with our new 8528 (IKWS) now? uhhhh NO!, but mostly because after that 20 degree trip in the V-Lite I'm just not sold on cold weather camping.

IIRC the RKWS is the model OC and his wife own. He might be able to give more information about four season camping in the 8528.

I will say this; Since buying our 8528 on Jan. 4th it's been sitting in the back yard, fully winterized, but we've kept a small ceramic heater running in the kitchen area just in case. With temps dipping down into the mid teens here, that small heater has kept the inside temps well above freezing....around 40* and above. But...that's with it buttoned up; all slides in.

Can someone define "four season RV"? What would that include, in addition to the arctic pac?

itat · 02-04-2014, 07:32 PM

Four seasons in the lower mainland of BC is different than it would be next door in Alberta. So like the others said it depends on your definition, but also your location.

rockwood06 · 02-04-2014, 08:08 PM

Once the temps get below 45 degrees I am camping in the house.
My camper Has the 4 season package but I don't plan on trying it out.

Slympicins · 02-04-2014, 08:16 PM

Went out last weekend during to 50 degree hear wave. Rewinterized it on Sunday. Going back down to the 20's again.

Witch Doctor · 02-04-2014, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockwood06

Once the temps get below 45 degrees I am camping in the house.
My camper Has the 4 season package but I don't plan on trying it out.

What do you have besides the tank heaters and a heat duct in the basement, that you say that your Rockwood is a 4 season unit? The only option that I do not have in mine is double pain windows. It is my understanding that FR only makes 3 season units per the factory. A true 4 season unit would be able to with stand temps below 0 degrees, without any problems. These light weight units only come with 2" walls and ceilings. When I went on a tour at the factory they said they do not make a true 4 season unit, and said I quote that FR is a 3 season unit only and even through you can use it in the winter it is still not called a true 4 season unit. Even if I took the option of double pain windows it still is classified as a 3 season unit. The R factor alone in 2" walls and ceilings and the underbelly only being foil insulation, uninsulated water systems including the water and waist lines. Tank heaters come with pads and elbows wrapped with heat tape only at elbows. A 4 season unit would not have to be winterized. If you have to winterize with anti freeze you would not have a 4 season unit. Can you use your unit in winter when the temp gets below 32, yes you can with taking the correct precautions. Still that is not a 4 season unit. I would like to be proven wrong on this but I'm sure with all the standard options you will still only be a 3 true season unit.

Witch Doctor · 02-05-2014, 06:02 AM

Weezer, Google Arctic Fox Trailers, They are are a true 4 season manufacturer. You will see a huge difference between the FR construction. 4 season is even posted on there site. Look at the difference between there light weight and Heavy weight 5th wheels. They make the trailer to handle harsh winters.

donanddona · 02-18-2014, 07:30 PM

A key word hear maybe a "residential" RV, which for the commoner only applies to a 5th wheel. R-value is also a key factor. Not many have more than R-9 for the slides.

Maron · 02-23-2014, 12:41 AM

We just completed a trip from Chicago to Phoenix in our 8329. I was told the tank heaters come on at 40 degrees if you have the switch on. In Amarillo Tx, the temp went from an arrival temp of 63 to a next morning temp of 23 in freezing fog. Our city water lines froze including the campground faucet. We never experienced the drop in the coach since the thermostat was set at 65. Next morning we had no problems with the tanks and everything worked well. We boiled some water from the holding tank, poured it on the outside faucet and were on our way.

B47 · 04-24-2014, 12:53 PM

Our weather forecast here for the foreseeable future calls for highs in the 70's and 80's and lows well above freezing.

Considering the long winter we experienced this past winter, is it safe to say winter is finally over in U.S.?

itat · 04-24-2014, 01:12 PM

...in Texas, I'd hope so! In the states that border Canada, I wouldn't be so sure. Definitely not in Alaska!

donanddona · 04-29-2014, 10:21 PM

Tested my 2011-8528BHSS three years ago. Got down to 15f in Chicago. Two ceramic heaters, ended up freezing the water pump (thawed out ok). Partly my fault, didn't use the furnace strong enough that night. Had tank heaters on and fresh tank was full as we anticipated the drop in temp. Used up a 30lb tank of propane every 3-4 days. The local propane company offered free of charge to install 100lb-ers. We had to order new windows forward as the glue dried and they were leaking water excessively (when it was warmer). Don't know for sure how much colder we could take her but she came through strong and proud to have her.

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