Newbie question about 2304 and winter camping

[jam937]

I am looking for my first RV and the 2304 (or 2304S) is on my short list. Would I be able to camp in Ohio during the winter provided I am at a campsite with electric? Average winter temps are in the 20's but can dip lower (0-15) for short periods of time.

I know these are not technically for winter, but it seems to have almost the same insulation (R14 roof, R12 floor, R7 walls) as the arctic fox (R18/R7/R7) which everyone says is four seasons. The 2304's can also have the enclosed and elec. heated belly.

Thanks

[Labzy]

Hmmm....I'm a newbie also lol, but I'm from ontario so we get a lot colder up here.
I think you still need to insulate the windows etc.. and look into what kind of heating they have for the tanks, because I know there are different ways to do it.
I think you also need to have a reliable gas detector since you are gonna have the furnace and/or heaters running. Also humidity would be a problem so look into ways to get the moist air out.

[jam937]

From what the dealers have told me .... the furnace runs off the 110 when connected to land power and not the propane. The holding tanks are also heated by 110 when connected.

Again, this is what I've been told by salespeople

[sherdep]

I have a 2011 2306 and would be the same as the 2304 as far as options

I would have to verify this but according to the book that came with my 2306 - the heated option is made by Therma Heat (2 year warranty) and it turn itself on at 45 degrees and turns itself off at 67 degrees. The book shows diffrent heat pads that run off of 110 and 13.5vdc so when I get a chance I will look at my trailer and see if they are both voltages or not and post back

another option is if you get the storm windows - beware that they cover the whole window with a plexy glass and make then inoperable except the emergency exit.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by jam937

From what the dealers have told me .... the furnace runs off the 110 when connected to land power and not the propane. The holding tanks are also heated by 110 when connected.

Again, this is what I've been told by salespeople

that's another salesperson's truth bender! the furnace does NOT run on 110v. the fan and electronics run on 12v but the heat comes from propane.
most of us use ceramic heaters when there are electric hookups, to save propane.

if you order heated holding tanks, they do require 110v AC power.

[sherdep]

and or you can add the optional Heater element in your A/C unit as well like I did to help heat the inside - was almost as cheap as buying one of the ceramic heaters and very easy to install and will also help save on propane costs as well

am thinking you would probably have to have a few space heaters in real cold weather but atleast you arent wasting your gas and using the electricity from the campsite

[Labzy]

Look into portable ceramic heaters, and get an extra gas detector. A friend of ours rented Rvs to tailgate, and all 4 men from one of the trailers died because the gas detectors had dead batteries. I'm sure things have changed in 10 years but still be careful whenever you are running propane while u are sleeping.

[sherdep]

the Gas detectors are now hard wired and have a LED indicator to tell you when it is working - it also has a test button - they are made by Safe T alert Model # 35-742 or atleast that is what is in my TT

[Labzy]

not good enough ...... ;p I doubt if I will ever use the propane while im sleeping, I'll get a portable heater for nightime. Call me paranoid.

[jam937]

So would the tank heating pads keep the tanks from freezing as long as I had power?

I could use 1 or 2 ceramic heater inside to keep warm that's not a problem. I'm mostly concerned with the tanks freezing

[Labzy]

Yes, they keep them from freezing, but idk about insulting the hoses as well...?
You may also need to insulate over the windows, seal vents, and have some type of dehumidifier running to prevent the condensation.
It sounds like you are intending to camp with no water or sewer hook up?

[jam937]

I think the campsites around me are year round and have long term rates. I thought they would have full hookups (elec/water/sewer) over winter. I will have to check.

[Labzy]

Hmmm, if you are gonna use the full hookups then you will have some more work to do...lol. You will need to insulate the water hose where it connects to the supply, and anywhere else that is prone to freeze. I think there are some good links if you search it, that might help you also

[Char_n_Kath]

Originally Posted by jam937

I am looking for my first RV and the 2304 (or 2304S) is on my short list. Would I be able to camp in Ohio during the winter provided I am at a campsite with electric? Average winter temps are in the 20's but can dip lower (0-15) for short periods of time.

I know these are not technically for winter, but it seems to have almost the same insulation (R14 roof, R12 floor, R7 walls) as the arctic fox (R18/R7/R7) which everyone says is four seasons. The 2304's can also have the enclosed and elec. heated belly.

Thanks

We have a 2011 2304, with the tank heater option. The underbelly is not enclosed - everything under the floor is exposed to the elements. While the tank heater would likely keep the tanks from freezing, as mentioned by others the bigger problem will be the water supply line. The only heat it receives is from the heat in the water in tank. The tank heaters are 12v, so they run on battery only or when you are hooked up to 120v. I haven't yet camped in well-below freezing weather (and don't intend to!), so can't say for certain how well they would work in 20 or colder weather. However, if you are going to have a long-term set up you would be well advised to have heat tape run by 120v for extra insurance. As far as the inside goes, we camped in 35 degree weather last Thanksgiving & burned through alot of propane keeping warm (about 60-65) at night. The r value is not so wonderful that you will stay toasty warm with your heater running minimally.

Charlie