Heat for winter travel

[RVnut]

So when it is cold out like 40 degrees for a high the front passengers stay warm but is it safe to run the furnace for folks at the dinette.. Or would we be better to run generator and small space heater during travel?

[chrisbailey13]

I run the Furnace when traveling in cold areas. Never had a problem.

[RVnut]

Thanks.. Just thought with the air blowing by the exhaust and intake it might have issues.. Of course I know most folks will say the propane tank should be turned off when traveling down the road..

[chrisbailey13]

Originally Posted by RVnut

Thanks.. Just thought with the air blowing by the exhaust and intake it might have issues.. Of course I know most folks will say the propane tank should be turned off when traveling down the road..

As I mentioned, I have never had an issue. Plus, in my case, My Refrigerator runs on Propane when not plugged in, so I can't shut off the Propane when going down the road.

[Krazymace]

Originally Posted by RVnut

Thanks.. Just thought with the air blowing by the exhaust and intake it might have issues.. Of course I know most folks will say the propane tank should be turned off when traveling down the road..

I never shut off my propane!


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[PhoneDude 8289]

The only time the propane is turned off in our RV is when it's in storage.

[waiter21]

I run a Mr Buddy that was modified to plug into the house propane.

Between it and the dash heater, everything stays warm while cruising down the interstate when its 20 degrees outside.

NOTE - I installed a latch to hold the bath door open, else it gets really cold in there.

Latch to hold Bathroom door open | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

..

[pmsherman]

Originally Posted by chrisbailey13

As I mentioned, I have never had an issue. Plus, in my case, My Refrigerator runs on Propane when not plugged in, so I can't shut off the Propane when going down the road.

A few bridges and ?all? tunnels prohibit use of propane while using them. My 2011 Georgetown 327DS has a 2-way fridge so I was faced with the same problem when travelling. I solved it by installing a 1K inverter set up to power only the fridge. The Xantrex inverter I purchased included a transfer switch so I used the original power line for the fridge as its shore power feed. The inverter has a remotable front panel which I mounted just below the sink where it's easily seen while siting at the dining table. My propane system has a shutoff solenoid at the tank controlled by the propane/CO detector. I added, next to the detector, a shutoff switch to the solenoid so I can turn the propane on and off from inside the RV.

The inverter is used when driving or making short stops for shopping. While driving, the 175A alternator provides more than enough power for the inverter to run the ~300W (26Amps @ 12V) electric heater in the fridge.

If you're not carrying passengers, a floor to ceiling curtain mounted just behind the front seats will keep the front section where you're sitting warm. I also discovered that when stopped for the night, it's critical to set the front ventilation system to "max air (condition)" to close the front vent. If you don't do this, there's a cold draft entering the RV from the recirculation intake vent in the passenger foot well.

If it was really cold and I need additional heat in the coach when driving, an alternative would be to run the generator and use an electric heater. The only caution here is to use one that can't tip over or has a tip shutoff switch. Many many years ago I had some squirrel cage fan, thermostat control, electric heaters that were 6"x10"x2" and couldn't tip over. They would have been perfect for the RV but they only lasted around 10 years or so.

Phil

[RVnut]

Thanks for the replys.. We made our trip and it did not get as cold as the "weathermen said it would so we just used the engine heater and put a blanket on our son.. No one got cold but I like the generator and space heater if needed

[youroo]

We had a Chevy Suburban 3 rows of seats,that we used In the Winter for Snowmobile Trips,I am talking COLD -20F and Colder! I know that Chevy offered a Rear Heater but We wanted a REAL Heater to keep 7-9 people warm and the windows from icing up! So I installed a Bus rear heater in the rear corner and ran the Engine coolant lines to it in the Frame! The blower switch was controlled by the Rear riders,most of the time the Front drivers heat was on LOW! At one time M/Hs used this same method to Heat Water for showers as well as the Rear living area! No propane or Gen.needed! Youroo!!