Upgrades underneath

[nature87]

Hi folks.... planning on dropping the under carriage cover for some mods. I have a FR 2104s 23' w Murphy bed in the front. I want to be able to keep the tanks from freezing. Debating about expensive and energy hog heating pads vs a fuel & power efficient diesel furnace with a partial vent down below. Any one try this? Also how about foam insulation blown in and using the furnace heat? I likely would need some heat tape around/near the pipes. Any suggestions or experiences with this ?
( I understand the slide-out, windows and doors are another issue)

Thanks in advance....

[jimmarako]

Funny, my previous trailer was a 2104s and I was toying with the idea of heating the underbelly. My new trailer has the enclosed underbelly, tank heaters and the furnace vents in the floor so for the camping I'll probably ever do this should be fine.

I don't know if I would consider tank heaters expensive ($100's), especially compared to the cost of a diesel furnace ($1,000's).

I'm guessing that you want to do some serious cold weather camping. My thought would be to heat the underbelly by putting a small furnace vent or two in there (and some holes for returns I would guess). There are posts here where people have put foam board along the frame rails and put a 1-2" think foam board under the frame (covered by the corrugated plastic thats already there). Since the tanks and valves hang somewhat below the frame that makes it tough i.e. the surface is not flat so some custom cutting needed. Just want to seal it off as good as you can so your heat stays there.

I don't know if I would blow foam into the space. I don't know if you should have air flow around the frame, wire, etc,... to keep the moisture in check. Others probably know better than I do about this.

The black/grey valve etc.. you'll need some form of pipe tape/heater.

Jim M.

[nature87]

Thanks for the reply. I have order a knockoff diesel heater. About $200. All the reviews I have seen show they are great value and very safe. Thats a good idea to use the foam board on the frame. How would I fasten the foam board?

[jimmarako]

I would probably do something like hold it in place with some silcon/caulk something like that. Then I would use long self tapping screws to make sure it stays. You need to be careful when screwing through the frame... whats on the other side.

Try doing a search on "insulating underbelly" or "insulation floor" or maybe even "add insulation for cold". Plenty of people have done upgrades. I've looked into it but haven't done anything yet.

Jim M.