Mini Lite underbelly

[Ggimlick]

We're still working our way thru the decision process of downsizing and the Mini Lites keep bubbling to the top of the list. A few questions remain.

I notice the underbellies are listed as "enclosed", but there is no mention of whether there is any ducted heat into them to help the water lines or not. There is the option for heated tanks and I know those are just heat pads affixed to the tanks, but is there any sort of heat at all going into the underbelly other than that?

We don't generally do much cold weather camping, but the motorhome was well protected when we did. I know going to a Mini Lite brings compromises on a lot of that because of basement, space, etc.

So...any heat down there at all other than the optional pads?

Thanks

[rjgrady]

Not as far as I know. Our 2109s is simply enclosed with no heat down there.

[Tigger1]

Our 2104s is just enclosed to keep road debris from damaging the tanks. There is no heat going into that space. Our unit didn’t come with tank heaters either which if it did still wouldn’t eliminate the need to winterize the plumbing lines in cold climates.

[rjgrady]

Originally Posted by Tigger1

Our 2104s is just enclosed to keep road debris from damaging the tanks. There is no heat going into that space. Our unit didn’t come with tank heaters either which if it did still wouldn’t eliminate the need to winterize the plumbing lines in cold climates.

I didn't order the tank heaters either, i just didn't see the point of them.

[Ggimlick]

Thanks, i thought there wasn’t any heat down there, but hoped I was wrong.

We don’t make a habit of winter camping, but have been known to get caught by some freezing weather when we go to CO...and even along the gulf coast a few times.

I would agree that if the tanks are the only thing with heat, there isn’t a lot of benefit. You’ve still got water and drain lines down there. I suppose a night in the 20’s might be okay given some normal heat loss thru the floor.

I'd be interested in anyone’s experience with a Mini Lite in cold weather.

Thanks,
Greg

[rcguy]

Mine came with tank heater pads and pads on the dump valves. I’ve not tried them. I suppose they would work and the inside heat would keep the pipes from freezing?

[HikerBob]

We had the underbelly plumbing freeze on our 2011 MiniLite ETC TT once in 25 degree weather in Minnesota. However, we didn't expect it not to, just got caught in a below average day or two of weather on a cross-country trip. The TT isn't billed as a four season unit, and we were pushing the limit being there in October.

[Ggimlick]

Did you suffer any broken lines from the freeze?

[HikerBob]

No, just had to wait for the temperature to climb a bit and thaw them out,

[SmilinBeard]

We camped last weekend and the lows hit 24 two nights. Since it got well above freezing during the day, we didn't have any problems with freezing pipes. I also fear some heat leaked through the floor to the pipes as it went out under the trailer.

[cantho]

Is there such a thing as a inspection panel cut in the forward area of the underbelly ?