Cold weather use

[hos]

Also, since 2019 we have made some changes to how things operate. Back then, the bedroom cozy would heat the wet bay off the bedroom t-stat (fine in below freezing, double digits). Since then we have added a dedicated cozy and t-stat to the wet bay. WE have also added the Xplorer package that adds a little insulation to that bay and an aux electric heater.

Looking for a little clarification. On our 23 37rb with explorer package I’m not seeing or feeling anything (cozy or t-stat) in the wet bay besides the insulation. Had the aqua hot running the last few nights (mid 20’s) and today anything I shot with the ir thermometer was reading right at 32 degrees in the bay. Control panel is showing it should have been 40. Is there nothing at all in the wet bay besides insulation? Why even put that in the control as zone 3 with the option of aqua hot? Guess I’m adding a heater as we see cold weather use occasionally.

 

[bclemens]

1. The cozy is not "in" the bay. It is above the floor, with a 2" duct run that is suposed to terminate at the top of the utility compartment. So I would say, be looking for a small hole in the ceiling of that compartment...it may be over the tanks.

2. The Aquahot Thermostat I don't think is controlled by the FIrefly...I seem to think there was a small dial type thermostat provided by Aquahot. The one on the Firefly is for an Aux heater that goes on the Isata 5, since it does not have a dedicated heater in the bay. I'll see if I can get a picture of one on an RB.

 

[hos]

That would be great Brian! Definitely not seeing anything obvious in the bay. I appreciate the reply.

 

[bclemens]

OK....well, once we went to the new aquahot with the digital screen, their thermostat went away.

So, there is a Cozy dedicated to the utility bay. Picture is of a TS I think. You can see it just ducts straight down through the floor. The Thermister is just bundled up in the harness, so maybe air is getting blown right on it...might need to be moved far away from the outlet, and it is now controlled on the Firefly.

 

[hos]

Took another look, apparently turning the wet bay heat on at the panel turns a fan on below the fridge. Explains why I always hear a fan running under there and wasn't sure why as it wasn't tied to the front or rear heat. I found a duct on top of the aqua hot bay on the passenger side. Assuming the fan is ducted to that. And the thermistor is in the utility bay under the sanicon. Not sure why it is ducted to that side as the unit probably produces as much heat when running as the duct puts out. And the utility side is where its needed for the hose, filter and sanicon. I know their connected but that side obviously gets pretty cold. Had 32 in there this morning. Guess I'll figure out how to extend that duct over to the other side. Unfortunately the duct doesn't hang down and is cut short about an inch up into the hole in the floor and that is right under the bedroom slide so I can't access it from the top.

 

[bclemens]

Took another look, apparently turning the wet bay heat on at the panel turns a fan on below the fridge. Explains why I always hear a fan running under there and wasn't sure why as it wasn't tied to the front or rear heat. I found a duct on top of the aqua hot bay on the passenger side. Assuming the fan is ducted to that. And the thermistor is in the utility bay under the sanicon. Not sure why it is ducted to that side as the unit probably produces as much heat when running as the duct puts out. And the utility side is where its needed for the hose, filter and sanicon. I know their connected but that side obviously gets pretty cold. Had 32 in there this morning. Guess I'll figure out how to extend that duct over to the other side. Unfortunately the duct doesn't hang down and is cut short about an inch up into the hole in the floor and that is right under the bedroom slide so I can't access it from the top.

Or just turn that T-stat up a bit.

Others have just added some flexible duct to locate it where they want, or even just to the bottom of the bay since hot air rises. It all depends on what you store and how you use it, but pretty easy to customize to your specific need.

 

[hos]

Thanks for your time and help

 

[CyberShanks-FRF]

Something I've been wondering, any chance we could get the source of the wet bay and aquahot bay thermal lining Dynamax has been adding to the later model years? I'm interested in adding some to our 2021 XL since we definitely experience some cold season in Iowa.


Thanks,
Jim

 

[JC70]

Something I've been wondering, any chance we could get the source of the wet bay and aquahot bay thermal lining Dynamax has been adding to the later model years? I'm interested in adding some to our 2021 XL since we definitely experience some cold season in Iowa.


Thanks,
Jim

I used this. Easy to install.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-48-in-x-25-ft-Double-Reflective-Insulation-48x25RI/315103268

 

[JimTA]

I do think this is the one.
Thermtech Cargo Heat RV Style 12V Service Bay Heater 3000RV 300 Watt 25A Motorhome

This is the wet bay heater (3000rv CargoHeat) that came installed in our Isata 5 28ss Explorer. Unfortunately ours failed on initial use (blows only cold air), and an internet search indicates this is very common due to a poorly specified 1-shot thermal protection fuse in it. The heater is no longer made or supported (mfg out of business). Have Dynamax gone to a different aux heater now, as I would like to replace mine with a more reliable alternative.