Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Colder Weather Observations (Read 652 times) previous topic - next topic

Colder Weather Observations

Temps in Woodland Park Colorado dipped into low 40's last night and near freezing tonight. We'll be heading further east in a few days so not really worried about actual hard freezes but already have a few observations:

1.  These FT are wonderfully insulated. Big difference from any RV previously owned.

2.  Started engine today after being parked for week. No problems cranking but took much longer to fire due to overnight temps in the low 40's.  Took perhaps 3 attempts of 15 seconds to fire.  How long is too long to crank?  Haven't used block heater before but I assume it would have helped.  Does it make sense to leave it running for days of cold weather before getting ready to travel or just night before?

3.  A/C strip heaters have been all needed but fired propane furnace this evening with 10 pm temps at 41 and low expected at 33.  How much of interior furnace temp will help in lower bays?  Let's say I keep inside at 60 degrees...will bays also be at 60?  If not how much less?  May need to know this if we ever n the d to keep bays above freezing in much lower ambient temps.

Thanks
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #1 –
Not sure what engine you have but with my Cummings, I have started mine in the 20's.  Takes a while for the "wait to start" light goes out but fires with in second or two after hitting starter, same amount of time as when in the 90's.  It will run a little rough for about minute and then clear up.

I do not think I have ever used the block heater.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #2 –
When it gets below 50 I fire up the block heater and let it tun overnight. It really helps.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #3 –
Quote from: floridarandy –
How much of interior furnace temp will help in lower bays?  Let's say I keep inside at 60 degrees...will bays also be at 60?  If not how much less?  May need to know this if we ever need to keep bays above freezing in much lower ambient temps.
If you are traveling/camping/parking coach in cold weather conditions where below freezing temps may be encountered, you will find it instructive (and prudent) to monitor your storage bay temperatures.  It is hard to predict how effective your built-in bay heating system will be, but it is easy to determine.  Simply install some remote temperature sensors in the bays, and play with your heaters to see how they do.  You may find keeping the interior of the coach comfortable (for you) also keeps the bays above freezing.  Or, you may find the bay heating system needs some help.  Too many variables...thus the need to experiment.

We have used the unit linked below for several years, and have found it reliable and well suited to the task.  There are many different models with more or less functions to choose from.  I keep one remote sensor in each end of the "wet" bay, and the third remote in our large middle bay where I usually store a generous supply of liquid beverages.  The base unit shows the interior passenger compartment temp, and continuously scrolls through the temp readings from the remote sensors.

If you find the propane heaters, when set for your comfort, are not sufficient to keep the wet bay above freezing, then you can add some small 120V electric heaters to take up the slack.  We keep one thermostatically controlled heater in each end of the wet bay whenever the temps are predicted to dip below freezing.  We also use several small, quiet, electric heaters inside the coach for our primary heating, unless we are dry camping, in which case the (noisy but effective) propane heaters are cranked up.

Amazon.com: AcuRite 01090M Multi-Sensor Thermometer with 3 Indoor/Outdoor...
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #4 –
In 40 degree weather, turn on the block heater 2 hours or so before starting.

Ramp up "on time", but overnight not necessary unless below zero F.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #5 –
Always sort of laughed at a heater outlet under the toilet...that is until it got cold enough to run the propane furnace.  Newspaper time unaffected!
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #6 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Not sure what engine you have but with my Cummings, I have started mine in the 20's.  Takes a while for the "wait to start" light goes out but fires with in second or two after hitting starter, same amount of time as when in the 90's.  It will run a little rough for about minute and then clear up.
I do not think I have ever used the block heater.
Yes, your Cummins has a heated intake that is an excellent help in starting at low temperatures. Unfortunately, not all engines have such a provision. Our Detroit has none and with the lower compression ratio the turbo engine has, can be difficult to start in cold weather. For most U300 owners, Foretravel didn't use the normal block heater location so it may need to run all night in really cold weather where the low behind the AC compressor location normally found on Detroits only requires a couple of hours.

High altitude may also cause a normally quick starting engine in cold weather to become very reluctant. Diesels are compression ignition engines and with less compression, the diesel fuel may not explode as readily.

Indirect injection engines like our diesel generators have glow plugs that may allow starting in sub-freezing conditions even at higher altitudes.

I have a propane fired remote block heater I've restored and will post information on how it works when I get it installed. It uses very little propane and can run all night for $0.50 worth of gas and no need for AC power.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #7 –
2000 U270 has ISC 350 Cummins
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #8 –
On our C8.3 with intake manifold 12-volt electric heater:

Key on without cranking, dash 'wait to start' indicator turns off, key off, repeat several times before cranking.

Each key on cycle turns on 12-volt electric grid heater located inside intake manifold and has ability to squirt some diesel fuel directly into intake manifold.

Repeating the key on cycle will increasingly heat up intake air improving engine start in cold temps.
 

Re: Colder Weather Observations

Reply #9 –
With cold weather around the corner, those of us that do not have aquahot, may need 'extra' bay heat to prevent water line freezing.

Forum search on "personal heater" results in dozens of hits, probably a good read for those who are not aware of the 200 Watt Lasko electric heaters. A few links are below. . .

In very cold temps, propane furnace may not adequately prevent frozen water pipes, as there are only a couple of small diameter heat ducts to supply warm air to specific places, and only when furnace is running.

Lasko 100 200 Watt My Heat™ Personal Heater - Walmart.com

Lasko 200 watt space heater

Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Camping in Cold Weather-Long but hopefully useful

Cold weather living in a 1997 u270