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Basement heat on U320?

I have a question on the basement heating. I have the Aqua-Hot so the forward compartment stays rather toasty on its own. There is a heat exchanger with a temp switch on the curb side by the pump, tank, and drain valves. That is the only heat exchanger that I have found.

1) Is this always on based on the temp setting switch or do I need to have the furnace turned on also? It seems very schizophrenic. 
2) I also have vents in the rear bedroom below the make-up mirror. Is the intent that warm air from the bedroom makes it's way down to the plumbing?

My coach is a 1996 U320 40'.
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Basement heat on U320?

Reply #1 –
Fred,

A good analogy is your car.  The dash temp setting controls the temp in the cabin.  BUT, if the engine is cold, NO warm air.

So in freezing conditions, set basement thermostat to 40 degrees or higher AND turn on the Diesel Burner switch and the Electric Element switch if plugged into shore power.

Hope this helps you.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Basement heat on U320?

Reply #2 –
Rudy,

Thanks.  I do have the electric switch on and occasionally the diesel switch depending on the outside temperature. It has been going above and below freezing where we are now. The electric tries to keep up but tends to fall behind as the temps drop below 40 degrees outside. The hose to the exchanger is warm so it appears the fluid is passing through. I'll have to check the exchanger thermostat in the bay on a cold night.
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Basement heat on U320?

Reply #3 –
Fred,
I'm only a few miles from you and in this weather I run the diesel and AC Aquahot as Rudy said, along with a 200 watt electric heater in each of the wet bays.  Works great until we're able to go to Florida around New Years.

Re: Basement heat on U320?

Reply #4 –
The Lasko above works well with thermal plugs. 
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Basement heat on U320?

Reply #5 –
The diesel burner works down to below zero.  Electric only heats down to 45 or 50 degrees for you (68 or 70 degrees inside).
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Basement heat on U320?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: George and Steph –
The Lasko above works well with thermal plugs. 

Yes.

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Re: Basement heat on U320?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: ViewRVs –
There is a heat exchanger with a temp switch on the curb side by the pump, tank, and drain valves. That is the only heat exchanger that I have found.

My coach is a 1996 U320 40'.

Fred,
I have a 1999 320 and I have a heat exchanger in the water pump manifold area and behind the wall in the wet bay keeping the tanks warm. I'm assuming they use the same thermostat.
John M
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."