coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Topic: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT (Read 2712 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #25 – December 19, 2012, 08:01:32 am

You have to turn it on though the water manifold bay, there is a knob that set the bay heat. Make sure it s not on 0 or no heat.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #26 – December 19, 2012, 09:55:43 am

We don't have Aquahot, ceiling fans, or double pane windows. We do have two propane furnaces and are getting "fluffier" to help reduce chills and broken bones when we fall. Now, hopefully we will bounce.

When in very cold weather we have found that having a small fan up high to move air around really helps. Otherwise hot air is high, cold air settles low, our feet get cold, and the furnaces run more often.
One problem still remains and that is the condensation on the inside of the windshield. We lay towels along the dash and, in the morning, if we are leaving we use a squegee.
Our black and gray water tanks are not protected from the elements but a small electric heater in the dump valve compartment seems to do the job. If it is going to get really cold I will do a dump and then pour in a little RV antifreeze.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #27 – December 19, 2012, 10:57:43 am

"You have to turn it on though the water manifold bay, there is a knob that set the bay heat. Make sure it s not on 0 or no heat."

John S - Can you explain/show where this knob is located in the bay?

TX

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #28 – December 19, 2012, 11:33:28 am

Quote from: Carol & Scott – December 19, 2012, 10:57:43 am

"You have to turn it on though the water manifold bay, there is a knob that set the bay heat. Make sure it s not on 0 or no heat."

John S - Can you explain/show where this knob is located in the bay?

TX

Here is a photo on another thread
Bay Heating

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #29 – December 19, 2012, 05:58:47 pm

Tommorrow we head out for Vancouver and christmas with family before heading south. The weather is the pits and we have mtns to go thru. Here is a link to show what it is like right now half way thru our trip. Click on the HWY 3 cams and look at Allison Pass etc. Fun drive Thursday!!!
B.C.Highway Cams
Wish us luck.
John H

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #30 – December 19, 2012, 06:13:09 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – December 19, 2012, 05:58:47 pm

Tommorrow we head out for Vancouver and christmas with family before heading south. The weather is the pits and we have mtns to go thru. Here is a link to show what it is like right now half way thru our trip. Click on the HWY 3 cams and look at Allison Pass etc. Fun drive Thursday!!!
B.C.Highway Cams
Wish us luck.
John H

Wow, It looks pretty angry out there John. It's usually the other drivers that concern me in those kind of weather conditions. Be careful and good luck.

Dean

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #31 – December 19, 2012, 07:44:50 pm

John,

Be safe! Enjoy the comforts of your FT while waiting for safe conditions if necessary.

We enjoyed a high temperature of 80F at home today as I prepared the FT for our holiday trip. We expect to spend Christmas in Missouri and New Year's observance in Montana. I expect there may be some similar road cam pictures on our route. We plan to carry enough supplies to "wait out" bad conditions and only travel if the roads are clear.

To all,

Best wishes to all for comfortable, safe, and joyous holidays whether the outside temperatures are hot, cold, or just right for you.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #32 – December 19, 2012, 08:02:03 pm

Dave, an FYI. They are forecasting snow and maybe a "Life Threatening Conditions" situation in Oklahoma for Christmas and the 26th. Also, KC is potentially in the patch of a pretty big one. I think we may pass on our KC for Christmas this year.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #33 – December 19, 2012, 08:11:15 pm

Hi John,

As we live in Alberta I am thankful that we moved the coach this fall to the warm south. We are now back home for the holidays, and are enjoying the snow and cold temperatures knowing that we will soon be joining the coach for the winter.

Drive very carefully. I hear that it is snowing in Vancouver.

Have a Merry Christmas

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #34 – December 19, 2012, 09:53:09 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – December 19, 2012, 08:02:03 pm

Dave, an FYI. They are forecasting snow and maybe a "Life Threatening Conditions" situation in Oklahoma for Christmas and the 26th. Also, KC is potentially in the patch of a pretty big one. I think we may pass on our KC for Christmas this year.

Thanks, Kent. We plan to be in place near the family north of KC by Saturday, December 22. There is an excellent campground in Platte City that is open year round. It looks like enough clear weather between tomorrow and Saturday for us to make the 800 mile trek. We plan enjoy Smithville, MO, through Christmas.

From Smithville, we will watch weather and see when we can proceed to Montana. We may be able to provide reports regarding "coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT."

Because of the "life threatening conditions," we will diligently check weather and keep sufficient supplies to wait out a storm. Right now, I am baking bread to take on the trip. We'll load up our shorts (for Texas) and warm duds (for northward) tomorrow morning.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #35 – December 19, 2012, 11:22:33 pm

Today it has snowed all day and I see on the news that the new, just opened 10 lane span bridge to Vancouver was closed for 6 hrs as ice was falling off the massive cables holding bridge up. The icicles actually could be seen going right thru windscreens and sun roofs. 2 people injured. This is the largest cable span bridge in the world and it has happened on others in the world??? Did not they think about this?
I may not make it that far looking at the cams so I will not worry. If you do not hear from me for a few days please send out the Posse (no Michelle, not them)
John H

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #36 – December 20, 2012, 12:22:33 am

Crap. We'll be passing through on 69 sometime on the 25th or 26th!

Quote from: Kent Speers – December 19, 2012, 08:02:03 pm

Dave, an FYI. They are forecasting snow and maybe a "Life Threatening Conditions" situation in Oklahoma for Christmas and the 26th. Also, KC is potentially in the patch of a pretty big one. I think we may pass on our KC for Christmas this year.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #37 – December 20, 2012, 07:47:00 pm

Quote from: J. D. Stevens – December 19, 2012, 09:53:09 pm

Thanks, Kent. We plan to be in place near the family north of KC by Saturday, December 22.

From Smithville, we will watch weather and see when we can proceed to Montana. We may be able to provide reports regarding "coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT."

Because of the "life threatening conditions," we will diligently check weather and keep sufficient supplies to wait out a storm.

And I still have the "geezerdude spot" bookmarked so we can monitor progress and send in the sled team if needed

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #38 – December 20, 2012, 08:24:40 pm

Quote from: Michelle – December 20, 2012, 07:47:00 pm

And I still have the "geezerdude spot" bookmarked so we can monitor progress and send in the sled team if needed

I tested SPOT yesterday on a trip to town. It will start reporting when we head north. We had planned to leave today, but are still waiting for an important document to arrive via USPS. Maybe we'll start north tomorrow. That gives us a better opportunity to participate more fully in the "Great Holiday Escape." Weather Underground shows that conditions should be good for a few more days. Forecast Maps | Weather Underground

Hmm. You have "the posse" AND a sled team?!

For those who travel in hazardous conditions or to unusual places, SPOT is a nifty device which can share your location and allow you to call for help without using the cell phone network. It uses satellite communication and works if the device can "see" the sky. SPOT SATELLITE MESSENGER :: HOME PAGE It might be useful if you exceed conditions for "coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT."

BTW, I became "The Geezerdude" after my son and grandson got T-shirts labeled "Dude" and "Little Dude."

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #39 – December 20, 2012, 09:56:07 pm

The low tonight here in Gallup, NM is supposed to be 2 degrees F. Ugh!

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #40 – December 20, 2012, 10:32:37 pm

Quote from: amos.harrison – December 20, 2012, 09:56:07 pm

The low tonight here in Gallup, NM is supposed to be 2 degrees F. Ugh!

I am guessing you can report in the morning that you remained comfortable inside your FT. That will be a pretty good data point for the subject of the thread.

Stay safe and comfy.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #41 – December 21, 2012, 08:18:33 am

Yes, I remained comfortable. The generator auto-started in the middle of the night. It ran rough at first, but smoothed out. It was 1 degrees when I woke up. I've started the genny manually to charge the batteries for a couple hours before starting the engine. I have two temp monitors in the bays, one at the manibloc and one in the service bay. The former stayed in the 40's, while the service bay got down to 36.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #42 – December 21, 2012, 09:58:18 am

Thank you to everyone. This is a exceptional group of sharing. And I consider it a honor to be a part of such a great group. Hopefully as I get more experience and knowledge, I can contribute. Have a Merry Christmas and a the very best New Year John

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #43 – January 02, 2013, 11:22:38 am

We've been 30F - 9F the last 9 days at my parents in central IL. Absolutely no issues! Plugged into 50 A service, running rear furnace at 60 - 65F. Bought a $25 ceramic heater for the front to conserve propane. We've run through less than a 1/4 tank propane thus far. Pretty impressive IMHO!

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #44 – January 02, 2013, 04:07:57 pm

We have been experiencing similar weather since December 23. Temperatures have ranged from 0 to 30F. We are currently in Billings, MT. We have traveled in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. We were able to pick routes and times when roads were clear and driving conditions were good.

We set rear furnace at 68 and front furnace at 66. We run a ceramic heater in the salon while on shore power. We have used a 200W ceramic heater in each of the "wet" bays when temperatures were below 32F. The "personal" ceramic heaters seem to work very well to supplement the heat to the bays from the rear furnace.

All has been comfortable and good so far. Cold weather promoted some leakage issues. I tightened some hose clamps on fuel lines for the generator. I replaced an air regulator for the stair cover.

We plan to head for warmer weather at home in Texas tomorrow.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #45 – January 02, 2013, 04:16:06 pm

Saw your post on leaking J.D., My radiator hose on the engine developed a small leak also. Tightened it up and so far, no leak recurrence. I used to live in Illinois and don't think I ever had experienced that before. At first thought I may have a broken line due to freezing. I could not find a break/crack. Thank goodness only needed a moment to tighten and was fixed. I like easy solutions! LOL

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #46 – January 02, 2013, 04:20:20 pm

I supplemented a couple night with personal ceramic heaters just because I was curious. They were thermostat-less heaters. My remote temp gauges went from 40-50 degrees to 105-107 in each bay!

Best Regards,
Benjie

Benjie Zeller
(512) 587-4628

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #47 – January 02, 2013, 06:33:22 pm

Quote from: drcscruggs – January 02, 2013, 04:16:06 pm

Saw your post on leaking J.D., My radiator hose on the engine developed a small leak also. Tightened it up and so far, no leak recurrence. I used to live in Illinois and don't think I ever had experienced that before. At first thought I may have a broken line due to freezing. I could not find a break/crack. Thank goodness only needed a moment to tighten and was fixed. I like easy solutions! LOL

I've seen coolant leaks in a Volvo and a BMW that occurred when temperatures dropped. A bit of snugging up of hose clamps while everything was cold fixed the problem on those vehicles.

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #48 – January 02, 2013, 06:43:12 pm

Quote from: Benjie Zeller – January 02, 2013, 04:20:20 pm

I supplemented a couple night with personal ceramic heaters just because I was curious. They were thermostat-less heaters. My remote temp gauges went from 40-50 degrees to 105-107 in each bay!

Best Regards,
Benjie

The temp at the top of the bay will be a LOT warmer than the temp at the bottom of the bay. I've seen my water filters at 20F near the bottom of the bay when the top of the bay was 80F. I checked the temps with an infrared thermometer. After I saw that difference, I moved the remote thermometers closer to the bottoms of the bays. We've not used the remote thermometers on this trip, but have been checking the water pipes and water filters with the hand held IR device. With the electric heaters running, the plumbing near the bottoms of the bays was running ~45F.

A couple of days ago there were interesting readings with the IR thermometer. Early in the morning, the air temp was about 0F according to two reliable thermometers. The skin of coach near the engine measured -24.5F. The ground was reading -14.5F. That was after a cold, clear night when surfaces could shed a lot of heat by radiation. Gloves were in order to handle anything outside!

Re: coldest outside temperatures while still remaining comfortable inside FT

Reply #49 – January 02, 2013, 06:54:03 pm

I positioned my thermometers as low as I could. My external sink and valve bay gets coldest without supplemental help. Reached 39F one night but also is hottest (107F) with supplemental help since its a very small area.

Best Regards,
Benjie

Benjie Zeller
(512) 587-4628

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