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Topic: Do I need a small heater for the bays? (Read 544 times) previous topic - next topic

Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Time for the standard seasonal question.

We're planning on hitting the road again in early January and have opted for parking the coach in the driveway and hooking up to 50 amp versus going through a complete winterization. The cold wave has hit and it got down to 19 degrees last night here in Northern Virginia. I've left the heater for the bay on and I have the electric switch set for the Hydro Hot. Decided last night to also switch on the diesel backup for the Hydro Hot (not sure if that was needed, but inside temp was only getting to 44 degrees with just the electric).

My question is should I also pick up a little Lasko ceramic heater for the tank bay (and the pump bay, if that is in a separate location)? Should the bay hot water circulation be able to handle this?

What has worked for you folks?

Don
2007 Nimbus 340 quad slide
Build #6386 FMC #17360 FMCA #441779

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #1 –
Yesterday I picked up a small header for the wet bay. I didn't have any problems last winter with just the furnace providing heat, but I'd rather be save than sorry. I wanted one last year but didn't find one that was small enough.

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #2 –
I just put a light bulb in both bays.  75 or 100 watt in a drop light.  Works down to 17 deg F like it was recently.  Make sure that you block up the little drop down door opening to keep the air out.  I use a couple of wash sponges one each side of the power cord.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #3 –
I used a 60W bulb last winter until the bulb melted the cheap plastic housing on the trouble light.

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #4 –
Really cold temps have to be managed.

One water pipe break can cause big problems. Why not have extra Lasko heaters for backup or to be sure that every corner of the water areas are above freezing. Much easier to prevent than repair.

BTW, light bulbs can be dangerous and can burn out. The little Lasko personal 200 watt heaters seem like they are made for RVers, as they are not expensive and they circulate warm air.

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: MAZ –
I use a thermocube Thermocube Thermostat Controlled Outlet TC 3 on at 35 Degree F and Off at 45 F | to regulate temps in the bay and a small personal heater Lasko Electric My Heat Personal Heater, 100 - Walmart.com.
I do the same thing! Have done it for 2 previous winters and still doing it this winter.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #7 –
The older I get the more overkill I use...Who has time for issues that can be avoided with a little extra caution? My philosophy is over do it and skip the headache.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #8 –
One thing you may look at, instead of light bulbs or the little heater is a closet/gun safe dehumidifier rod. Used them for years when living in tropics to keep mold down. I would also try to find something that is UL listed....JMOO.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Do I need a small heater for the bays?

Reply #9 –
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. Went to Walmart and picked up two Lasko ceramics. Placed one in the pump bay and one in the tank bay. Sealed off the drop down door opening (thanks for that, Keith) and battened down the hatches. Going down to 11 tonight. Good grief!

Don
2007 Nimbus 340 quad slide
Build #6386 FMC #17360 FMCA #441779