Destination Basement Heat?

[motohomo]

Thinking of changing from a 2013 vista 35b to something with basement heat that will keep everything under there from freezing in the winter. We travel in the north quite a bit in winter months and dont winterize and dont want to. Its a job to keep my current motorhome from freezing even with heaters running in the bays and the propane furnace running around the clock. Got my eye on a destination 39w and was wondering what experience any owners have had with that coach in winter. Thanks in advance.

[BFlinn181]

:welcome:

With the record cold temperatures much of the continent has experienced in the past few weeks, I'm not sure any RV not being lived in full time could adequately maintain safe temperatures. You say you "travel quite a bit in the North," are you full timing or just wanting to keep the RV ready to use fully at a moment's notice?

I'd recommend an RV with a HydroHeat system that uses a better source of heat within the RV for multiple uses. Double pane windows, even though they do eventually lose the seal and fog would be a must for winter occupation in cold temperatures.

Please tell us more about your wintertime use and location to make better suggestions.

[grtharris]

motohomo, I would also be looking for a coach with a auxiliary heater. Ours works great and we have been driving is some pretty cold weather. We always add some heat the the web bays when parked to help.

[motohomo]

We use our motorhome in the winter to visit family in minnesota and chicago areas. This is the only chance i have to make these trips due to a busy summer work schedule. Trips are usually a week long or so and me and my son and dogs stay in the rv while wife and daughters stay in the familys home. We live in maryland and while at home its a full time job keeping it from freezing during cold spells.

[BFlinn181]

You'd save a lot of utility costs if you winterize between trips instead of trying to maintain temperatures. Use compressed air to blow out the plumbing system, you'll only need RV antifreeze for plumbing traps, about 1 cup per. If your RV has a plumbing manifold you could turn off and drain outside shower to reduce prep time.

[motohomo]

Thanks so much for the comments and advice from experience. Back to the question, anyone have experience with a winnebago destination?

[UFO Pilot]

I have been in weather in the teens in my Destination 3 or 4 times. I put a 75 watt drop lite in the wet bay and never had a problem. I have learned to keep the hoses in the bay until needed.

[motohomo]

UFO pilot, were you running your furnace heat too?

[UFO Pilot]

Originally Posted by motohomo

UFO pilot, were you running your furnace heat too?

The furnace ran almost full time, coldest weather we have ever RV'ed in. I believe one nite in Tucson it got down to 15 - 17 degrees.

[motohomo]

Ok. I guess the ducts run into the wet bays?

[UFO Pilot]

My sales brochure says Tank holding, heated compartment.

[motohomo]

Thanks for your input UFO Pilot, i have always liked the destinations. Wish they were still in production

[UFO Pilot]

The "European" style cabinets turned a lot of buyers off. We like the clean look of ours.