Cold weather package? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Cold weather package?

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

We owned a Four Winds Class C M/H for 6 months and traded it in on a Class A. I could not see well out of the class C while driving. I would think that if you don't have the winter package that you just better stay in a warm climate...Well that is the idea isn't it?

Mallo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We don't have a winter package on our HHII and have been out in very cold temps. (below 0 at night) and been good. That said Hitch Hiker builds for a full time four season market so even the base package is equal to a lot of companies "winter package".

I'd want to see what the company said about using the unit your looking at for full timing and four season use. We looked at a lot of rigs that when I said I planned to use it below 20 degrees I got some push back on them "Well it's not really a four season coach I mean you can do it but....".

Mallo

Tim & Robyn · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would think that a cold weather package would be useful in warm weather climates as well. What is it but insulation after all (except to keep your water lines from freezing, of course). If you're staying someplace hot, and need to run A/C, especially if it's metered electricity, I'd want to be as insulated as possible to keep costs down.

Now I'm going to butt out, because I have no idea what I'm talking about.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, everyone, helpful as always. G

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have to agree w/Tim that a cold weather package is useful in all kinds of weather. We live in Colorado & camp in the mountains in the summer. Even though summer days are warm at high elevation, as soon as the sun goes down the cool air comes in. Our current toyhauler (not a fulltime unit) is not well insulated & we have to run the furnace at night even in the summer. So for me, a cold weather package is a must for a FT unit so that I have the flexibility to stay where I want & not worry about the temperature.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

The relatively thin walls of an RV make insulation difficult at best, and for full time use you should anticipate being in both hot and cold temperatures some times. Insulation simply slows the transference of heat or cold through the structure and as such will keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. You need it in all seasons so should look for the highest R ratings you can afford.

Toward that same goal, dual pane windows are also definitely worth the extra expense.

Good luck,

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would not pass on a rig that suits your needs in all other areas. My previous 5W had the package and my current MH does not. I haven't seen a big difference. If you consider the insulation in an interior house wall is normally 4 inches and R 13, then a 2 inch RV wall probably isn't going to be that much. Also, if a rig has a lot of window area, it will defeat much of the winter package capability.

Being a little cold or hot is uncomfortable occassionally, but having sewer and water lines freeze up is a major inconvenience. Winter packages that include heaters to prevent that are worth the expense if one does alot of camping in areas below freezing.