Heated under belly of trailer ?

[older by the day]

:huh:
 Hi All

I just got back for looking at NEW Travel Trailers. Price wasn't bad but I learned something I never heard of. That is if I am going to live in the TT year round I need it to have a HEATED UNDER BELLY. My Jayco dealer said without it I would freeze me and all the water lines and tanks etc. Has Bob or anyone else heard of this necessity ?? I asked how much extra this added to the price and got no answer. Does any one know if this is a real option ? Thanks for your input.
Robert

 

[Freelander]

My water lines are all inside of the house, the only plumbing that is outside are the black and grey tanks, unless you are in below freezing temps I wouldn't worry to much, I do carry extra RV antifreeze with me.

 

[older by the day]

Thanks for your input. That is what I thought when they told me this and they have since told me the added cost for heated under belly would be 2k. I though heck I can put heating tape and foam insulation where needed.

 

[RoamerRV428]

we have it on our toyhauler, came in the package.
the furnance when on helps heat the underbelly cause underneath is not open, it is enclosed so yea it helps keep the rv warmer and it helps pipes etc.

but key of course is disconnect any incoming hoses into the rv.....they can freeze fast outside from the water connections....this is the biggest thing we handle when in cold temps. It is something I would have if I knew I was doing colder type camping temps for sure.

 

[highdesertranger]

it all depends on,

How the trailer/RV was built.
Location of where you will be in the winter.
And of course how cold it actually gets.

So if you stay out of freezing temps you have nothing to worry about.

If your RV was built with the tank and water lines all contained in the living area, and you live in it full time I don't see how you would have a problem on the potable water side. After all you are going to be running the heater if it gets to cold and you are not going to sit around in sub 32° temps.

They make heating pads for the tanks in 12v and 120v. but running them continuously is not very practical unless you are plugged in. I have never seen 12v heat tape. Keep in mind it takes a boat load of electricity to heat with electricity.

On my trailer I am building all of the potable water system inside the living area. the holding tanks will be on the outside so I will put heating pads on them. However I will only occasionally see sub 32°. last year while prospecting close to Lake Mead we had a few Hard freeze's so we will see.

highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

I have had a 50 gallon black tank freeze in windy cold temperatures in the teens. It cracked the tank at the seam. I have melted a hole in said tank with a heat lamp in just a few minutes. I have had to repair the tank till the weather warmed and then permanently once it warmed up. I keep my tank empty in below freezing weather except with a gallon of antifreeze just to be sure now. As long as you don’t break down or get stuck in a mountain snow storm without dumping your tank first you will be fine. I always travel with empty tanks and some antifreeze. If you do let them freeze you will be wishing you had spent the 2K.

 

[RoamerRV428]

oh I should say that I do have a genny on board also so truly if I got stuck in colder temps with full tanks I can fire up my furnace if needed to save the rv if required. Always wanted a genny on board and truly love that darn thing LOL

 

[JRRNeiklot]

I live in mine full time. It gets into the single digits sometimes. I just drain my tanks and blow out the lines. Hot weather is more of an issue, imo.

 

[tx2sturgis]

 That is if I am going to live in the TT year round I need it to have a HEATED UNDER BELLY. 

What they really mean is if you are going to live in it full time, in the same place, all the time. 

If you migrate north in the summer then back towards the south in the winter, and chase 70 degree weather, then you really wont need enclosed or heated holding tanks even if you DO live in the unit full time.

 

[ckelly78z]

Covering the frame rails with a smooth plastic belly pan, and insulating from underneath would go a long ways towards preventing water line, or tank freezeup. The belly pan would also keep rodents at bay, and increase the aerodynamics of your trailer possibly leading to better fuel mileage