New 5th wheel camper - heated storage tanks?

[klenger]

I've been looking at new 5th wheel campers, and am now considering either the Wilderness or Terry by Fleetwood. None of the Fleetwood 5er's have storage tanks heated by ducted air; the tanks are exposed and use electric heater strips to protect from freezing. Since most of our camping is in nation forest campgrounds with no hookups, the heat strips don't do me any good. We camp about 7 months a year, and freezing temperatures are common in the spring and fall in the mountains of Colorado. If we were to camp in the winter, we would use a campground with hookups. At what temperature would exposed unheated holding tanks give us trouble with freezing?

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Ken Lenger
2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 54 (no LSD), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate, Westin CPS Step Bars, Jordan Utlima Brake Controller, Weather_Guard 664 tool box
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[Guest00]

Check out the Artic Fox by Northwood. Might have what you want and they are the highest rated off road units.
www.nashtraveltrailers.com/

Ron Nash quit his VP job at Fleetwood to build a better rv trailer at a compeditive price.
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2K, 2500, Quad, SB, 4x4, 3:54LSD, A/T w/ DTT VB, TC, TC SAVER and AUX COOLER , REESE 15k 5th slider, EASLEY BULL BAR, MAAP NERFS, BFG-TA's, 9000's,STAINLESS BRADED 6an FUEL LINES, stealth DD2's, Bully Dog Boost & elbow, ISSPRO pyro, boost & transmission, Turbo Lifesaver, JARDINE 4", PAC BRAKE, MAG HYTECH TP& DC, AFE filter, GEAR VENDORS OD, TAYLOR WING, MAGNA MIRRORS, V Mc's SS Fuel Lines, Cup Smoothie #ad
nboard.

pullees:
#1 y2k ARTIC FOX 5th
#2 22' car hauler w/ 76 Pinto 392cid or 68 Cyclone GT Cobra Jet FB
NRA-LIFE, VFW-LIFE, SoCSA-LIFE, SASS



[This message has been edited by JNutter (edited 05-28-2001). ]

 

[RAMalama]

Klenger-
Not sure. I have a 2000 Terry 34-5L and was unaware of the heater strips. That doesn't sound like it'd do much more that drain batteries while dry camping. I've had my campers up in the Sierra Nevadas. I was up above 8000ft. It was 18 degrees faranhieht. No problems with pluming or fresh water. I know the fresh water tank is heated. I didn't dump until back down and things (yuck!) flowed fine at around 32*. Hope this helps. I was scared to death for black ice! My buddies in Kodiak, Alaska all put antifreeze in there holding tanks. Not their fresh water just black and gray. They are not using any special "North West Edition" or "Alaskan" options at all. Just good 'ol normal Fleetwood rigs. One guy is in Juneau, AK and lived in his Fleetwood 5er for four years. It takes a good quality trailer and accesories to be rugged enough for full timing. By the way, my fridge and such did not give me any trouble at that altitude (of course, I think it was off!). I was concerned. Also I used a "Wave" (impervious to altitude) Olympian catalitic heater with it's own tank inside the trailer. Wow what a product. I was sure to leave windows open, one down low at the bay window end, and one up high in the bedroom and presto! All day heat, all week long! Hope this helps. 90% of all my camping is 'dry' -no shore ties. That's what RVs are for!!!!!!
Ian.

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2001 2WD Quad Cab HO 6speed 4w disc brakes. Less than 1500 miles. Bought 18MAY01!!! 35ft 14K-lbs triple slide 5er. Truck is completely stock so far...

 

[M1A2]

In the 20's for more than 24 hours and you will be in trouble. They do make a 12V/110 combination heating pad that works while you drive down the road, but I'm sure it would be a pretty big amp draw on a battery for extended use while dry camping. I insulated mine with a heat pad and a styrofoam insulation. Works great.

 

[M1A2]

My tanks where mounted so that they where with in the frame rails, and the rail extended below the tanks by a good 6 inches so I places foil backed styrofoam insulation between the rails. The insulation is held in place with some screws and expanding spray insulation. Works great, not heated by ducted air but with the 12V/110 pads I have never had a tank freeze down in to the 10-20 degree range.

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1999 FLAME RED 2500 SLT, QC, 4X4 AT, 3. 54 AGATE LEATHER, JAYCO 325 BHS

 

[DRR-24V]

Get a rig where the heated air flows around the tanks. We spent a week parked at a Ranch in Kemmerer, Wyo. I was plugged into electricity and thought I would use an elect. heater and save my propane. It was about 20 degrees. Got up in the am and saw the fresh water tank (under Dinette) had swelled up and raised the floor 2". The 1/8" steel straps had stretched and snapped. The Blackwater tanks were frozen up also. Had stayed 2 weeks here before using furnace with no problems. Tied up the tank, was able to drain them all in Utah where it warmed up. Rewelded straps, remounted Dinette and all was well. I thought it was ruined.

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96 Ram 2500, K&N, Auto, 3. 54, Only 31,000 Miles. Pyro, Boost and Trans Temp Guages. All Stock till Warrantee expires. Pulling a 29 ft, 9000 lb 5th Wheel.

 

[BigMike]

I own a 2000 Terry 5er. All of my holding tanks are within heated areas and are insulated. Don't know why I couldn't use them in subfreezing weather as long as I keep the heat on. That's what they were designed for. Haven't tried it yet, but probably will some day when I retire. Probably ought to leave a little room for expansion if they do freeze up however.

I think most manufacturers make them that way.

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1999, 2500,4X4,QC,5spd, KN Filter,VA Box,4" Exhaust, Piller Mount Pyro & Boost Guages, BD Exhaust Brake, Bugshield w/eyebrows. Bedliner, Diamond Plated Rail Protectors, Better Built tool box, Rear Flaps.
Pull a 2000 30. 5' Terry Manor 5er.

 

[Barry]

Would you rather have a 4 year old CTD or a new Ford Ranger? Would you rather have a 5 year old Lexus or a new Hyndai? Instead of shopping for a brand new entry level coach, why not look for a nice 3 to 4 year old quality coach?? I have built my biz on selling yesterday's quality rather than today's junk. Mi dos pesos... .....

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s,LSD,EZ with elbow(28psi)Stage 1 injectors from Carl,Boost/Pyro Guages,4" Turbo back,BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover,Kleen Wheels,Energy Release,125 gal. fuel,20K Reese. 31,000 Miles on 03/01/01 TDR Grille Badge(Auto/Truck/RV Dealer)Honda GL 1500 SE Pearl White for fun.

 

[hotel6]

I would also incorporate wind chill into your equation, especially on exposed sites. Wouldn't take too much wind and high 20 deg. temps to have a problem over the night.



I also would echo the Artic Fox comment. I just bought mine last week from Ketelsen's (I70 & Youngfield) Got the 28-5DRB and expect to spend the majority of the time on gravel roads and USFS Campgrounds. I also put a 100 watt solar panel on top along with 2 banks of 6-volt batteries to boost my juice while in the back country. As a backup to that I have Honda 2000i generator (ultraquiet) coming from www.mayberrys.com for a much cheaper price than I can find here in Dnver. Also adding a Statpower 40+ charger so that I can recharge both banks in ca 4 hr.



Will be taking the unit up to Chief Hosa RV Sat for a shakedown overnighter. Then will get to test the new BD exhaust coming down the hill Sunday! You are more than welcome to comew up and see the new Fox.

 

[klenger]

And the winner is ...

... We looked at 5th wheel campers again last weekend and took a closer look at the Artic Fox at Ketelsen's. I was very impressed with the insulation, heated water tanks, cabinets, appointments, etc. etc. and ordered one. We choose the 27-5L model. More to come later.

 

[hotel6]

good choice

I went through the orientation with mine today(28-5D). The two banks of power from the 6volt systems in series are located in the battery compartment as well as the opposite side jack compartment. It is somewhat of a tight fight but not too bad. Each battery is in a separate lift out box so I can check them. The solar panal is located between the AC and the ref. stack. Power panel was placed by the refer wall up high. The setup looks pretty good but only with a little use will we know. Since the PU is in sickbay I couldn't bring the trailer home and we have cancelled the Chief Hosa trip. Will pick the trailer up Tues as that was the soonest I could get the hitch installed. Get the PU in the AM as all goodies are now propewrly installed- hopefully. So right now the only thing I have is the Honda generator which came today! Quiet little critter- neighbors didn't even come out to see it run.



When is yours due to arrive?

 

[klenger]

Artic Fox 27-5L on order

I heard from Ketelsen today that I should get the new 5er by mid July. This just might be harder than waiting for the truck.



Did they install 2 each 6 volt batteries, or 4 batteries? I'm just a little confused. I can't figure out how they got batteries in the jack compartment. It seemed way too small on the 27-5L to get much of anything in. If your unit is going to be at Ketelsen's over the weekend, I might go out and see it. Would you want to meet there on Saturday?

 

[hotel6]

My electrical terms may be off, but what was installed is 4 -6 volt batteries. These are in 2 banks giving the 12volt juice from each bank. The banks can be run separately or together, although I forgot to validate the switch You bet, we can meet over there Sat. Post a time and I'll be there