Newbies wintering in Idaho

[Dougcodd]

We are newbies to class A rvs.
We have had a terrible learning curve buying a 2011 Adventurer and not knowing anything about it.
We absolutely love it but are very frustrated trying to get help from our dealer.

Our latest problem is we are living in this full-time and wintering in Idaho. Temps have been down to 12° and our furnace will not continue to work. It keeps shutting off and we have to restart it by turning the thermostat on and off.
We have brand new batteries.

 

[unclescratch]

I once had another RV with this problem. After dis-assembling the entire furnace, I replaced the wall thermostat (be certain it is the right voltage !) and all was good.

 

[creativepart]

I’m not sure what the problem is with your furnace, but the sad fact is wintering in Idaho in any RV is going to be full of challenges simply because our RVs are not made for continuous duty in below freezing temps.

Steps can be taken to help improve things somewhat but a 2011 Adventurer is not made for those temps. I’ve been to Idaho in the winter and it’s beautiful but full on winter for nearly 6 months.

 

[unclescratch]

When we fulltimed @ 6700 feet of altitude in Wyoming for 3 years, I had some serious solid skirting all around, used the area @ the pin as a closed-in shed, insulated or buried all the water lines, and we did O.K. w/100 gal. propane tank outside. Used a Hitchhiker 36-foot w/3 slides. We were comfortable.

 

[creativepart]

When we fulltimed @ 6700 feet of altitude in Wyoming for 3 years, I had some serious solid skirting all around, used the area @ the pin as a closed-in shed, insulated or buried all the water lines, and we did O.K. w/100 gal. propane tank outside. Used a Hitchhiker 36-foot w/3 slides. We were comfortable.

That ^ is the way to do it. Pretty much the only way. I hope the OP pays attention to this.

 

[Travato John]

Wintering in Idaho

I’ve done plenty of winter camping. Hopefully you have power. You should really think about using electric heaters. It is more efficient and less noise from your main propane heater. If you haven’t looked into a Wave 3 you might try. When I did -18 I was using Wave 3 and electric heater. With 30 amp connection you can use two. Plug one into 20 amp microwave plug and run other one on room plug at medium setting. It works. Good luck, Travato John

 

[BarryLS]

"...and wintering in Idaho."

Nothing against Idaho, but since you are in a motor home, move south is my recommendation. Once you have the hang of motor home living then you can try wintering in frozen places. 12F is probably a higher than normal temperature. I'd be expecting lows near zero this month.