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Winter RVing

Yahoo Message Number: 74507
How can you tell if my County Coach can be used in the winter?

Jerry Moore
10 Scenic Way

Middletown, NJ 07748

jmoorepb@... 732-233-4797
2005 Aspire 40'
#51241

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74510
All Country coaches can be used in winter, as long as you drive them to southern California, Florida, or south Texas first. That is why they have wheels.
30 degree winter in Missouri is different Than -30 in North Dakota or Minnesota.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74511
OK... I need to get from home base of NJ to the southern areas of the country sometimes in the less than 32 degree climate, if that makes sense. When the furnaces are working, do they help keep the water systems from freezing up in temps like 20's etc.??? or do we need to be winterized until we land in FL...? I have no interest in staying where it is cold, snowing, etc.. Warm is the word..
Any advice?

Jerry Moore
10 Scenic Way

Middletown, NJ 07748
jmoorepb@...
732-233-4797
2005 Aspire 40'
#51241

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74512
We have an 06 Inspire and have had several days a couple of times in temps in the 20's. The basement stays warm, and our only problem per the folks who put our propane in when we're in Michigan in cold and snow, for example, is that the design or shape of the propane tank in our Inspire is such that it can get colder than other shapes. Everything has worked just fine for us. We've even driven in some snow on our way south one winter, and that wasn't too bad, but we were grateful it was only a few hours of that.

Mike

06 Inspire 51784

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74513
Jerry, I have a 1998 Intrigue with propane forced air furnace. We've been in 9 degree weather at night and 20' during the day in Pa. for several days. No problem. I put a remote thermometer in the sewer bay. It never got below 37'.

Ron Surmick
'98 Intrigue
10692

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
From: jmoorepb@...

Sender: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:13:15 -0400 (EDT) To:
ReplyTo: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] Winter RVing

OK... I need to get from home base of NJ to the southern areas of the country sometimes in the less than 32 degree climate, if that makes sense. When the furnaces are working, do they help keep the water systems from freezing up in temps like 20's etc.??? or do we need to be winterized until we land in FL...? I have no interest in staying where it is cold, snowing, etc.. Warm is the word..
Any advice?

Jerry Moore
10 Scenic Way

Middletown, NJ 07748
jmoorepb@...
732-233-4797
2005 Aspire 40'
#51241

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74514
Sorry, but meant to add that we have a small electric heater which seems to be a bit more comfortable when we're sitting on our couch than the furnace blowing on us, and of course we're not using our propane then either.

Mike

06 Inspire
51784

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74522
Jerry,

We winter in Vermont for an entire winter in our CC. Got to -20. There is a lot to do to ready the motorhome for winter. I would not winter in such frigid temps again for the coach struggled. We live full-time in CC in NM at 6000', with 20-30s lows and do great. Call or email us if u want specifics....it can be done.

Bob & Debbie Elster
'99 Magna #5728

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74527
I have a 1999 Allure with forced air propane furnace and have used it all winter for the past 3 years. We live in Alaska and the coldest I have used the coach has been -37f near White Horse in the Yukon. We kept the kitchen slide in that nite and ran the generator with the engine block heater plugged in to insure a start the next morning, but slept comfortably and used the water to make coffee and shave in the morning. We commonly use our coach all winter to snow-machine, and travel here ( Wasilla Ak ) . Propane use can be excessive though. I can go thru 30 gallons a week if it is very cold outside with temperatures in the teens. I dry camp mostly and have AGM batteries with 800ah capacity. using all LED lighting and 400 watts solar but I must run generator every 48 hrs as the furnace blower pulls 16-17 amps and runs longer as it gets colder. I sold a foretravel without slides (old grand villa) when I purchased the Allure 3 years ago and having owned 4 motorhomes in my life this is the best cold-weather coach you can own. I don't know if you have heat pumps on your coach, You should be careful heating with electricity as the propane furnace is what keeps your water bay and tanks above freezing. My advice is keep the propane tank full and enjoy the winter.

David White 99 Allure #30349

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74530
Jerry,

20F isn't real cold weather. Your plumbing bay should be heated (hydro-hot system) and an inspection to that end is a good idea. Our bus also has a heat exchanger on the cold side of the plumbing bay. A small thermostat can be found on that side down near where the bottom of the water tank is. It has a coil thermostat bulb on it. If this is present then you have the extra heating. A small fan driven space heater (200W) would prevent any freezing. It could be used in your plumbing bay as extra insurance. Walmart has these personal heaters in low wattages.

You also need to watch the ice maker water feed in the refrigerator compartment. If you don't have an ice maker and no water feed then don't worry about this. The small plastic control valve can freeze, burst and leak. A heating pad (on low) or 60W light bulb will keep this from freezing. It's supposed to be wrapped with heat wire but that might not be adequate. Here's a
picture:

http://muniac.smugmug.com/Maintenance/Bus-Works/IMG1149/1108904676_RM7kG-L.jpg of the valve. Good luck and safe travels.

At 12:13 PM 9/16/2011, you wrote:

Quote
>

OK... I need to get from home base of NJ to the >southern areas of the country sometimes in the >less than 32 degree climate, if that makes >sense. When the furnaces are working, do they >help keep the water systems from freezing up in >temps like 20's etc.??? or do we need to be >winterized until we land in FL...? I have no >interest in staying where it is cold, snowing, etc.. Warm is the word..
Any advice?

Jerry Moore
10 Scenic Way

Middletown, NJ 07748

jmoorepb@... >732-233-4797
2005 Aspire 40'
51241

In a message dated 9/16/2011 2:36:02 P.M.
Eastern Daylight Time, usanabob@... writes: >

All Country coaches can be used in winter, as >long as you drive them to southern California, >Florida, or south Texas first. That is why they have wheels.
30 degree winter in Missouri is different Than >-30 in North Dakota or Minnesota.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74531
We had a 98 Allure, Kitchen slide, and spent a couple of Christmases in Durango and Farmington area when the temps got down to 10 below and highs around 20. We had no problems at all keeping comfortable while others in Holiday Ramblers and Georgie boys were suffering. The only time we had to compromise was when the wind came up forty + miles/hour at night and then we pulled in the slide. We always use the Aluminum foil plastic sandwich insulation to cover the front windshield and the window over the bed in the Intrigue. With the 04 Intrigue we pull in the DS slide at night when the wind blows. Using the foil cuts the hydro- hot cycling in half. I installed switches on my blowers, so I can run the front at high rpm, the kitchen & bath in medium, and the bedroom in low. It makes for quieter sleeping atmosphere than the Allure with propane. We got caught one Time in West Yellowstone for 4 nights with temps approaching 10 below with high winds at night, but while everyone was either leaving or complaining, we had an enjoyable adventurous stay.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Tires

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74537
We are very close to closing on a new (to us) Intrigue which will need new tires. Is there a significant difference in a Toyo compared to Michelin? We can get a set of Toyos for about $400 less---which just about pays for a new mattress, which is also needed!
Toyos were on my 2004 Allure and I had no problem with them. But, that was a long time ago and things change. We have not shopped for new tires in several years. Safety is the main criteria!!!

Comments and recommendations appreciated.

Jurhee & Jerry workin' on a deal!!!

Re: Tires

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74538
I purchased 6 new tires this spring for my magna. I considered michelins and looked at other brands including toyos, kuhmos, and sumitomos. I settled with the sumitomos and am quite satisfied. They are used primarily on large trucks with few if any problems. The dealer highly recommended them as they have had no issues. The price was by far the best of all the brands I looked at. The dealers I spoke with told me that since toyo will not support the tires used on country coaches and recommended I stay away from them should I have a service problem. I don"t need any such problems. Anyway, I am very pleased with the sumitomos. Good luck, John

John

08 magna 6887

From: Jurhee Ivy

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2011 4:54 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Tires

We are very close to closing on a new (to us) Intrigue which will need new tires. Is there a significant difference in a Toyo compared to Michelin? We can get a set of Toyos for about $400 less---which just about pays for a new mattress, which is also needed!
Toyos were on my 2004 Allure and I had no problem with them. But, that was a long time ago and things change. We have not shopped for new tires in several years. Safety is the main criteria!!!

Comments and recommendations appreciated.

Jurhee & Jerry workin' on a deal!!!

Re: Tires

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74539
Juhree,

Be sure to check out FMCA's Michelin Advantage Program. That will bring Michelins price way down. See the recent thread on this topic including my message #74258 in which I describe my experience with using the program.
I replaced the Toyo's with Michelin XZA2 Energy tires and noticed a significant improvement in ride quality - quieter, smoother, better handling. I have driven on them about 1000 miles and they are so much more comfortable than the Toyo's. If you can make it happen, go for the XZA2's.

Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043

Re: Tires

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74543
Nate,

Jerry mentioned the FMCA plan to some dealers and they knew nothing about it and were not interested. He found a small town country type dealer that gave a good quote.

However, after your post a few minutes ago, Jerry FINALLY said that he guessed he would have to check into the FMCA deal!!!
It will be a while before we are able to get the title, so there is a little time to investigate.

We both feel that the Michelin is the tire of choice---but looking for the best bang for the buck at the same time.

Thanks,

Jurhee

Re: Tires

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74546
I see that you are changing tires on an 08 Magna. I am just wondering why you would be changing tires on such a new coach. You would be well within the 7 to 8 year time limit and most of the tires can go up to 150,000 miles or more . My 09 has 34000 miles, and was delivered just about 3 years ago now, with hardly any wear. Just wondering ?

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: Tires

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74549
Jurhee,

Just remind Jerry how smooth and well our poor ole wrecked Magna handled with those 315 Michelin's and don't even think about anything else. It could have had cheap tires and cheap batteries, but it didn't.

Good luck on the Intrigue, hope it works out well for you.

Tom

Lifeline Batteries
Pressure Pro
97 Prevost

Re: Tires

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74551
Jurhee,

Keep after Jerry as you won't find many dealers, if any, who know about the program - there just is not that much activity at any one dealership. You and Jerry will have to do your homework ahead of time and follow the instructions provided by FMCA. It's worth the effort.

Hope you get your new baby soon.

Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043

Re: Tires

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74553
The tires I replaced were on an 05 magna. I recently traded it for an 08 magna.
John

08 magna 6887

From: RonaldB

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2011 10:54 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Tires

I see that you are changing tires on an 08 Magna. I am just wondering why you would be changing tires on such a new coach. You would be well within the 7 to 8 year time limit and most of the tires can go up to 150,000 miles or more . My 09 has 34000 miles, and was delivered just about 3 years ago now, with hardly any wear. Just wondering ?

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: Tires

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74566
Just my opinion,

I run michelins on my front and drives with the old Toyos still on the tags. It really would not matter to me how much I did not save to buy the mattress (sleep number bed)especially on the front tires.
I started out replacing the front tires immediately after I bought my motor home last year, with Michelins.
The drive axel was not so important to me but I still went for the michelins there too, a few weeks later because I was looking for a good traction tires for snow travel.
You might not get the rest you want if you have to worry about 12,500 lbs riding on hot pavement at 70 mph (that pushes the tire pressure from 120lbs at rest to 136lbs due to heat) with those front steer tires sitting right under your drivers seat. I have never experienced a blow out but I am sure it would be much uglier if it is one of the front tires and not the drives or tags. Save your money on the rear tires but not on the fronts.

If your rear tires blow you still have steering.

IMHO

Dallas 2004 intirgue ovation 11688

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75452
Hi Scott

Looked in Walmart's for the 200 watt fan driven space heater you mention without success - could I have the model number please?

Hefin & Christine Inspire 2006 #51825

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75463
I bought a Lasco a few years ago, and it works well, but does NOT like to be on the modified sine inverter I have. Might be more agreeable on a full sine wave, I have no idea. I run mine off a separate circuit, additional 30 amp cord to the power pole.
I have another "dumb" heater that uses a bimetal thermostat, no fancy lcd readout, works fine on either power source. Two space heaters keep me toasty down to 40s, where I need to run the hydronic heater anyway to keep the water bay warmed up. I was very comfortable last year down to 9 degrees. I hate cold weather, but the 100+ records of this summer has opened my mind on that a little.

Jack, 2003 Intrigue 11527
 

Re: Winter RVing

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75473
I believe this is one he is referring to, a personal space heater by Lasko. Not sure if at Walmart, but is on the web at Amazon: Amazon.com - Lasko #100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater - Space Heaters and other places. It has no thermostat though.

I was thinking of it myself. Only 200 watter I can find.

Rich 2002 Magna
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