problems with unit in the cold, update

[jpkelpe]

On our way to Elkhart we got to Davenport ,IA and because there was prediction of snow the next day we decided to put some water into the holding tank so we would have it when we waited out the snow.. Granted, it was about 8 degrees and windy, but we got the hot water tank filled and started to fill the holding tank and water stopped flowing. the water pump no longer was pumping water so we decided that there was freezing in the system. the low point drain valves could not be opened either. and of course the dump valves did not work. this unit had been in a shed at about 35 degrees until we took it out that morning. we have not had any water in the system yet. the basement has finally gotten to 32 degrees after sitting with the temp in the unit about 65-70 all day. Paul called Keystone today to tell them of the problems and they at first told him we did not have the winter package. He pointed out to them that we had a Big sky and it had everything on it. they finally told him to thaw it slowly and if there were problems with the system then to call them. We pull it into MorRyde tomorrow and hope all things unfreeze.

We also had the bottom rung of the ladder break on both sides right where it joins the upright pipe. Luckily Paul was pulling himself up with his arms or he would have fallen backwards on his back. and our fireplace fan makes a sound like gerbils are in it. I called Keystone customer service and was told that they had no openings at the service Dept until April and to take it to a Keystone dealer and they would help me find one if I needed. We called Tiara since we are here at Morryde until Friday and it was decided that we should just stop there on our way so they could look at it. a ladder has been ordered along with a new fireplace and they are attempting to get it by Friday.
our 2010 never froze up when we were in cold weather before so we are thinking that these units are that are supposed to be good for zero is not quite accurate. Something must have changed.

12/16 update--it seems that the major problem that we had was an airlock in the system and the technician at Tiara told us that at cold temps (8degrees) when you go down the road the convenience center will freeze up. Keystone says they test the units by setting them in 0 degrees for one hour and if no problems they tell you it is tested at 0 degrees

[K0LCB]

I am sure sorry to hear y'all are having problems. I sure hope they get everything lined out for you. I hope Paul doesn't get too upset!

[dieselguy]

Even though some on the MOC have grit enough to live up north in their Montana's year round (I applaud them for their tenacity) our rigs are NOT true 4 season RV's. The so called "artic package" is quilted foil about 1/4" thick laying on top of corrugated plastic cardboard. "Artic Package" is really just a sales pitch that attracts the unsuspecting. Yes, there is a bit of insulation batting and a thin piece of clear plastic right under the particle board flooring, but if your underbelly corrugated cardboard panels are drooping between the attachment screws like many of ours as well as over zealous cutouts in the belly pan around your spring mounts ... the little heat duct that supplies warm air in the underbelly has a mighty tall job when the air temp gets in the single digits and the wind is howling. JPKELPE ... perhaps your old Montana was a bit better sealed along your underbelly and thus you were able to hold the cold out better.

[mhs4771]

Jan, we're not having any problems, but then again we left Western NY in early October. Didn't want to take a chance getting caught by a freak Oct Snow storm. We'll save a little of the Florida sunshine for you and Paul. Get things taken care of and get down here where it's warm, actually Hot as the temps have been running approx 10 degrees above norm.

[H. John Kohl]

They advertised the Montana tested at zero degrees. If that has changed then I feel they should change their claim. Thinking about it I have not seen what they claim the new units are good for.
Something seems to have changed.

[richfaa]

Although we have never had our Montana's in really cold weather my opinion is that this 2013 3402 is much better insulated than the 06 3400. As for the zero degree claim I also do believe there is a Easter Bunny.

[DQDick]

Hope when it thaws everything is OK! Also hope your parts come in on time. Didn't anyone tell you not to go to Mor/Ryd this time of year? Hope you made them give you a big discount for "off season".

[rohrmann]

We were in sub 10 degree weather prior to leaving Missouri, and with an electric hose, a small electric heater fan in the basement aimed at the convenience center, and keeping the furnace set to 68 degrees 24/7 during the coldest weather, we had nothing freeze. Of course, had to fill a propane tank every other day at $24/fill. I did also stuff foam around the hose where it entered the convenience center. If I ever have to stay in really cold again, I will definitely consider heat blankets for the tanks and try to figure out how to add heat to the under belly.

[HOOK]

We recently spent 3 nights with below 30 weather in the new BS 3900. We ran the fireplace all night and had the furnace set at 50. About 5am the furnace would come on for a few minutes . When I arose I would set the furnace at 65 for a short time and fire place would keep comfort all day. This is much better than our 2010 did. We are well pleased.
We hope you have no serious problem and all works out well.

[dieselguy]

I think maybe the "zero degree" rating was arrived at when it was truly zero out, but the Montana was sitting inside the factory during the test. Even stick houses and trailer houses have a bit of a time keeping things from freezing in single digits ... let alone an RV with only 3" thick aluminum framed walls and the wind and cold whipping around all 6 sides (unless you're skirted with heat lamps). Hook made me smile ... not all women dig the winter months ... if my other half was in our fiver at 58 degrees with a high of 65 ... well lets just say I'd shortly be talking to just myself and might get a call once a day from the stick house just to check on me. Some people just have no metabolism!

[HOOK]

[quote]Originally posted by H. John Kohl

They advertised the Montana tested at zero degrees. If that has changed then I feel they should change their claim. Thinking about it I have not seen what they claim the new units are good for.
Something seems to have changed.
Hi John,
Just checked the brochure and the 0 testing statement is still there.

[grayghost03]

Just because its tested to 0* doesn't mean it passed, or it doesn't say the duration of the test, we have freezers at -35F big enough to put the Monty in, wonder if they would let me test in there................. maybe not, end result probably wouldn't make a good post.

[Overlord]

You may notice that they don't say what temperature scale their "0 Degree" rating is done at. Zero degrees Celsius is a lot warmer than Zero degrees Fahrenheit.

[HOOK]

I wonder how many S&Bs would take 0 without special prep?

[jpkelpe]

we will keep you posted. it may have been with the wind hitting it just in the right direction that was the cause

[NCFischers]

Paul & Jan,
John and I were talking and here is just a thought, If the water lines were very cold when you filled the trailer with water, That might have contributed to the lines freezing when water flowed into them.
im

[jpkelpe]

quote:Originally posted by NCFischers

Paul & Jan,
John and I were talking and here is just a thought, If the water lines were very cold when you filled the trailer with water, That might have contributed to the lines freezing when water flowed into them.
im

that could have been the case, as we had traveled all day in the cold

[JandC]

I am learning the "artic" package must have more to do with decent insulation in the walls and ceiling, because if the temp gets below 25 degrees you had better take additional protective steps besides a heated water hose. We are running extra heat in our basement and it is maintaining 50 degrees with outside temps around 22. I have dialed down fireplace and turned up furnace to 70 so it runs a lot more. The low tonight is once again going to be below 10. We are un-froze for now but that wasn't the case last Sunday. I am convinced that you have to have certain additional modifications to these units if you plan on being in winter temps while living in them. I agree with what has already been said, there is not enough insulation/protection or heat in the underbelly.

[jpkelpe]

quote:Originally posted by DQDick

Hope when it thaws everything is OK! Also hope your parts come in on time. Didn't anyone tell you not to go to Mor/Ryd this time of year? Hope you made them give you a big discount for "off season".

we decided to have this done on our way to visit our son in VA for Christmas..didn't need to do an extra trip

[twindman]

I don't have the exact details and am too lazy to look them up...
But I think my 2006 had a R rating in the ceiling (?) of 21 or 23 and the new ones are in the 30's. That should make quite a difference.