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Old 11-16-2007, 03:16 PM   #1
Icehouse
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Arctic Camping Anyone??

Any one have experience with true Arctic camping? We just purchased a 3650RK with subzero package here in Anchorage, AK. Temps are currenlty around 25 degrees F but will fall drastically. We will be fulltiming in Northern Alberta, Canada where temperatures should be below zero for several weeks. Any thoughts / suggestions are appreciated. BTY, I will be working full time in Alberta for several years.
 
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Old 11-16-2007, 03:43 PM   #2
Okie Guy
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With temps that low I would definately look into skirting for your unit.
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Old 11-16-2007, 04:08 PM   #3
Icehouse
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I thought the same thing. Any suggestions on constructing or where to purchase? I am familiar with house skirting, but not sure how to attach to an RV.
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Old 11-17-2007, 04:03 AM   #4
lwcdg
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I don't know how familiar you are with these rigs so I would suggest reading some of these comments posted on this thead.

Living in your Montana this Winter? by SKOOBDO

Hope this helps
Chuck
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Old 11-17-2007, 05:17 AM   #5
ARJ
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It might be worthwhile to invest in a dehumidifier as you will generate quite a bit of moisture in a closed, heated trailer.
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Old 11-17-2007, 11:10 AM   #6
MacDR50
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Having spent time in Northern Alberta I would definitely put skirting around even if it is foam backed plywood. The average temp during the winter is -12F. It can get down to -40 or more with wind chill. A block heater in your truck is an absolute necessity. When it snows pack it up against your skirting to provide additional insulation. Try to get southern exposure on your big window side and leave your shades up during the day and let the sun add its warmth to the trailer. You can wire additional insulation to the underside of your trailer using chicken wire to hold it up. We have arctic living units designed to be brought in by helicopter. Inside we have several bales of fiberglass bats that are placed on the ground before we lower the unit in place. Without the insulation the floors of the units get moist with condensation.
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Old 11-17-2007, 12:32 PM   #7
Icehouse
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Thanks MacDR50. That is good information. The temperature you stated is about what we expected. It is actually warmer than where we are coming from - the Alaskan bush.
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Old 11-17-2007, 01:06 PM   #8
richfaa
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Sounds like a interesting adventure.. Let us know if you live through it...
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Old 11-17-2007, 02:51 PM   #9
dsprik
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Also a given that you need to make sure that you have some sort of block from the prevailing winds...
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Old 11-17-2007, 03:20 PM   #10
scductman
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What richfaa said.
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Old 11-18-2007, 12:46 AM   #11
Glenn and Lorraine
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Arctic Camping???? BBBBRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!! The closest I want to be to Arctic Camping is right here in west central Florida thank you very much. Gets much below +35° around here and I am on my way to the FL Keys. Don't even want to think about - 40°
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Old 11-18-2007, 02:21 AM   #12
TheCoachPotatoes
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by lwcdg

I don't know how familiar you are with these rigs so I would suggest reading some of these comments posted on this thead.

Living in your Montana this Winter? by SKOOBDO

Hope this helps
Chuck
IMHO-I don't think these rigs are designed for temperatures that go that low continuously. SKOOBDO lived in hers in the winter, but it wasn't as cold as that. Sreigle lives in his in Kansas and it does get cold there. However, not that cold! Like Rich says, "let us know if you live through it." Like Glenn say "BBBRRRRRRRrrr!!!"
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Old 11-18-2007, 03:53 AM   #13
exav8tr
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Having spent 14 winters in Alaska, mostly Anchorage, but one year on the western coast, I can't even imagine attempting to stay in a travel trailer during the winter. My hat is off to you if you make it. Hope you own shares in Tesoro or Holiday. It will be a great challenge to do what you are contemplating. Good Luck!!!!!
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Old 11-18-2007, 04:42 AM   #14
dsprik
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Also, as you will go through a bunch of propane, make sure you have a propane company set a 100# tank (or two?) and then run off of that.
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Old 11-18-2007, 08:56 AM   #15
TLightning
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By "subzero package" are you referring to Keystone's "arctic insulation package"...the one that has "tested and approved features?" If so, I would not count on it to help much where you will be. These trailers are extremely drafty and cold, and IMHO, not meant to be used in your part of the world. I would not even consider living in one in the northern US, much less Alaska.

Good luck and keep us posted.
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Old 11-27-2007, 04:18 AM   #16
Illini Trekker
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I will be working out of my Montana this winter but I hope not to the extremes that you'll be in! I already have added extra insulation to the belly and have ALL fresh water line heat taped and wrapped with foam, a most in cold weather. Don't think I'll have to go with skirting but it will save on heating cost!

I'm looking at heating pads for the tanks and is something you should look at.

http://www.ultraheat.com/index.html
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Old 12-01-2007, 03:36 AM   #17
Jim Pooley
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I have another problem. I am in north central South Dakota and the temperture here at night dips down below freezing. When it gets below 20 degrees the pipes inside the coach freeze. Have others of you experienced similar problems and have you found a solution.
I have 2007 3500RL.
Thanks,

Jim
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Old 12-01-2007, 04:07 AM   #18
HughM
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Yep, I've had the pipes inside coach freeze while I was using it. I've found if you open the cabinet doors its helps a lot.
A ceramic heater pointed in the direction of the frozen pipe also helps.
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Old 12-01-2007, 04:49 AM   #19
Jim Pooley
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Illini Trekker
How did you get to the enclosed water pipes to tape and insulate them? Did you do anything special to “convenience center that provides access to all major exterior plumbing functions and enclosed dump valves?” Have you considered leaving an electric heater in the storage area? Any other thoughts would be appreciated. We are currently parked in a blizzard.

PS Anyone:

Our 2007 3500 RL is advertised to be operational at zero degrees (Artic Package). Do you think this is realistic?

Jim

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Old 12-01-2007, 06:56 AM   #20
TLightning
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Jim Pooley

Illini Trekker

PS Anyone:

Our 2007 3500 RL is advertised to be operational at zero degrees (Artic Package). Do you think this is realistic?

Jim

They "tested" these rigs for "four season living." If you reread the propaganda, I don't think you will find where they say that the trailers will be "operational at zero degrees." I, for one, don't want to be the guy that tests them at zero.
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