The forced-air furnace is also a heavy user of 12-volt-DC power . This is usually not a concern if you ’ re plugged into 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service , but it is crucial if you ’ re dry camping without hookups . Take the time to determine the amperage draw of the furnace system in the RV and try to estimate how many hours per day the furnace will be operating . Then do the calculation to see just how much battery storage capacity you ’ ll need .
As mentioned earlier , using portable space heaters whenever shore power is available will not only help conserve propane gas , it also will keep that battery bank charged . Using electric blankets on your bed at night also can help conserve fuel , as it allows you to lower the furnace thermostat .
The absorption refrigerator , however , may experience other issues . In extremely low temperatures , the refrigerator simply may not operate . The internal contents of the sealed absorption system include water , liquefied ammonia , hydrogen gas , and sodium chromate , the chemical used to protect the internal pipes from the corrosiveness of the ammonia .
During a typical cycle , either an electric heating element or a propane burner applies heat . During the process of removing the heat from inside the refrigerator and freezer ( the absence of heat is cold ), the water and liquid ammonia are boiled and evaporated , then condensed back into a liquid over and over . And since water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit . . . well , you can begin to see how very low temperatures can have an effect on absorption refrigeration , just as much as extremely high temperatures . The cooling core is attached to the rear of the refrigerator , not within the heated house portion of the RV .
Temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit probably will require some form of additional heat applied near the cooling core components at the rear of the refrigerator for it to operate properly . But rather than adding yet another droplight , packing insulation behind the refrigerator , or blocking off the lower vent openings , I contend that at temperatures well below freezing , you simply don ’ t need refrigeration anyway ! Just put the lobster tails and prime rib in a cooler and set it outside ! Once the ambient air gets closer to the freezing mark , then you can move the food back inside ; the RV absorption refrigerator should operate fine at temperatures near freezing and above . Try to position the coach where maximum sunlight can be directed onto the lower refrigerator vent at the side of the RV
16 . EXPLORE PA 2018 when operating the absorption refrigerator during cold weather .
Electrical System
If you will need battery power to keep the furnace running during the cold winter months , ensure that all the batteries in the RV stay fully charged . A fully charged battery has a higher sulfuric acid percentage than a discharged battery . A higher degree of sulfuric acid means less water in the electrolyte . Less water content means it is less likely that the battery will freeze . Keep in mind that a fully charged battery will freeze only if the temperature dips to 55 or 60 degrees below zero Fahrenheit , while a discharged battery may freeze at or near 20 degrees Fahrenheit . This is a huge difference , and vital if you ’ re RVing in subzero temperatures !
Verify that your battery charger has the ability to charge not only the house DC system , but also the chassis batteries if you have a motorhome . Not all converter chargers have that feature . Some “ smart chargers ,” like the Xantrex Truecharge2 battery charger , may have multiple charging outputs . If not , you ’ ll probably have to rely on a stand-alone battery charger to keep the engine battery system up to par . Battery conservation while away from shore power is just as important as propane gas conservation while connected to shore power .
The Exterior
While it ’ s important to keep the RV sealed tight to keep the elements out , it ’ s also necessary to pay attention to the conditions around the coach , especially if snow is in the forecast .
Always inspect the RV roof after every snowfall and keep the accumulation to a minimum . Avoid letting fallen snow cover the sewer vents , air conditioners , refrigerator roof vent , satellite or TV antennas , etc .
With the slideouts extended during a wintry stay , tape 1-inch foam sheets to the exterior “ roof ” section of each slideout . Typically , the roof section of a slideout lacks the same degree of insulation found in the rest of the RV roof , and the added panels will help . If the slideouts are equipped with automatic awnings , the foam panels can add a little support in case of an overnight snowfall .
Regarding the patio awning and individual window and entry door awnings , keep them fully retracted if snow or heavy
rain is expected . When deploying any awning during the winter , keep one end tilted lower than the other in case an unexpected snowfall happens while you are away from the coach . Be sure to remove the white stuff as quickly as possible . Those who have shoveled snow before know that thousands of those feathery flakes can add up to some serious weight , putting stress on the awning canopy and supports . For that reason , I recommend retracting all awnings before going to sleep at night .
Photo Courtesy of GO RVing
If snow builds up around a motorhome , make sure you keep it sufficiently clear to prevent the exhaust pipes for the motorhome or the generator from becoming blocked , and to allow exhaust gases to dissipate , as they should .
Great expanses of wintry vistas await the less intimidated and more adventurous among us . Who knows ? A winter RVing vacation or two may get you closer to becoming another satisfied full-time RVer . Enjoy and remember , RVing is more than a hobby ; it ’ s a lifestyle !
Photo Courtesy of GO RVing