canoe on top
Denver, CO, US
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Joined: 07/21/2003
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I know that catalytic heaters have a lot of safeguards but, they still consume oxygen.I have friends that use them although they turn the off when they are sleeping. I have never been a fan of combustion inside other than the stove while cooking. I leave one or more ceiling vents open slightly to deal with condensation. I would not consider that adequate to replace consumed oxygen.
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Skibane
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 11/09/2005
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^Yes, catalytic heater manufacturers typically recommend a 2"x 12" (or similar 24 square inch) opening for ventilation.
Being completely silent in operation and not requiring any electrical power more than make up for this inconvenience.
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rbpru
North Central Indiana
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Joined: 12/18/2013
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The bottom line is if you want 4 seasons. You want heated tanks, double glass windows and other weather related changes. They cost money.
Twenty six foot 2010 Dutchmen Lite pulled with a 2011 EcoBoost F-150 4x4.
Just right for Grandpa, Grandma and the dog.
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Durb
NW
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Joined: 01/15/2016
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I had a 25' Bigfoot and used it in 100+ and just below freezing. I can't say their insulation is super but they are tight and don't swap much air with the outdoors. The nature of their interior design reduces the cubes which make them fast to heat and cool. Moisture mitigation is something to be cognizant of because they don't breathe well. This could be why Bigfoot does not recommend them for full time use. Their frames are massive and the roofs are solid so snow buildup wouldn't be a problem. Lot of foul weather security knowing the roof won't leak.
If you buy used, your cost will be high. You will be able to sell it high on the back end so net cost of ownership is low. Sold mine for what I paid, used it 5 years for just maintenance costs.
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marcsbigfoot20b27
Phx
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Joined: 08/24/2013
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I have a 2000 Bigfoot 27 foot. Bigfoot costs more but you get what you pay for if you need it for cold...or hot.
The things that make them work well are, Thermopane dual pane windows, big BTU heaters, very good insulation on all 6 sides, no slides, heated and enclosed tanks and valves, water tank in living space (like under bed) and water lines run through floor heater ducts, etc. They dont usually leak air as in if you have everything closed and turn on a fantastic fan you can hear the difference when you crack a window open.
Propane tanks are also enclosed.
As long as you have enough propane and solar to keep up with the heater blower motor, you are good to go.
On a side note, same with Phoenix 116 degree heat. Only difference is that it takes waaay more propane to run my built in generator for the air conditioning, but it will stay low 70s inside even in the sun.
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TurnThePage
North ID
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Joined: 10/08/2003
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I would like to add that "Escape" trailers have their tanks and some plumbing exposed under the trailer, and I don't think the floor has any insulation on its own. Definitely not winter grade in my opinion. They do offer to add spray foam down there which I'm sure helps.
If you're talking about having an actual mobile RV for winter camping, it's gonna cost. Otherwise, you can take almost any unit and make it survivable over a winter.
2015 Ram 1500
2004 Pioneer 18T6
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