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  1. #1
    Seasoned Camper
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    22MLE first time out, with freeze warnings

    Fall purchase of our new 22MLE and we are taking it out for weekend trip to check all systems in case we need to take back to the dealer to get any issues fixed. This was the soonest we could pick it up and of course the overnight temps couldn't stay above freezing for a couple of more days. Forecast includes a freeze warning but just barely, as the early morning temps are supposed to drop below the 32F mark for a handful of hours (3-7am) with a low of 29F. Daytime times will be mid-40's. The 22MLE build includes "four season protection package", so I assume a few hours dipping into the freezing range should be "no sweat" for it. Plan to run the gas heater to keep inside temps the 60's, which as I understand it is supposed to also heat the belly. We'll have full hookup but I plan to put some water in the FWT and drain and stow the hose overnight since we do not have a heated hose. Just wondering if there is anything I a missing or other precautions or lessons learned you all have that I should watch out for under these conditions. Really don't want to do something stupid and break something first time out...

    This is our second TT but never was out in subfreezing weather in our prior unit (which did NOT have an enclosed or insulated floor) and I would have had it winterized by now. If all goes well we'll be back home Sunday with the new 22MLE and I'll winterize it immediately on arriving home before putting into storage.
    2023 Imagine XLS 22MLE

  2. #2
    Rolling Along
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    You will be fine with the heater. We have gone through two S. Texas winters with no winterizing. That would be a few nights dipping into the 20’s here and there. The heater did a great job of keeping the coach warm. The nose cap will be pretty cold if you sleep with an arm under the pillow. Enjoy the weekend.
    Randy and Kris

  3. #3
    Site Team Second Chance's Avatar
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    The so-called "Four Seasons" packages are marketing hype. That said, if you fill your fresh water tank, disconnect and drain the hose, and use the main furnace (LP), you should be OK in those temps. You are correct to think about exposure time - it takes a while and several degrees below freezing to get systems below freezing.

    Rob
    U.S. Army Retired
    2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
    Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
    (Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
    Full time since 08/2015

  4. #4
    Paid my dues 😁 FT4NOW's Avatar
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    The 4 season thing is definitely marketing. Our Reflection had the underbelly with a layer of reflectix and that was the insulation. Our Momentum had the same, but had actual insulation between the subflooring and reflectix. I think you will be ok with your plan, make sure the sewer hoses are also drained, as any standing water in them could freeze.
    2023 Momentum 398M-R
    2023 Ford F-450

    SOLD - 2021 Reflection 311BHS
    SOLD - 2017 Momentum 399TH

  5. #5
    Seasoned Camper
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    First night low temp was 28F. We used the gas furnace overnight to keep the belly warm (wanted to test it out anyway) and then an electric space heater after outside temps rose above freezing. Everything in the camper worked fine except for the uncontrollable condensation on the windows. This was despite using a tabletop dehumidifier, leaving blinds up to keep air moving over the windows, and ample use of ventilation even though it meant loosing heat. The next night we had cloud cover and only dropped to a low of 40F and the condensation was very minor. This was an experiment for us and as a matter of personal preference I would not try camping below 40F again in a camper without insulated windows regardless of the other "four season" features.
    2023 Imagine XLS 22MLE

  6. #6
    Fireside Member
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    Try a dehumidifier. Not a tabletop one that is electronic, but a floor model with an actual compressor and refrigerant. I live in Oregon and we tend to get a lot of rain here so a lot of camping is pretty moist. It has always bugged me to try and heat a space to make it comfortable just to have to open vents of windows to reduce the humidity. Dehumidifier fixes all and helps circulate the air.

  7. #7
    Site Sponsor
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    I have dual pane windows and never get condensation. It's my 1st trailer with DP windows. Last year we stayed at an RV park for a football game and the TT next to us had the worst condensation I've ever seen. IIRC it was a FR Vibe or similar. It literally looked like they sprayed the inside of the windows with a garden hose.
    I'll never own another RV without DP windows. I also live in Oregon and never need to leave any vents or windows open with the current TT. In the past I had to and it was sorta redundant. Like driving in a convertible car with the heat on.
    It probably doesn't help that the Imagines only have 1" of foam in the walls either. That means the heaters need to run more and hotter.

  8. #8
    Site Sponsor
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    Quote Originally Posted by Harvestmoon View Post
    First night low temp was 28F. We used the gas furnace overnight to keep the belly warm (wanted to test it out anyway) and then an electric space heater after outside temps rose above freezing. Everything in the camper worked fine except for the uncontrollable condensation on the windows. This was despite using a tabletop dehumidifier, leaving blinds up to keep air moving over the windows, and ample use of ventilation even though it meant loosing heat. The next night we had cloud cover and only dropped to a low of 40F and the condensation was very minor. This was an experiment for us and as a matter of personal preference I would not try camping below 40F again in a camper without insulated windows regardless of the other "four season" features.
    We left home on Friday and still driveway camping until tomorrow (central MN). The overnight temps outside have been in the 20's, with daytime highs in 30 and 40's. We only use the gas furnace and leave it set on 64 at night and 67 during the day. The temp sensor in the front storage bay is always around 45 and the temp sensor in the belly under the shower stays around 50. We wanted to test how long we can go on the 30 gallon fresh water, and running off our 206AH lithium battery. Between the gas water heater and furnace we only made it 3.5 days on the first tank of propane. We still have the OEM converter/charger so it doesn't charge the battery to 100% (more like 70ish). We arrived Friday morning and I plugged in Sunday afternoon although the battery was not depleted yet; it would not have made it through the night. In case any of that is interesting to you given same model and similar locale...

    Congrats on your new trailer!
    Last edited by Riverbug; 10-18-2022 at 12:18 PM.
    Chad
    2023 23LDE 965W Solar, Victron Multiplus, Solar Controllers, Cerbo GX, 4x280AH DIY Lithium Batteries, SeeLevel Tank Monitoring, Shock Absorbers (Replaced 2022 22MLE)
    2022 F350 6.7L Superduty, Carbonized Gray, Ultimate Lariat Pkg, 4WD, Crew Cab, 160" Wheelbase, 3.55EL Rear End, 3566# Payload
    Adaptive Steering, Ultimate Camera Pkg, 20" Wheels, 397 Amp Dual Alternator, ARE Topper (Replaced 2004 F150)

  9. #9
    Site Team Ynot4me2's Avatar
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    A little late to this thread but we often camp in our 22mle below freezing. We do most of our camping in spring and fall. As long as that furnace is working your fine. As for the condensation on the windows, I don't think there's much that can be done with single pane windows. I had bought a table top dehumidifier but that didn't do much. Next step is a regular household dehumidifier.
    Steph & Lise
    2019 F150 Lariat 2.7 EB
    2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE

  10. #10
    Seasoned Camper
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    Quote Originally Posted by redfernclan View Post
    Try a dehumidifier. Not a tabletop one that is electronic, but a floor model with an actual compressor and refrigerant. I live in Oregon and we tend to get a lot of rain here so a lot of camping is pretty moist. It has always bugged me to try and heat a space to make it comfortable just to have to open vents of windows to reduce the humidity. Dehumidifier fixes all and helps circulate the air.
    Great suggestion. How cold is this effective down to? Real dehumidifiers are so big and heavy but I suppose may be essential for this kind of camping.
    2023 Imagine XLS 22MLE

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