310MKTS Underbelly

[jlamb1051]

I have a new 310MKTS. I have my TT on some recreational property and here in Idaho it can dip below freezing in late September and October. I pull my trailer out and winterize after hunting season ends at the end of October. I do have shore power but I am content using the propane heat when temps do dip into freezing. The TT documentation claims a circulated heated underbelly and I can see a pipe of the heater drops through the floor into the underbelly. My concern is the actual circulation of the heat. Does the pipe go the whole length of underbelly with holes in it it to allow heat to spread through the entire underbelly? If not, it seems that the crossbeams that run side to side between the frame would prevent the warm air from effectively getting to the far reaches front to back. I do have a kitchen island with sink towards the back of the trailer and an outdoor hose attachment point at the very back and their associated pipes running in the underbelly. Is anyone familiar with how the design of the air circulation is and whether or not I will get ample heat circulation in those further away areas? Any suggestions to improve the heat circulation? Thanks!

 

[Riverbug]

As far as I know, they are all about the same regarding the heated underbelly. There is usually a 2" flexible duct going into the belly. Just one. It may just rest on the belly "floor" where it comes through the floor or travel a few feet and point in one direction or another. That's about it. There's not much in the way of circulation. But surprisingly when running the furnace, you can get pretty cold before freezing becomes an issue. In our case, 17F is the limit. At that point I got frozen lines where the low point drains connect with the water lines. I made a remedy for this but haven't been down to 17F again this spring to test it out. You could get a look into the belly and decide if you could improve on the heat duct or add additional duct work to help if needed. Also, some people have installed a bilge heater with good results too.

 

[SGT ROC]

The cross members do have holes in them allowing some airflow. I have no idea if it's enough or not but it's better than nothing I guess.

 

[JFF&KRN]

it's a large chore, but due to my underbelly recently being off, I re did the duct work down there. manufature had two T's in the line, one facing forward and one backwards, the end of the line was wide open. I relocated the second T towards the back of the trailer where the water tank is, added a couple on inch openings with screen mid way and the front T was still facing forward and crimped some to create an equal ish amount of air exiting all openings. all openings are about an inch open to help with equalizing the air flow. Here in AZ it was hard to feel the heat, but in the morning I could feel it fairly equal throughout the duct, of course towards the front was a bit warmer. Also insulated the water lines that were laying on the underbelly as we did have one time at 11* where the hot water line froze goign to the kitchen island. We have the 337RLS fifth wheel.
It's a chore, but was well worth it. Heading out late this week to enjoy.

 

[cbb0552]

No issues but probably lucky!!

Had sub zero temps for 8 days straight earlier this year and, honestly being new to full-timing and a new TT, just let it ride because needed to get an understanding of what was possible. Honestly, no issues. Maybe VERY VERY lucky but my only concern was making sure I made it to the propane dealer before nightfall and making sure the water tank was full before the camp host pulled the plug. 2023 310MKTS

 

[jlamb1051]

Had sub zero temps for 8 days straight earlier this year and, honestly being new to full-timing and a new TT, just let it ride because needed to get an understanding of what was possible. Honestly, no issues. Maybe VERY VERY lucky but my only concern was making sure I made it to the propane dealer before nightfall and making sure the water tank was full before the camp host pulled the plug. 2023 310MKTS

It would be rare to get below 20 degrees at night and it would be back above freezing during day here in Idaho in October. I do have the electric heat strips in both ac’s that I use when above freezing, but as long as I use the furnace below freezing, sounds like I’d be fine! Thx for the the info on your experience.