cold weather operation

[Mike]

How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from
freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite
without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this
morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.
Mike Kneeland
99 Lxi 43
78 FC33

[brad barton]

Mike,

I don't know, but one thing I bought was a remote indoor/outdoor thermometer and put the outdoor unit in the basement next to the water compartment. Even a regular refrigerator thermometer would work well if you don't forget to check it now and then. My guess is you could probably get by with low to mid 20's outside as long as your coach is livable inside.

My engine-heat-aquahot heating element was on the curb side just in front of one of the tanks. And my diesel aquahotnever seemed to take too much fuel..even in the teens.

Brad

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: kneeland@...
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 01:58:33 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation

How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.
Mike Kneeland
99 Lxi 43
78 FC33

---

Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.

[Pete Masterson]

I had no trouble driving in Colorado with temps down to the teens. The AquaHot system gets heat from the engine (coolant loop) and is able to keep the basement warm (low-temperature thermostat in my front, curb site compartment allows selecting a temp of 40 degrees (or higher)). With the basement warm, the water tanks are not likely to freeze. However, cold weather CAN make the dump valves difficult to open, due to partial freezing where they are most exposed. (Hint: Put 1/4 to 1/2 cup rock salt (I used "ice cream salt") in (each) the black and gray tanks _first_ after dumping. Then run a little water into each tank to 'wash' the salt into the exit pipe. (For the black tank, I'd put the rock salt into the microphor toilet, give it a moment to settle to the bottom, then one flush would carry the salt into the tank.) This really helps.

Do not you calcium chloride or other 'snow melting' chemicals. They generate considerable heat when wet and might damage the plumbing or tanks.

'Birds are designed for "all weather" and the wide-body models are fairly well sealed up and insulated. Your 78 FC33 might be more challenging as much of the plumbing is more exposed.

I note that in cold weather, even if shore water is available, it's best to fill the fresh tank, then operate off the pump. Leaving a hose connected will just freeze the hose. Once you fill the tank, _empty_ the hose and put it in a heated compartment, so you can use it again the next time. (Don't ask how I know this.)

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jan 4, 2010, at 5:58 PM, Mike wrote:

How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.
Mike Kneeland
99 Lxi 43
78 FC33

[Wayne Kotila]

Mike what part of Minnesota are you from, we are from a little west of Mpls. and yes the weather has been very cold. You could turn your basement thermostate up to compensatein casethere are any areas in the basement that don't get good air flow and run cooler.

Wayne

96WB42

---

From: Mike
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 7:58:33 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation

How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.
Mike Kneeland
99 Lxi 43
78 FC33

[Mike]

I live in Deerwood, just east of Brainerd. I've never run the 78 FC33 in the
winter except to move it for snowplowing. Quartzite has tempted me for years.
Now it looks like we might make it in the newer 99 LXi43. I don't have a good
feel for the winter capabilities of the Bird. I really appreciate all your
advice about the tanks and basement.

Mike Kneeland
99 LXi43
78 FC33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wayne Kotila wrote:
>
> Mike what part of Minnesota are you from, we are from a little west of Mpls.
and yes the weather has been very cold. You could turn your basement thermostate
up to compensate in case there are any areas in the basement that don't get
good air flow and run cooler.
>
> Wayne
> 96WB42Â
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 7:58:33 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation
>
> Â
> How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank
from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to
Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota.
Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next
week.
> Mike Kneeland
> 99 Lxi 43
> 78 FC33
>

[brad barton]

Mike,

So many people scared me about the complexities and reliablities of hydronic heating, but I found out that they had experience using products other than AquaHot. We had no trouble and no maintenance issues with our AquaHot system in our 2000 LXi whatsoever. As soon as I understood how it worked with on engine-heat, electric and the diesel burner, and which switches and thermostats contolled various things (including engine preheat), I did okay. I think you'll really like the way it keeps your coach, your basement, your engine and your water all hot in winter conditions. Very comfortable and worry-free.

Just remember, the diesel boiler switch (hydronic) for the coach is on the dashboard and the hydronic pre-heat for the engine is over the driver's window.

Block-heater is the lighted red switchbehind the tipout in front of the kitchen sink.

ElectricAquaHot switch is theHot Water breaker in the back.

Brad

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: kneeland@...
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:43:53 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation

I live in Deerwood, just east of Brainerd. I've never run the 78 FC33 in the winter except to move it for snowplowing. Quartzite has tempted me for years. Now it looks like we might make it in the newer 99 LXi43. I don't have a good feel for the winter capabilities of the Bird. I really appreciate all your advice about the tanks and basement.

Mike Kneeland
99 LXi43
78 FC33

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Wayne Kotila ...> wrote:
>
> Mike what part of Minnesota are you from, we are from a little west of Mpls. and yes the weather has been very cold. You could turn your basement thermostate up to compensateÂin caseÂthere are any areas in the basement that don't get good air flow and run cooler.
>
> Wayne
> 96WB42Â
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike .>
> To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 7:58:33 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation
>
> Â
> How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.
> Mike Kneeland
> 99 Lxi 43
> 78 FC33
>

---

Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.

[Pete Masterson]

I found that the Aqua-Hot engine preheat would warm up the engine in 90 minutes to 2 hours. (Down to about 10 degrees during the night. It might take a little longer for even colder temperatures.)

On the night before a planned travel day, I'd turn on the block heater when we went to bed. (If I remembered--the A-H based engine preheat doesn't really need the block heater.) The next morning, about 6 am (for a planned 8 Am departure) I'd turn on the engine preheat (with hydronic heat switch ON). By 8 Am the temperature gauge would often be off the 'post' showing a temp of ~80~100 degrees.

The DD S-60 would start up like it was a 70 degree day.... first try, no coughing, sputter, etc.

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jan 5, 2010, at 6:33 AM, brad barton wrote:

Mike,
So many people scared me about the complexities and reliablities of hydronic heating, but I found out that they had experience using products other than AquaHot. We had no trouble and no maintenance issues with our AquaHot system in our 2000 LXi whatsoever. As soon as I understood how it worked with on engine-heat, electric and the diesel burner, and which switches and thermostats contolled various things (including engine preheat), I did okay. I think you'll really like the way it keeps your coach, your basement, your engine and your water all hot in winter conditions. Very comfortable and worry-free.
Just remember, the diesel boiler switch (hydronic) for the coach is on the dashboard and the hydronic pre-heat for the engine is over the driver's window.
Block-heater is the lighted red switchbehind the tipout in front of the kitchen sink.
ElectricAquaHot switch is theHot Water breaker in the back.
Brad

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"

---

To:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
From:"kneeland@emily.net"
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:43:53 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation

I live in Deerwood, just east of Brainerd. I've never run the 78 FC33 in the winter except to move it for snowplowing. Quartzite has tempted me for years. Now it looks like we might make it in the newer 99 LXi43. I don't have a good feel for the winter capabilities of the Bird. I really appreciate all your advice about the tanks and basement.

Mike Kneeland
99 LXi43
78 FC33

--- In"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Wayne Kotila ...> wrote:
>
> Mike what part of Minnesota are you from, we are from a little west of Mpls. and yes the weather has been very cold. You could turn your basement thermostate up to compensateÂin caseÂthere are any areas in the basement that don't get good air flow and run cooler.
>
> Wayne
> 96WB42Â
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike .>
> To:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 7:58:33 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation
>
> Â
> How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.
> Mike Kneeland
> 99 Lxi 43
> 78 FC33
>

---

Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection.Sign up now.

[Rob Robinson]

Pete thanks for the very useful info. As usual your posts are very to the point and in this case timely. After reading you post I got up and turned off the AH Engine preheat. I planned on leaving it on over night. My thoughts were that I was heating the coolant for interior heat anyways so why not turn on the preheat pump and pump some of it through the engine. You say not necessary to do that for hours on end and a couple of hours will suffice. So we'll save a little electricity and wear and tear on pump. Thanks again

2010/1/5 Pete Masterson <"aeonix1@mac.com">

 

I found that the Aqua-Hot engine preheat would warm up the engine in 90 minutes to 2 hours. (Down to about 10 degrees during the night. It might take a little longer for even colder temperatures.)

On the night before a planned travel day, I'd turn on the block heater when we went to bed. (If I remembered--the A-H based engine preheat doesn't really need the block heater.) The next morning, about 6 am (for a planned 8 Am departure) I'd turn on the engine preheat (with hydronic heat switch ON). By 8 Am the temperature gauge would often be off the 'post' showing a temp of ~80~100 degrees.

The DD S-60 would start up like it was a 70 degree day.... first try, no coughing, sputter, etc. 

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jan 5, 2010, at 6:33 AM, brad barton wrote:

Mike, 
So many people scared me about the complexities and reliablities of hydronic heating, but I found out that they had experience using products other than AquaHot.  We had no trouble and no maintenance issues with our AquaHot system in our 2000 LXi whatsoever.  As soon as I understood how it worked with on engine-heat, electric and the diesel burner, and which switches and thermostats contolled various things (including engine preheat), I did okay.  I think you'll really like the way it keeps your coach, your basement, your engine and your water all hot in winter conditions.  Very comfortable and worry-free.    

Just remember, the diesel boiler switch (hydronic) for the coach is on the dashboard and the hydronic pre-heat for the engine is over the driver's window.  
Block-heater is the lighted red switch behind the tipout in front of the kitchen sink.  

Electric AquaHot switch is the Hot Water breaker in the back.    
Brad

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"


 

---

To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

From: "kneeland@emily.net"
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:43:53 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation

I live in Deerwood, just east of Brainerd. I've never run the 78 FC33 in the winter except to move it for snowplowing. Quartzite has tempted me for years. Now it looks like we might make it in the newer 99 LXi43. I don't have a good feel for the winter capabilities of the Bird. I really appreciate all your advice about the tanks and basement.


Mike Kneeland
99 LXi43
78 FC33

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Wayne Kotila wrote:
>

> Mike what part of  Minnesota are you from, we are from a little west of Mpls. and yes the weather has been very cold. You could turn your basement thermostate up to compensate in case there are any areas in the basement that don't get good air flow and run cooler.

> 
> Wayne
> 96WB42 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Mike

> To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 7:58:33 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation

> 
>   
> How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.

> Mike Kneeland
> 99 Lxi 43
> 78 FC33
>

---

Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now. 

--
Rob, Sue and Joey Robinson
94 WLWB

[Wayne Kotila]

Good luck, I hope you enjoy your trip.

Wayne

96PT42

---

From: Mike
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, January 5, 2010 7:43:53 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation

I live in Deerwood, just east of Brainerd. I've never run the 78 FC33 in the winter except to move it for snowplowing. Quartzite has tempted me for years. Now it looks like we might make it in the newer 99 LXi43. I don't have a good feel for the winter capabilities of the Bird. I really appreciate all your advice about the tanks and basement.

Mike Kneeland
99 LXi43
78 FC33

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", Wayne Kotila wrote:
>
> Mike what part of Minnesota are you from, we are from a little west of Mpls. and yes the weather has been very cold. You could turn your basement thermostate up to compensateÂin caseÂthere are any areas in the basement that don't get good air flow and run cooler.
>
> Wayne
>
96WB42Â
>
>
>
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Mike
> To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"
> Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 7:58:33 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] cold weather operation
>
> Â
> How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota. Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next week.
> Mike Kneeland
> 99 Lxi 43
> 78 FC33
>

[luckyron1]

Not to worry (as others have posted) if you have the Aqua-Hot with the Hydronic
heating switch on the dash, and the engine pre-heat switch on the generator
panel above the driver. Just do as they say and it works wonderful. We're from
MN too. Have been in temps (involuntarily) down to -15F with no problems.
Deerwood huh... I'm from Staples and spouse is from Eagle Bend.

2000 LXI at South Padre Island

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike" wrote:
>
> How low can the outside temperature be and still keep the fresh water tank
from freezing while driving down the road in a 99 Lxi? We want to get to
Quartzite without "drying camping" for the first few days out of Minnesota.
Temps this morning were -30. We're hoping for the 20's by the time we leave next
week.
> Mike Kneeland
> 99 Lxi 43
> 78 FC33
>