Looking to purchase-new to rving

[Livtotravel]

Hi everyone! I’ve been researching RV’s for the past few months. (I’m a complete RV virgin… lol) Came really close to purchasing a used Coachmen but backed out of it after someone mentioned an issue with using an RV in cold weather. In had no idea this was even an issue. So after researching I understand I need an RV with enclosed water lines, heated underbelly, heated/insulated holding tanks, 2” thick insulation in walls, dual pane windows and a sufficient heating unit.
It’s been really challenging with my search since most listings don’t mention a lot of these options for various reasons. Im assuming most people don’t care to travel in cold weather so dealers etc, don’t add it to the listing. Also each make labels these options in different packages (arctic, climate, cold weather etc).

So I’m looking for a class B+ and/or C. Upon research the Winnebago Ekko came up as the best option. That would be easy enough since it has everything I’m looking for but it’s out of my price range. Looking to spend no more than $80,000 and that would only be for an RV that has absolutely everything-perfect all around that I fell in love with. Found a used EKko under $80 but within 2 days it had a pending offer

I’m not looking to travel in extreme cold weather. Mainly from NY to Georgia in December and February during school breaks. So obviously the trip down there we can potentially get below freezing temps especially overnight but when we’re staying in GA (NWest) it can get into the teens at night but warm up quickly during the day.

Any advice, thoughts are appreciated. FYI- need to use all rv facilities during travel. Some people have said just winterize it and stop to use bathroom, get take out food etc. …ugh whats the point of having an rv than??

Thank you in advance for all the comments!!

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Yes four season RV is your answer. That said travel in a B would be the easiest. Very few RVs manage temperature well. I blame lack of mass, as that is what holds the heat. There is no substitute for mass, so you will need to reconcile with the illusion an RV can be totally comfortable without large power requirements.

The most important feature of 4 season is the protected plumbing.

 

[GraemeD]

You need to look at particular makes and models before options, as what you are looking for is designed into the unit. I don’t plan to camp in freezing weather, but get caught in it often.

Due to modern quality control, or lack of it. You have to look yourself to make sure all the features are present and not just “sales promises”.
Example: 2” walls / floors are nice as long as the penetration holes are filled with foam.

Good luck……

 

[John&Andrea]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you know what you want and are doing good research. We have been our some in cold and below freezing temps but we don’t make it a habit.
I agree with Kevin, the plumbing is the important part of cold weather camping.
RVtrader is a good place to shop. Whether you buy from there or not you can shop brands easy. Good luck on the shopping.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Hi everyone! I’ve been researching RV’s for the past few months. (I’m a complete RV virgin… lol) Came really close to purchasing a used Coachmen but backed out of it after someone mentioned an issue with using an RV in cold weather. In had no idea this was even an issue. So after researching I understand I need an RV with enclosed water lines, heated underbelly, heated/insulated holding tanks, 2” thick insulation in walls, dual pane windows and a sufficient heating unit.
It’s been really challenging with my search since most listings don’t mention a lot of these options for various reasons. Im assuming most people don’t care to travel in cold weather so dealers etc, don’t add it to the listing. Also each make labels these options in different packages (arctic, climate, cold weather etc).

So I’m looking for a class B+ and/or C. Upon research the Winnebago Ekko came up as the best option. That would be easy enough since it has everything I’m looking for but it’s out of my price range. Looking to spend no more than $80,000 and that would only be for an RV that has absolutely everything-perfect all around that I fell in love with. Found a used EKko under $80 but within 2 days it had a pending offer

I’m not looking to travel in extreme cold weather. Mainly from NY to Georgia in December and February during school breaks. So obviously the trip down there we can potentially get below freezing temps especially overnight but when we’re staying in GA (NWest) it can get into the teens at night but warm up quickly during the day.

Any advice, thoughts are appreciated. FYI- need to use all rv facilities during travel. Some people have said just winterize it and stop to use bathroom, get take out food etc. …ugh whats the point of having an rv than??

Thank you in advance for all the comments!!

Welcome aboard from a Canadian (where winters are long and cold). Be very careful when purchasing an RV with a four seasons package. Most manufacturers design their four seasons to be used for camping in shoulder seasons (early spring, late fall) and mild winters. Mild being rarely dipping into the high 20s. Some packages offer significant upgrades, while others might just add a plastic cover and basic tank heaters, so checking specific features is crucial for true all-weather use, as some rigs still need supplemental insulation or modifications for extreme cold. The capacity of your propane tank should also be considered. A furnace running all night will consume a lot of propane. Filling and dumping are important. Will there be facilities open for use? A problem that you might want to think about is condensation. Without proper ventilation mold forms very easily. You might want to consider a dehumidifier.

The best four season option, in my opinion, is a map that will lead you south.