36FL Insulation

[Oregonbound]

Hi all. Hope everyone enjoyed their summer in their Redwoods.

With our house on the verge of selling, it looks like we will be spending the winter in Montana where many days are sub-zero - average is probably around 15-20 degrees F. (still planning a Oregon move asap._

I've looked around the underbelly and frame and see that there are several holes (slide rams, hydraulic lines) that prob. need to be sealed (I will have to figure out a way to use foam in a way that doesn't interfere with the ram movement).

While I was in the utility area at the back of the basement (where the water filter/fresh water tank is) I noticed that I could see a large gap under the pantry/closet area. Does anyone know if this a functional gap (fresh air for the furnace?) or would it be safe to plug that area to reduce drafts?

Also, has anyone successfully spent time in similar climates without adding additional insulation around tanks and/or underbelly? Looks like a lot of work but would rather do that than have frozen tanks/pex lines.

Another also, we are planning to skirt the sides of the entire 5er with R9 rigid insulation. Is the rigid insulation worthwhile for the R9 value or is something that just blocks wind just as effective?

Thanks all

[atom ant]

That is a return air for the furnace. That area in there is well heated, as it has all of the duct for the furnace.

Be careful with the expanding foam - yuk stuff that is hard to remove if it doesn't work.

[johnboytoo]

You might invest in some wireless thermometers so you can monitor it as it 'eazes' into the hard freezes.

That way you can see which areas need help...

The best solution though is "It's got wheels, move south"

[rcflame]

Skirting it with insulation would be better than without. Another suggestion would be to use some type of heat source under the trailer where if you have it skirted would help keep water lines and tanks from freezing. This could be with heat lamps or some type of small electric heater. Nothing that burns any type of fuel. I never have stayed up North during the winter, but I do know a couple people that have spent the winter in SD. They had their trailers skirted totally, even the fifth wheel overhang, had things sealed up as much as possible, used electric heaters inside, went through a lot of propane, and said they wouldn't do it again if it could be helped.