In the latest round of looking at all the rv options for us. We have been told by an RV dealer that we HAD to by an RV with a 4 seasons package on it (or depending on brand their residential RV's with the extra insulation and everything) because the fifth wheels that are done this way are Better for 24 living?
The problem with this is the one I currently like does not specifically SAY it is a 4 seasons or anything even from the manufacturers website.
This is the one we are looking at: I love the way it is laid out. PS it is a Palomino Columbus 370fl
If fits the two of us, but there are a lot others that I would like also, but do not say they are 4 seaons.
Thanks
Wendy
Edit by moderator: Edited link to prevent excessive width of forum pages. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 23rd of October 2013 10:55:03 AM
Bobbi said
04:34 PM Oct 23, 2013
The Columbus is a 3-season RV.
I believe that your dealer is giving you great advice. You are asking the right question, and will do well to educate yourself on insulation in RVs. There are two basic types of insulation used in RVs -- foam and fiberglass, though I believe Lifestyle and Mobile Suites uses something a little different, but don't quote me on that...verify everything with your own research at the manufacturers' websites, and be willing to follow up with a phone call.
Some manufacturers offer reflective/radiant foil insulation in addition to the other insulation. This reflective foil reflects the sun's heat away from the RV. Additionally, many things can be done from the manufacturer to weather proof the RV, such as tank heaters, enclosed underbellies, heated basements, heated gate valves and more.
Look for higher insulation values. As an example, the Brookstone by Coachmen offers R-52 as well as the Prime Time Sanibel. The Sanibel is 4-season approved, and I believe the Coachmen is also, but you need to verify that. Arctic Fox is another brand that touts 4-season capabilities.
The R-value numbers do not tell the whole story, just to be clear. Generally speaking, the max amount of fiberglass insulation that can be tucked into the roof and floor is R-14 value, and it's going to be less than that in the walls. The max amount of solid foam insulation at the same thickness as fiberglass yields a higher R-value. Additionally, some relfective foil insulation touts a value of R-38, but remember that this foil insulation primarily serves to deflect heat away from the exterior, and reflect heat or cool air inside the RV back to the inside vs. actually providing a strong barrier like foam or fiberglass does.
el Rojo and Pam said
05:01 PM Oct 23, 2013
Our Solitude has heated holding tanks and a heated basement. Our dealer however orders their units without double pane or insulated windows. After having to replace several windows in our MH due to the seal leaking we thought we would go without the better windows. Doulbe pane windows make a big difference to heat reduction in Texas as well as noise reduction. We have bought a roll of silver insulation at Lowes and cut them to fit each window which takes care of the heat issue. The jury is still out on our choice of windows, having to replace them is a pain but not seeing out is a consideration too.
I didn't answer your question directly but wanted you to consider our situation when making your buying decision.
Red
Cindy T said
05:26 PM Oct 23, 2013
Even if you plan to "follow the sun" & not stay where winters are cold, I think a 4 season package will give you more comfort in most situations. We have a 4 season 5th wheel, including dual pane windows. Friends have commented how quiet it is inside our RV. We don't have a problem with condensation in the RV. Previously, we had a trailer with single pane windows & average insulation. I much prefer having the 4 season package.
Terry and Jo said
06:01 PM Oct 23, 2013
Like Cindy, we have a DRV Suites brand with 3 1/4" walls that are very good 4 season trailers. However, if your plans are to not be in cold climates or extremely hot climates, then a four-season may not be necessary. However, if there is the possibility that you will be in those climates at certain times, then the four-season coaches will be greatly appreciated. In our case, we've been comfortable in our Mobile Suites in temps ranging from 14 degrees up to 115 degrees.
Terry
Dog Folks said
06:21 PM Oct 23, 2013
Do you HAVE to have a 4 four seasons. NO, there are lots of us in a three seasons.
Is it better to have a four seasons? Worth the investment.
GENECOP said
12:40 AM Oct 24, 2013
If I was going to be living FT and planned on being in the colder climates 40 degrees and below, I would want all the options that are available to make myself more comfortable and spend less resources on heating....
Hello
In the latest round of looking at all the rv options for us. We have been told by an RV dealer that we HAD to by an RV with a 4 seasons package on it (or depending on brand their residential RV's with the extra insulation and everything) because the fifth wheels that are done this way are Better for 24 living?
The problem with this is the one I currently like does not specifically SAY it is a 4 seasons or anything even from the manufacturers website.
This is the one we are looking at: I love the way it is laid out. PS it is a Palomino Columbus 370fl
If fits the two of us, but there are a lot others that I would like also, but do not say they are 4 seaons.
Thanks
Wendy
Edit by moderator: Edited link to prevent excessive width of forum pages. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 23rd of October 2013 10:55:03 AM
The Columbus is a 3-season RV.
I believe that your dealer is giving you great advice. You are asking the right question, and will do well to educate yourself on insulation in RVs. There are two basic types of insulation used in RVs -- foam and fiberglass, though I believe Lifestyle and Mobile Suites uses something a little different, but don't quote me on that...verify everything with your own research at the manufacturers' websites, and be willing to follow up with a phone call.
Some manufacturers offer reflective/radiant foil insulation in addition to the other insulation. This reflective foil reflects the sun's heat away from the RV. Additionally, many things can be done from the manufacturer to weather proof the RV, such as tank heaters, enclosed underbellies, heated basements, heated gate valves and more.
Look for higher insulation values. As an example, the Brookstone by Coachmen offers R-52 as well as the Prime Time Sanibel. The Sanibel is 4-season approved, and I believe the Coachmen is also, but you need to verify that. Arctic Fox is another brand that touts 4-season capabilities.
The R-value numbers do not tell the whole story, just to be clear. Generally speaking, the max amount of fiberglass insulation that can be tucked into the roof and floor is R-14 value, and it's going to be less than that in the walls. The max amount of solid foam insulation at the same thickness as fiberglass yields a higher R-value. Additionally, some relfective foil insulation touts a value of R-38, but remember that this foil insulation primarily serves to deflect heat away from the exterior, and reflect heat or cool air inside the RV back to the inside vs. actually providing a strong barrier like foam or fiberglass does.
I didn't answer your question directly but wanted you to consider our situation when making your buying decision.
Red
Even if you plan to "follow the sun" & not stay where winters are cold, I think a 4 season package will give you more comfort in most situations. We have a 4 season 5th wheel, including dual pane windows. Friends have commented how quiet it is inside our RV. We don't have a problem with condensation in the RV. Previously, we had a trailer with single pane windows & average insulation. I much prefer having the 4 season package.
Like Cindy, we have a DRV Suites brand with 3 1/4" walls that are very good 4 season trailers. However, if your plans are to not be in cold climates or extremely hot climates, then a four-season may not be necessary. However, if there is the possibility that you will be in those climates at certain times, then the four-season coaches will be greatly appreciated. In our case, we've been comfortable in our Mobile Suites in temps ranging from 14 degrees up to 115 degrees.
Terry
Is it better to have a four seasons? Worth the investment.