A new adventure in life for me...

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Les,

I'm well aware of all you say, and have been so for a long time. It
wasn't a lack of understanding that was my issue, only my failure to
think about it. After all, I had the small inverter that I had been
using for years with my old machine, so it didn't require any thought to
plug in my new machine the same way.

However, there are a couple of things that folks should be aware of
before they willy nilly replace AC cords that have built in dc
converters. One is polarity (all devices do not use the same polarity)
and voltage (not all dc devices want 12 volts. One other thing to be
aware of is that not all the power cords that have the square body with
two prongs that plug into an AC outlet are converting the AC to dc. Im
not exactly sure what these cords do, but the AC is converted to dc
within the device itsself.

Jeff Huntington '97 Dynasty 40

>
> Jeff, the AC ? DC battle began with Edison and Tesla. Thomas

Edison wanted

> DC to be the standard while Nikola Tesla, a former Edison employee,

was

> pushing AC. Bottom line was that it is easier to produce AC and it is

more

> efficient to raise the voltage on AC and transmit it over long

distances.

> Edison had to fold and lost his company, now called GE. Nikola Tesla

teamed

> up with Westinghouse.
>
>
>
> AC was/is great for power hungry components like large appliances.

With the

> miniaturization of most things we call electronics nowadays, DC is the
> norm. Many TVs now have the AC to DC converter built into the power

cord or

> in the set itself. Your CPAP is like that.
>
>
>
> Ironically, the new Tesla Motor Company has produced an award winning

all

> electric car, the "Tesla Model S" and it is powered by DC

motors. Nikola is

> rolling over in his grave?
>
>
>
> Les Stallings
>

[Yahoo_Upload]

No, the Fed Government would intentionally do it that way. I did it
without thinking.

Jeff Huntington '97 Dynasty 40

> This sounds like the way the Fed Government would do it.... Are you a
> retired Fed Worker?
>
> Sorry had to do it
>
> ROFL
>
> Mikee

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Rick
I followed Bill D's advice some time ago when my second bay heater crapped out. Besides being so much simpler, my manual says cargo heater draws around 20 amps! That means using cargo heater when dry camping is out. And unless you want no heat inside the coach for you, it leaves 30 amps out, too.
Frank Walter 09 Cayman

--- In Monacoers@yahoogroups.com, Bill Duckwitz wrote:
>
> Rick,
>
> Trying to copy the company solution is not only difficult but not
> cost effective and not reliable.
>
> Get a plastic light bulb cage/socket with a short pigtail that you
> can put a standard plug on. They are available at HD and probably
> Lowe's. Now get an inline thermostat at HD and plug the light into
> it. Run an extension cord over from the bay with the outlet to
> supply the power. All done and a 52 watt light bulb will supply
> plenty of heat to below zero ambient tempratures.
>
> Bill D.
>
>
> At 01:41 PM 3/19/2013, you wrote:
> >Has anyone here added a heater to the wet bay on their coach? Mine
> >didn't come with one. I think I've read that they consisted of a snap
> >disc as a thermostat to control when they went on and off. I've also
> >read about heat strips/pads applied directly to the tanks (not sure if
> >just the fresh water tank or the holding tanks too). I think there is
> >also some sort of electric fan assisted heater to keep the plumbing from
> >freezing in the bay.
> >
> >I'm not sure it's cost efficient to try to duplicate exactly what Monaco
> >installed, but I do need something. I had success with installing a
> >small 110VAC space heater in the bay this past fall, when temps got down
> >to below freezing at night. I think I could maintain the bay area above
> >35 degrees even in sub zero temps with that little heater. I'm not sure
> >that maintaining the bay are temp would ensure the holding tanks won't
> >freeze, nor the water heater tank if not on. But I'm can't (won't) run
> >that while driving. Last January, I left home with a winterized coach
> >and didn't unwinterize (or is it dewinterize?) until 2 days later, in
> >Phoenix, because I was concerned about freezing while driving. I don't
> >(haven't needed to) run the furnace while driving. Especially if it's
> >warm when I depart, and there is any sun out, the dash heat and solar
> >gain are sufficient to keep me warm while driving. But, the wet bay get
> >cold - below freezing while driving since there is no supplemental heat.
> >
I checked the Parts List, and it shows the snap disk, and two Bay
> >Heaters, the original Monaco 3000RV Cargo Bay Heater (which I've read is
> >now out of business) and a Family Safety Products link to a Back Seat
> >Heater Plus 12 Volt. I can find that heater. But I find no mention of
> >the heat pads/strips that apply directly to the tank. I know there are
> >generic heat strips, but I don't know how hot they get. I don't want to
> >melt my tanks! Also, I'm not sure of their availability in 12 VDC.
> >
> >Any recommendations or guidance from the group would be wonderful.
> >
> >Along these lines, does anyone know if there is a vent for the furnace
> >(no AquaHot) into the bay for when parked and furnace is running? I
> >know I can use a 110 VAC space heater there, but wondered if Monaco made
> >any provisions for heating the bay other than relying on the 12 Volt
> >heater and pads?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >
> >
-Rick N.
> >1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >------------------------------------
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

[Yahoo_Upload]

I have often wondered what keeps my service bay from freezing when I drive
in very cold (10-30 degree) weather. Don't know, but it has never
happened. My 07 Dynasty has a service bay heater connected to my aqua hot
system, but I am pretty sure it does not operate while driving (but maybe
it does?) I do have the option of using engine heat to heat my aqua hot
fluid which I can then use to heat the cabin if needed while driving. I
have done this a few times, and I suppose this would also heat the service
bay while driving. The heater in the service bay is set to come on at
about 45 degrees. I do not run the diesel furnace while driving, even in
very cold weather.

When I overnight in very cold weather I put a space heater with a
thermostat on the driver side of my service bay. I need this because the
aqua hot heater is on the other side, and does not keep the driver side
warm enough.

I would not be concerned with freezing your water tanks while driving.
Water motion as you drive and heat capacity of water in tanks will not
allow this. Concern should be in freezing any water lines in your system.

Phil 07 Dynasty


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Phil,

Thank you for your on point response. I don't have the aqua hot. I
also have not used my (propane) forced air furnace while driving.

Of course I use the furnace when I reach my destination, especially if I
am dry camping. It is ridiculous to run the inverter to power a 120
Volt electric heater! When I'm connected to shore power, I do put a
small electric heater in the bay. Remote thermometer shows it never
drops below 45. I suspect the snap disk might be better than the cheap
electric space heater's thermostat, but this works for now.

I would like to hear from someone regarding how they keep the area warm
when dry camping at night, if they don't have the heated bay option. I
suppose some might put a light bulb in there, and run it off the
batteries (via the inverter). I was hoping that there might be some
heat from the forced air furnace, but I don't see any. My furnace is
under the cooktop in the kitchen, quite a ways from the wet bay. I
don't think it is close enough to provide heat without a forced air vent.

I tend to agree that the holding tanks won't likely freeze while in
motion, as long as they are not right at freezing from the night
before. You are correct that the plumbing is most likely to freeze.

I'm guessing there are not many members here who have water in their
coach in sub zero weather, whether actually living in them, or simply
ready for departure or return from a trip. I have winterized 3 times
this winter already, and still have 2 more months before I can feel safe
about not winterizing without heat.

Maybe I'll look into adding a branch off the forced air vent going to
the bedroom, and dump it into the bay, for nights when I'm dry camping.
I agree that 30 Amps to heat the area off batteries is too much. But 30
amps while driving down the road shouldn't be. Should it?
-Rick N.
1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins

On 3/20/2013 12:21 PM, Phil Schoner wrote:
>
> I have often wondered what keeps my service bay from freezing when I drive
> in very cold (10-30 degree) weather. Don't know, but it has never
> happened. My 07 Dynasty has a service bay heater connected to my aqua hot
> system, but I am pretty sure it does not operate while driving (but maybe
> it does?) I do have the option of using engine heat to heat my aqua hot
> fluid which I can then use to heat the cabin if needed while driving. I
> have done this a few times, and I suppose this would also heat the service
> bay while driving. The heater in the service bay is set to come on at
> about 45 degrees. I do not run the diesel furnace while driving, even in
> very cold weather.
>
> When I overnight in very cold weather I put a space heater with a
> thermostat on the driver side of my service bay. I need this because the
> aqua hot heater is on the other side, and does not keep the driver side
> warm enough.
>
> I would not be concerned with freezing your water tanks while driving.
> Water motion as you drive and heat capacity of water in tanks will not
> allow this. Concern should be in freezing any water lines in your system.
>
> Phil 07 Dynasty
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Ken,

That is the one I am considering. I'm just not sure if that alone,
without the heating pads/tape on the tanks will be enough. I departed
(still winterized) at 5 degrees Below Zero on my last trip. That is
more severe than the an occasional dip below 32 degrees which some
solutions are designed.
-Rick N.
1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins

On 3/19/2013 4:26 PM, N2JJV@... wrote:
>
> I used a unit from outfit called 4-wheel drive --- it called a back set
> heater it 12 volt and works good -- they use them in jeeps as a back set
> heater --- Ken and Mary King 02 Windsor /crv and jeep
>
>
> In a message dated 3/19/2013 5:45:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> testx@... writes:
>
> If you have a "Tractor Supply" store close by, they usually have that
> ThermoCube device in-stock.
>
> Ron R.
> 2007 Diplomat LE 40PDQ
>
> --- In _Monacoers@yahoogroups.com
> _
> (mailto:Monacoers@yahoogroups.com ) ,
> "stuplich@..." wrote:
> >
> > Rick
> > I use an electric ceramic 120vac heater behind the water bay, (set @
> low
> heat, 750 watts).
> > It is plugged into one of these:
> >
> _http://www.smarthome.com/7143/Thermo-Cube-TC-3-On-at-35-Degrees-Off-at-45-Degrees/p.aspx_
>
> (http://www.smarthome.com/7143/Thermo-Cube-TC-3-On-at-35-Degrees-Off-at-45-Degrees/p.aspx)
>
> > There is a snap disc in the Thermo Cube TC-3 that turns the heater
> ON at
> 35 Deg. F and OFF at 45 Deg. F, (it can control handle up to 1800 watts).
> > I have no 12V heaters, (but the Thermo Cube can also be used to control
> 12V heaters).
> > I use that 120VAC heater only when on shore or genset power.
> >
> > When os temps are below freezing I monitor the temperature near the
> tanks and wet bay with a remote thermometer.
> > The LP furnace, which I sometimes operate while driving, has never
> failed to keep things from freezing, but I have never camped in temps
> colder
> than 15 deg F.
> > I winterize the water and sewer systems if it will be colder than that.
> > Mel S
> > '96 Safari
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Yahoo_Upload]

Mel,
Thanks for the response. I'm doing much the same as you, when connected
to shore power. I am using the space heater's internal thermostat to
control it, while monitoring remotely the temp. That works fine when I
have shore power. I'm looking for a solution when I don't.

Do you know how your LP Furnace is heating the bay - is there a
dedicated forced air vent? Or, is it just in close proximity, to the
bay? I really would like to know if there are differences in the LP
heater configuration with the "heated bay" option. If I knew that the
LP Furnace was intended to heat the bay (some coaches are this way),
then I would consider driving with the furnace running. I haven't need
it as long as the interior was warmed up prior to departure, the dash
heat (and solar gain through the windows) was adequate.

Also, I'm pretty sure that Monaco didn't design the coach to have to run
the 12 Volt space heater (or a 110 Volt version) off batteries when dry
camping. If they don't pipe heat from the furnace into the bay, what
provisions did they make for keeping things from freezing?? Or, are
these really just "fair weather" coaches, with dual pane windows for
summer heat, not winter cold?

I'm not being critical, just trying to understand what systems there
were, how they worked, and what others may have done if they didn't have
the heated bay option, when driving or when dry camping. Of course I
realize I could store it in an environmentally controlled building and
not worry, but I wouldn't get to visit much that way. Or, I could take
off for fairer weather (snowbird), but that is not an option right now;
I own a home here in Colorado and don't have intentions on selling it
anytime soon.
-Rick N.
1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins

On 3/19/2013 3:01 PM, stuplich@... wrote:
>
> Rick
> I use an electric ceramic 120vac heater behind the water bay, (set @
> low heat, 750 watts).
> It is plugged into one of these:
> http://www.smarthome.com/7143/Thermo-Cube-TC-3-On-at-35-Degrees-Off-at-45-Degrees/p.aspx
> There is a snap disc in the Thermo Cube TC-3 that turns the heater ON
> at 35 Deg. F and OFF at 45 Deg. F, (it can control handle up to 1800
> watts).
> I have no 12V heaters, (but the Thermo Cube can also be used to
> control 12V heaters).
> I use that 120VAC heater only when on shore or genset power.
>
> When os temps are below freezing I monitor the temperature near the
> tanks and wet bay with a remote thermometer.
> The LP furnace, which I sometimes operate while driving, has never
> failed to keep things from freezing, but I have never camped in temps
> colder than 15 deg F.
> I winterize the water and sewer systems if it will be colder than that.
> Mel S
> '96 Safari
>
> --- In Monacoers@yahoogroups.com ,
> Rick Nelson wrote:
> >
> > Has anyone here added a heater to the wet bay on their coach? Mine
> > didn't come with one. I think I've read that they consisted of a
> snap disc as a thermostat to control when they went on and off. I've
> also read about heat strips/pads applied directly to the tanks (not
> sure if just the fresh water tank or the holding tanks too). I think
> there is also some sort of electric fan assisted heater to keep the
> plumbing from freezing in the bay.
> >
> > I'm not sure it's cost efficient to try to duplicate exactly what
> Monaco installed, but I do need something. I had success with
> installing a small 110VAC space heater in the bay this past fall, when
> temps got down to below freezing at night. I think I could maintain
> the bay area above 35 degrees even in sub zero temps with that little
> heater. I'm not sure that maintaining the bay are temp would ensure
> the holding tanks won't
> freeze, nor the water heater tank if not on. But I'm can't (won't) run
> that while driving. Last January, I left home with a winterized coach
> and didn't unwinterize (or is it dewinterize?) until 2 days later, in
> Phoenix, because I was concerned about freezing while driving. I don't
> (haven't needed to) run the furnace while driving. Especially if it's
> warm when I depart, and there is any sun out, the dash heat and solar
> gain are sufficient to keep me warm while driving. But, the wet bay
> get cold - below freezing while driving since there is no supplemental
> heat.
> > I checked the Parts List, and it shows the snap disk, and two Bay
> > Heaters, the original Monaco 3000RV Cargo Bay Heater (which I've
> read is now out of business) and a Family Safety Products link to a
> Back Seat
> > Heater Plus 12 Volt. I can find that heater. But I find no mention
> of the heat pads/strips that apply directly to the tank. I know there
> are generic heat strips, but I don't know how hot they get. I don't
> want to melt my tanks! Also, I'm not sure of their availability in 12 VDC.
> >
> > Any recommendations or guidance from the group would be wonderful.
> >
> > Along these lines, does anyone know if there is a vent for the
> furnace (no AquaHot) into the bay for when parked and furnace is
> running? I know I can use a 110 VAC space heater there, but wondered
> if Monaco made any provisions for heating the bay other than relying
> on the 12 Volt heater and pads?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > -Rick N.
> > 1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins
> >
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Yahoo_Upload]

Rick

MCC always told us at the Come Home Rallies that if we used the
furnaces to keep us warm in the main part of the coach that the
plumbing in the bays should be OK down go about 20F outside temp.

I really don't know if there were furnace outlets onto the bays. I've
never seen any. I think the main cabin heat radiates to the bays. Windy
conditions could change that recommendation.

Fred W

On March 20, 2013 4:55:53 PM Rick Nelson <waterskier_1@...> wrote:
> Mel,
> Thanks for the response. I'm doing much the same as you, when connected
> to shore power. I am using the space heater's internal thermostat to
> control it, while monitoring remotely the temp. That works fine when I
> have shore power. I'm looking for a solution when I don't.
>
> Do you know how your LP Furnace is heating the bay - is there a
> dedicated forced air vent? Or, is it just in close proximity, to the
> bay? I really would like to know if there are differences in the LP
> heater configuration with the "heated bay" option. If I knew that the
> LP Furnace was intended to heat the bay (some coaches are this way),
> then I would consider driving with the furnace running. I haven't need
> it as long as the interior was warmed up prior to departure, the dash
> heat (and solar gain through the windows) was adequate.
>
> Also, I'm pretty sure that Monaco didn't design the coach to have to run
> the 12 Volt space heater (or a 110 Volt version) off batteries when dry
> camping. If they don't pipe heat from the furnace into the bay, what
> provisions did they make for keeping things from freezing?? Or, are
> these really just "fair weather" coaches, with dual pane windows for
> summer heat, not winter cold?
>
> I'm not being critical, just trying to understand what systems there
> were, how they worked, and what others may have done if they didn't have
> the heated bay option, when driving or when dry camping. Of course I
> realize I could store it in an environmentally controlled building and
> not worry, but I wouldn't get to visit much that way. Or, I could take
> off for fairer weather (snowbird), but that is not an option right now;
> I own a home here in Colorado and don't have intentions on selling it
> anytime soon.
>
>
-Rick N.
> 1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins
> On 3/19/2013 3:01 PM, stuplich@... wrote:
> >
> > Rick
> > I use an electric ceramic 120vac heater behind the water bay, (set @
> > low heat, 750 watts).
> > It is plugged into one of these:
> >
> http://www.smarthome.com/7143/Thermo-Cube-TC-3-On-at-35-Degrees-Off-at-45-Degrees/p.aspx
> > There is a snap disc in the Thermo Cube TC-3 that turns the heater ON
> > at 35 Deg. F and OFF at 45 Deg. F, (it can control handle up to 1800
> > watts).
> > I have no 12V heaters, (but the Thermo Cube can also be used to
> > control 12V heaters).
> > I use that 120VAC heater only when on shore or genset power.
> >
> > When os temps are below freezing I monitor the temperature near the
> > tanks and wet bay with a remote thermometer.
> > The LP furnace, which I sometimes operate while driving, has never
> > failed to keep things from freezing, but I have never camped in temps
> > colder than 15 deg F.
> > I winterize the water and sewer systems if it will be colder than that.
> > Mel S
> > '96 Safari
> >
> > --- In Monacoers@yahoogroups.com ,
> > Rick Nelson wrote:
> > >
> > > Has anyone here added a heater to the wet bay on their coach? Mine
> > > didn't come with one. I think I've read that they consisted of a
> > snap disc as a thermostat to control when they went on and off. I've
> > also read about heat strips/pads applied directly to the tanks (not
> > sure if just the fresh water tank or the holding tanks too). I think
> > there is also some sort of electric fan assisted heater to keep the
> > plumbing from freezing in the bay.
> > >
> > > I'm not sure it's cost efficient to try to duplicate exactly what
> > Monaco installed, but I do need something. I had success with
> > installing a small 110VAC space heater in the bay this past fall, when
> > temps got down to below freezing at night. I think I could maintain
> > the bay area above 35 degrees even in sub zero temps with that little
> > heater. I'm not sure that maintaining the bay are temp would ensure
> > the holding tanks won't
> > freeze, nor the water heater tank if not on. But I'm can't (won't) run
> > that while driving. Last January, I left home with a winterized coach
> > and didn't unwinterize (or is it dewinterize?) until 2 days later, in
> > Phoenix, because I was concerned about freezing while driving. I don't
> > (haven't needed to) run the furnace while driving. Especially if it's
> > warm when I depart, and there is any sun out, the dash heat and solar
> > gain are sufficient to keep me warm while driving. But, the wet bay
> > get cold - below freezing while driving since there is no supplemental
> > heat.
> > > I checked the Parts List, and it shows the snap disk, and two Bay
> > > Heaters, the original Monaco 3000RV Cargo Bay Heater (which I've
> > read is now out of business) and a Family Safety Products link to a
> > Back Seat
> > > Heater Plus 12 Volt. I can find that heater. But I find no mention
> > of the heat pads/strips that apply directly to the tank. I know there
> > are generic heat strips, but I don't know how hot they get. I don't
> > want to melt my tanks! Also, I'm not sure of their availability in 12 VDC.
> > >
> > > Any recommendations or guidance from the group would be wonderful.
> > >
> > > Along these lines, does anyone know if there is a vent for the
> > furnace (no AquaHot) into the bay for when parked and furnace is
> > running? I know I can use a 110 VAC space heater there, but wondered
> > if Monaco made any provisions for heating the bay other than relying
> > on the 12 Volt heater and pads?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > >
> > > -Rick N.
> > > 1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

[Yahoo_Upload]

Our 02 Dynasty definitely had a heater outlet from the LP heater in the
tank bay.

Turn on your heater, open the access to the bay and hunt around for warm
air blowing out.

Les Stallings

On Mar 20, 2013 4:38 PM, "Fred White" <FLW300@...> wrote:

> **
>
>
> Rick
>
> MCC always told us at the Come Home Rallies that if we used the
> furnaces to keep us warm in the main part of the coach that the
> plumbing in the bays should be OK down go about 20F outside temp.
>
> I really don't know if there were furnace outlets onto the bays. I've
> never seen any. I think the main cabin heat radiates to the bays. Windy
> conditions could change that recommendation.
>
> Fred W
>
> On March 20, 2013 4:55:53 PM Rick Nelson <waterskier_1@...> wrote:
> > Mel,
> > Thanks for the response. I'm doing much the same as you, when connected
> > to shore power. I am using the space heater's internal thermostat to
> > control it, while monitoring remotely the temp. That works fine when I
> > have shore power. I'm looking for a solution when I don't.
> >
> > Do you know how your LP Furnace is heating the bay - is there a
> > dedicated forced air vent? Or, is it just in close proximity, to the
> > bay? I really would like to know if there are differences in the LP
> > heater configuration with the "heated bay" option. If I knew that the
> > LP Furnace was intended to heat the bay (some coaches are this way),
> > then I would consider driving with the furnace running. I haven't need
> > it as long as the interior was warmed up prior to departure, the dash
> > heat (and solar gain through the windows) was adequate.
> >
> > Also, I'm pretty sure that Monaco didn't design the coach to have to run
> > the 12 Volt space heater (or a 110 Volt version) off batteries when dry
> > camping. If they don't pipe heat from the furnace into the bay, what
> > provisions did they make for keeping things from freezing?? Or, are
> > these really just "fair weather" coaches, with dual pane windows for
> > summer heat, not winter cold?
> >
> > I'm not being critical, just trying to understand what systems there
> > were, how they worked, and what others may have done if they didn't have
> > the heated bay option, when driving or when dry camping. Of course I
> > realize I could store it in an environmentally controlled building and
> > not worry, but I wouldn't get to visit much that way. Or, I could take
> > off for fairer weather (snowbird), but that is not an option right now;
> > I own a home here in Colorado and don't have intentions on selling it
> > anytime soon.
> >
> > -Rick N.
> > 1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins
> > On 3/19/2013 3:01 PM, stuplich@... wrote:
> > >
> > > Rick
> > > I use an electric ceramic 120vac heater behind the water bay, (set @
> > > low heat, 750 watts).
> > > It is plugged into one of these:
> > >
> >
> http://www.smarthome.com/7143/Thermo-Cube-TC-3-On-at-35-Degrees-Off-at-45-Degrees/p.aspx
> > > There is a snap disc in the Thermo Cube TC-3 that turns the heater ON
> > > at 35 Deg. F and OFF at 45 Deg. F, (it can control handle up to 1800
> > > watts).
> > > I have no 12V heaters, (but the Thermo Cube can also be used to
> > > control 12V heaters).
> > > I use that 120VAC heater only when on shore or genset power.
> > >
> > > When os temps are below freezing I monitor the temperature near the
> > > tanks and wet bay with a remote thermometer.
> > > The LP furnace, which I sometimes operate while driving, has never
> > > failed to keep things from freezing, but I have never camped in temps
> > > colder than 15 deg F.
> > > I winterize the water and sewer systems if it will be colder than that.
> > > Mel S
> > > '96 Safari
> > >
> > > --- In Monacoers@yahoogroups.com ,
> > > Rick Nelson wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Has anyone here added a heater to the wet bay on their coach? Mine
> > > > didn't come with one. I think I've read that they consisted of a
> > > snap disc as a thermostat to control when they went on and off. I've
> > > also read about heat strips/pads applied directly to the tanks (not
> > > sure if just the fresh water tank or the holding tanks too). I think
> > > there is also some sort of electric fan assisted heater to keep the
> > > plumbing from freezing in the bay.
> > > >
> > > > I'm not sure it's cost efficient to try to duplicate exactly what
> > > Monaco installed, but I do need something. I had success with
> > > installing a small 110VAC space heater in the bay this past fall, when
> > > temps got down to below freezing at night. I think I could maintain
> > > the bay area above 35 degrees even in sub zero temps with that little
> > > heater. I'm not sure that maintaining the bay are temp would ensure
> > > the holding tanks won't
> > > freeze, nor the water heater tank if not on. But I'm can't (won't) run
> > > that while driving. Last January, I left home with a winterized coach
> > > and didn't unwinterize (or is it dewinterize?) until 2 days later, in
> > > Phoenix, because I was concerned about freezing while driving. I don't
> > > (haven't needed to) run the furnace while driving. Especially if it's
> > > warm when I depart, and there is any sun out, the dash heat and solar
> > > gain are sufficient to keep me warm while driving. But, the wet bay
> > > get cold - below freezing while driving since there is no supplemental
> > > heat.
> > > > I checked the Parts List, and it shows the snap disk, and two Bay
> > > > Heaters, the original Monaco 3000RV Cargo Bay Heater (which I've
> > > read is now out of business) and a Family Safety Products link to a
> > > Back Seat
> > > > Heater Plus 12 Volt. I can find that heater. But I find no mention
> > > of the heat pads/strips that apply directly to the tank. I know there
> > > are generic heat strips, but I don't know how hot they get. I don't
> > > want to melt my tanks! Also, I'm not sure of their availability in 12
> VDC.
> > > >
> > > > Any recommendations or guidance from the group would be wonderful.
> > > >
> > > > Along these lines, does anyone know if there is a vent for the
> > > furnace (no AquaHot) into the bay for when parked and furnace is
> > > running? I know I can use a 110 VAC space heater there, but wondered
> > > if Monaco made any provisions for heating the bay other than relying
> > > on the 12 Volt heater and pads?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > >
> > > > -Rick N.
> > > > 1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Yahoo_Upload]

Rick,

A few points.

A, the furnace works fine running down the
road. You are correct, running space heaters off
the inverter doesn't make sense.

The furnace is already ducted to the wet bay.

You can easily run the furnace off the batteries
at night when dry camping. When you come off the
road they should be charged and then if you run
the generator set during the evening for dinner
and a little TV then the batteries should be
sufficiently changed to run the furnace over
night. I have done it several times.

The Monaco position is that if you keep the coach
comfortable for living, 68-72?, the plumbing is
safe. That was their position in the ninety's.

Bill D. 94 Dynasty with furnace.

At 04:31 PM 3/20/2013, you wrote:

>Phil,
>
>Thank you for your on point response. I don't have the aqua hot. I
>also have not used my (propane) forced air furnace while driving.
>
>Of course I use the furnace when I reach my destination, especially if I
>am dry camping. It is ridiculous to run the inverter to power a 120
>Volt electric heater! When I'm connected to shore power, I do put a
>small electric heater in the bay. Remote thermometer shows it never
>drops below 45. I suspect the snap disk might be better than the cheap
>electric space heater's thermostat, but this works for now.
>
>I would like to hear from someone regarding how they keep the area warm
>when dry camping at night, if they don't have the heated bay option. I
>suppose some might put a light bulb in there, and run it off the
>batteries (via the inverter). I was hoping that there might be some
>heat from the forced air furnace, but I don't see any. My furnace is
>under the cooktop in the kitchen, quite a ways from the wet bay. I
>don't think it is close enough to provide heat without a forced air vent.
>
>I tend to agree that the holding tanks won't likely freeze while in
>motion, as long as they are not right at freezing from the night
>before. You are correct that the plumbing is most likely to freeze.
>
>I'm guessing there are not many members here who have water in their
>coach in sub zero weather, whether actually living in them, or simply
>ready for departure or return from a trip. I have winterized 3 times
>this winter already, and still have 2 more months before I can feel safe
>about not winterizing without heat.
>
>Maybe I'll look into adding a branch off the forced air vent going to
>the bedroom, and dump it into the bay, for nights when I'm dry camping.
>I agree that 30 Amps to heat the area off batteries is too much. But 30
>amps while driving down the road shouldn't be. Should it?
>
>
-Rick N.
>1997 32-ft Dynasty, 325 Cummins
>On 3/20/2013 12:21 PM, Phil Schoner wrote:
> >
> > I have often wondered what keeps my service bay from freezing when I drive
> > in very cold (10-30 degree) weather. Don't know, but it has never
> > happened. My 07 Dynasty has a service bay heater connected to my aqua hot
> > system, but I am pretty sure it does not operate while driving (but maybe
> > it does?) I do have the option of using engine heat to heat my aqua hot
> > fluid which I can then use to heat the cabin if needed while driving. I
> > have done this a few times, and I suppose this would also heat the service
> > bay while driving. The heater in the service bay is set to come on at
> > about 45 degrees. I do not run the diesel furnace while driving, even in
> > very cold weather.
> >
> > When I overnight in very cold weather I put a space heater with a
> > thermostat on the driver side of my service bay. I need this because the
> > aqua hot heater is on the other side, and does not keep the driver side
> > warm enough.
> >
> > I would not be concerned with freezing your water tanks while driving.
> > Water motion as you drive and heat capacity of water in tanks will not
> > allow this. Concern should be in freezing any water lines in your system.
> >
> > Phil 07 Dynasty
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>