[SoCalAngler]

I have these labels on the side of my trailer near the front entrance. What does the one that states, "Arctic Barrier" mean? Does it mean I can camp in the Artic Areas in comfort?

My rig:
2011 Keystone Outback 250RS - Anniversary Edition

Thanks!

 

[thefulminator]

I'm no expert but from what I have picked up from others, it's a marketing thing to make owners believe that their trailers can handle temperatures below freezing. The underbelly isn't insulated well enough to keep the tanks and water lines from freezing even with the heat ducts running down there so it isn't worth much.

 

[Tourdfox]

That decal put on there to make you believe it's a 4 season trailer. Absolutely false .

 

[Floridabaked57]

The corrugated plastic sheeting covering the underbelly is the same material used for political signage, if that tells you anything! I’m sure it helps in some climates but I wouldn’t take my rig into a deep freeze environment. Here in Florida it sometimes gets down to 35* or so for a few hours overnight but have never had a problem with tanks or water flow.

 

[jagiguere1]

I have a 2021 Keystone Outback with the "Artic Barrier" installed. So far I have not been able to get my dealer or Keystone to define what this is. I guess they want you to live and learn and charge you for the repair when things freeze up.

As for now I am going to run the outside shower water, hot and cold, very low and have it drain to the ground to prevent freezing. Good thing my tankless hot water system has a flow switch so it will not kick on at this low flow.

Any other tips out there?

 

[jagiguere1]

I finally contacted Keystone customer service. My system has a sealed and insulated underbelly that the propane heat ducts are in, which in turn heats, semi, the underfloor. When I asked the question "what temperature do I have to start making special tasks to protect the system" they responded water freezes at 32 degrees F, period. They also said it is not a bad idea to insulate the interior water lines with foam wrapping, pool noodles.

I asked about running the outdoor shower at a low rate and they had no comment on doing that.

So the Artic Barrier helps but you are on your own to protect your system.

I am going to make sure I have an infrared thermometer so I can check temps if I think they are getting low.

My tankless water heater Girard says it is ready for winter weather. I emailed them for further information and still waiting for details. This implies that I need to keep 12 volts on the system. So if the solar system is low then I need to plug it in to 110v so the power supply can keep 12v going.

 

[SoCalAngler]

How can one insulate the interior water lines? On most models, only small sections of the plastic lines are accessible; typically behind/under cabinets are the only areas. IMO, this would not do much to keep from freezing. I think if you keep the interior heated, through the colder temps, it should keep the lines/water from freezing.

 

[No-Ties]

I have a 240URS with the Arctic Barrier. I have camped in below freezing weather, overnight, enough to know when it helps and when not to around 27 degrees. I have no issues as long as I keep the inside temps around 64+ degrees with furnace running. I run hot water, cold water also, on occasion as the hot water lines run next to the cold water lines which keep the cold water lines from freezing. The extended low drain lines, fresh water drain line and gray/black water drain might freeze up on occasion but the inside water lines didn't. I boondock a lot. I also Remove the panel under the couch so hot air blows on the water pump to keep it from freezing. I have had the Fridge drain line freeze up but a hot soaked rag around the fridge drain and low water drains thaws them out pretty quick. I wouldn't camp with continuous freezing weather all day for days but overnight till noon is not much of a problem.