Precept Insulation - RVing in colder weather

[BBJonbo]

Looking at possibly purchasing a Precept 31UL and have posted questions to local dealer as well as two emails to Jayco trying to determine whether there are future plans to increase the insulation factors in the Precept to handle colder weather.

The 5ers have the ThermaShield with extra foil wrapping, storm windows, heating belly/storage compartments and more insulation significantly increasing R-Values. The heat to the belly/storage to assist with protecting the water system and storm windows would be very desirable. Living up north in Alberta, Canada, we would prefer better insulation such as the ThermaShield.

I suspect due to weight Jayco may not be able to do this with the Precept. Looking for current owners to provide comments and feedback on real life experiences on extended season RVing in a Precept.

What was the lowest temperature you have camped in?
Any issues or concerns?
What would you personally recommend the lowest threshold to safely use the RV without concern of freezing water system?

Hopefully there are some positive experiences with current owners that will alleviate any of our concerns. We definitely like to start RVing early in the season and push it late and often find the shoulder seasons the most enjoyable times to RV.

Trying to get answers in a few areas to help make our final decision on either a new Jayco Eagle 5th or Precept MH.

Thanks in advance
Jonathan

[Bird Dawg]

We camped in our first motor home in single digit weather with 35 mile per winds and nothing bad happened. It was a Four Winds super C with single pane windows. The dealership did say to run the propane furnace so that it was comfortable enough to be in the RV with short sleeves on. I also put a 60 watt bulb in the compartment with water pump and fresh water tank. There were a couple of RV's that had problems but they were running cube/space heaters instead of the main furnace. We were camped at a dog show in Mass. over Thanksgiving and it was brutally cold. Would not be afraid to camp in cold weather with a few precautions, like having full propane tanks. At night we put the light on pump/fresh water tank and also opened the cabinet door under the kitchen sink and bathroom vanity to let the warm air in.

Fred

[Grumpy]

I doubt that our 08 SENECA is any better insulated than the new PRECEPT and we have been out in 17 degree weather without issues. With that said I did have 100 watt light bulb in the utility compartment and we use a PIRIT heated water hose if the park has heat tape on their taps, We heat the coach only using electric heaters and we do not have thermal windows. One last thing, do not leave the sewer hose out. Only use it when the tanks are full. This year I found a small 200 watt heater at WALMART to replace the light bulb, but did not run into any super cold weather.

[BBJonbo]

Thanks for the replies. Some great advice. Appreciate the sharing of your experiences.