Running a furnance when not level

cariboocreek · 09-09-2014, 06:50 AM

I have a 351 RSTS that is parked on the street in front of my house. We are in the middle of an early cold snap with overnight temps dipping into the -5 celsius range. Because of the slope of the road towards the curb the camper is not level and slopes significantly to the right hand side. I want to run the furnance overnight to keep things from freezing up. My question is can I run the furnace with my slides closed and with it not level? Fridge isnt being used no issues there.

I havent winterized yet because we are not done camping.

nbhybrid · 09-09-2014, 06:56 AM

Yes

nbhybrid · 09-09-2014, 06:58 AM

although the furnace will not likely keep up IMO. There are a lot of lines underneath the trailer that could freeze. I personally would blow the water out

Grumpy · 09-09-2014, 07:16 AM

That unit is fairly well insulated so you should be fine. We actually camped when the temps hit 13 F (-10 C) in a unit that did not have a thermal package and nothing froze.

cariboocreek · 09-09-2014, 07:27 AM

I should clarify that we do have the four season package with the heated underbelly. If I had to blow out the lines everytime the temperatures in Alberta went to -5c I would stop camping.

Camper_bob · 09-09-2014, 07:35 AM

Could you run an extension cord to a small space heater inside? That might help the furnace run less...? Just a thought.

Brownie · 09-09-2014, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Could you run an extension cord to a small space heater inside? That might help the furnace run less...? Just a thought.

That's what I do, as well. If you're plugged into shore power, you could just plug the space heater into one of the on-board AC outlets.

jal0710 · 09-09-2014, 08:23 AM

If you use a space heater and not the furnace, the lines under the trailer will not get any warmth and might very well freeze up. If you are worried about being less than level, why not put some leveling stuff under the lower tires and somewhat level it up couldn't you. I would suggest you plug it in to shore power as that kind of low temps will probably draw your batter down quite quickly running the furnace during the night.

Camper_bob · 09-09-2014, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jal0710

If you use a space heater and not the furnace, the lines under the trailer will not get any warmth and might very well freeze up. If you are worried about being less than level, why not put some leveling stuff under the lower tires and somewhat level it up couldn't you. I would suggest you plug it in to shore power as that kind of low temps will probably draw your batter down quite quickly running the furnace during the night.

Agreed. This is a better solution IMHO.

cariboocreek · 09-09-2014, 12:09 PM

Thanks for the replies. I can't level it because if I put the jacks down I will end up with a visit from the bylaw officers. I am ok for 72 hours if I stay hooked up. Even running power to it from the house is gonna get me in doo-doo.

Seann45 · 09-09-2014, 12:09 PM

The furnace does not care at all if it is level or not .. just the fridge does and you said you are not using that so ... dont worry be happy

Camper_bob · 09-09-2014, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cariboocreek

Thanks for the replies. I can't level it because if I put the jacks down I will end up with a visit from the bylaw officers. I am ok for 72 hours if I stay hooked up. Even running power to it from the house is gonna get me in doo-doo.

No need to put the jacks down, just pull the low side tires (hopefully the ones against the curb or not facing the street) up on a couple small pieces of wood. Hopefully you won't see them too well, and it's only a short-term solution. Do you have anywhere to hide the cord? I have a green one that I could hide a lot of places

But as was said, it doesn't sound like the furnace cares about level...?

3330 · 09-09-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cariboocreek

Thanks for the replies. I can't level it because if I put the jacks down I will end up with a visit from the bylaw officers. I am ok for 72 hours if I stay hooked up. Even running power to it from the house is gonna get me in doo-doo.

The dreaded "protective" covenants (or local law) that serve to limit our freedoms.

I live in the woods where things like this aren't restricted but a number of years ago the city of Friendswood Texas kicked us out of our buddy's driveway. He was really upset but we just moved on down to the park at Galveston and drove back up to visit.

We just aren't that free any longer......

Tex1961 · 09-09-2014, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cariboocreek

Thanks for the replies. I can't level it because if I put the jacks down I will end up with a visit from the bylaw officers. I am ok for 72 hours if I stay hooked up. Even running power to it from the house is gonna get me in doo-doo.

We have an HOA as well and the first week we had our TT we left it out front while I got it setup, etc... Anyway sure enough got a nice little "Reminder" card in the mail the next week...

I just threw it away.. First off in my location they have to send a notice out, if you don't do anything they send a nasty letter, after that a certified letter, then if you don't respond you get served..

However, It is a public street.. The HOA really doesn't have a legal leg to stand on... They would have to get the city involved...

Anyway, that is my situation, don't know if you have that much leeway, if so then just take the chance... Maybe call them and tell them your situation and you are aware of the bylaws and you will move it ASAP..

I have had to send them nasty letters back before.. They try to pop us for the stupidest things.. They once told me I had weeds when they were just Lillis that hadn't bloomed yet.. The little note card said something like "I case you didn't notice the RV parked in front of your house needs to be removed.. I cracked up at that and almost sent them another little note back saying. "NO, A 30 foot long, 8 foot wide and 9 foot tall box in front of my house was a little bit hard to not notice.. But I didn't... Should have though...

Grumpy · 09-09-2014, 03:34 PM

Most HOA's are run by members who are BUSY BODIES and have nothing better to do.

I refuse to live in any subdivision with one and the Ohio Supreme Court many years ago overruled local zoning by saying "it can be in my driveway even in front of the house" which is isn't.

CookieMonster · 09-12-2014, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Could you run an extension cord to a small space heater inside? That might help the furnace run less...? Just a thought.

Downside of running the space heater: Furnace runs less, pumping less warm air into the cold air spaces… more chance of freeze up with the space heater.

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