Hierarchy of hard sided campers that handle the snow/winter?

[B^2]

Another thing to keep in mind is your version of winter could be a lot different than mine. In lake tahoe it doesn't get the same kind of cold that it would get if I was still going up to Northern Vermont. Good thoughts none the less.

 

[The Bartender]

This has been serving us incredibly well. The elimination of propane, and switching to diesel for heat, and induction for stove has made it that much better. Furnace on low burns 1 liter every 10-12 hours

 

[Trail Talk]

Furnace on low burns 1 liter every 10-12 hours

I'd expect diesel to be better than gas but that is pretty thrifty for -30C. What is your furnace?

 

[rruff]

This has been serving us incredibly well.

Which model and year is the camper?

 

[gator70]

We have many TotalComposites camper owners that sold their mass produced “4 season” campers. Condensation that turns into mould, cold walls/floors, unusable water lines in cold temps are reasons for them to switch.
Key features to ask when selecting a cold weather camper:
- Thermal transfer free construction
- High R value insulation (do your research on insulation material)
- Double pane windows/ insulated doors
- Proper ventilation between seat cushion and bed mattress! You do not want to trap cold air that will then condensate in hidden spots
- Diesel heater . Skip the thermostat function and rather have it run 24/7 on high than low temp and on/off. This will kill your diesel heater in no time.
- All waterlines/tanks inside the heated space
- Forget pop up campers in cold temps. The condensation will drive you crazy
- Ask for proof of “thermal efficiency“ . Thermal images or talking to owners/users will Confirm the claims.

At the end it comes down to your budged, your travel needs, available truck and overall Personal preferences.

Good luck!

My new habit has 55mm composite walls and ceiling. I'm trying to understand the heat retention. The heater is a propane based Truma.

To the best of my knowledge is is a four seasons design with all water tanks and plumbing inside the composite container.

I have dual pane windows.

 

[The Bartender]

I'd expect diesel to be better than gas but that is pretty thrifty for -30C. What is your furnace?

generic CDH using AfterBurner as a controller.

 

[The Bartender]

Which model and year is the camper?

1989 8-4
The 8-4 are a bit of a unicorn

 

[rruff]

Do you know what it weighs? Has it been rebuilt?

I found a photo of one on a Tacoma...

 

[stever1000]

What about the Adventurer campers? Originally made in Canada and they moved manufacturing to Washington state... I've looked at a few and they appear well suited for the cold with heated basements. Not as high quality as Northern Lite or Bigfoot, but more affordable...

 

[JSKepler]

What about the Adventurer campers? Originally made in Canada and they moved manufacturing to Washington state... I've looked at a few and they appear well suited for the cold with heated basements. Not as high quality as Northern Lite or Bigfoot, but more affordable...

I like the Adventurer campers but they are too heavy for my old truck so I went with a Lance 825. Who knows, if I decide I love truck camping maybe I'll upgrade everything.

 

[rruff]

The smallest Adventurer is lighter than a Lance 825 according to spec 1714 vs 1795 lbs dry.

Adventurer 80RB — Adventurer

www.adventurercampers.com

 

[JSKepler]

The smallest Adventurer is lighter than a Lance 825 according to spec 1714 vs 1795 lbs dry.

Adventurer 80RB — Adventurer

www.adventurercampers.com

Traveling with wife we want an enclosed bathroom. The smallest Adventurer doesn't have that. The bathroom in the 825 is quite large.