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Old 05-11-2010, 11:06 AM   #1
stephano
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What is the Arctic insulation package?

What is the Arctic insulation package, or any marketed insulation package by Keystone. I tried to ask this question from a actual Keystone representative but strangely his answer was kinda vague and basically stated that there really isn't any difference except for the tank heaters. Anyone know for sure?
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Old 05-11-2010, 11:28 AM   #2
SLIMSHADIE
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Fully enclosed and heated
underbelly with heated tanks and
dump valves will extend your
camping season and give you a
smooth ride when towing.

Copied off the brochure on my glacier package.
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Old 05-11-2010, 11:57 AM   #3
stephano
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLIMSHADIE View Post
Fully enclosed and heated
underbelly with heated tanks and
dump valves will extend your
camping season and give you a
smooth ride when towing.

Copied off the brochure on my glacier package.
Thank you. The covered underbelly part makes sense but I'm not understanding where the dump valves would have anything to do with this and why the ride would be any smoother? Strange.
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Old 05-11-2010, 01:10 PM   #4
Festus2
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On our 2008 5th Cougar, the package you refer to is called the "Polar Package". This includes an enclosed underbelly and heated tanks. Not sure about the "heating" of the dump valves - I think they are merely enclosed by the 1/4 in Coroplast plastic covering.
You should note that the heating that takes place only occurs when your propane furnace is running. They are not heated in any other way. Having a portable 110v heater running won't keep your tanks or pipes in the belly from freezing.
In my opinion the amount of heat that reaches the tanks and keeps them "warm" is not great. If you have examined the enclosed underbelly, it is not that airtight as there are large spaces in several locations which would allow cold air to penetrate into the underbelly.
As I have stated before, I believe the Polar aka Glacier Package is more of a marketing gimmick to make it sound like these units will stand up to freezing temperatures. If you were camped out in temperatures well below freezing for any length of time and did not have your furnace running constantly, it wouldn't take too long before both your pipes and tanks would start to freeze. Your dump valves would also freeze up just as quickly.
I am also puzzled as to why anyone would expect a "smoother ride when towing" because of this package. Perhaps another clever marketing strategy by Keystone. Having this feature might extend your camping season slightly but it all depends what weather conditions you are camping in. I wouldn't trust the Polar Package if I were camped out in freezing cold temperatures for any length of time.
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Old 05-11-2010, 02:09 PM   #5
stephano
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Thanks for the reply and you've kinda reinforced what I was already thinking anyways but didn't have any factual information to go by other than the few trailers I've looked at and a short conversation with a Keystone representative. The only real advantage I can see to the 1/4" plastic underbelly cover is with aerodynamics, and maybe to hold any extra insulation in place which may have been added by the tanks.

Other than that, I was just wondering if there was any other "extra" insulation on the polar package trailers than on a trailer without the package, and the Keystone representative said no to that.
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Old 03-08-2011, 07:57 AM   #6
JMG1040
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Wink My two cents worth . . .

Quote:
Originally Posted by stephano View Post
Thank you. The covered underbelly part makes sense but I'm not understanding where the dump valves would have anything to do with this and why the ride would be any smoother? Strange.
The enclosed underbelly is a feature that allows air to pass under your trailer with less turbulence therefore a smother ride.

Having your dump valve located up in the covered underbelly will keep the fluid in the waste tanks from freeze around the valves.
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Old 05-11-2010, 02:39 PM   #7
Festus2
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As far as the tanks are concerned, I believe that they are not insulated but simply enclosed. On our previous 5th wheel, they were sprayed with insulation and also enclosed - a nice feature. I haven't had occasion to take off the plastic underbelly to examine the tanks to see if they are indeed insulated. Perhaps someone who has had to access the tanks can chime in and clarify whether or not the holding tanks are insulated with styrofoam of some sort - sprayed on most likely.
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Old 05-11-2010, 08:42 PM   #8
stephano
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So with all this said, someone can easily get the plastic underbelly cover for about $200, the tank heaters (if so desired) for about $120 per tank, throw in some insulation bats for minimal cash, and create their own polar package. I'm not sure I'd even care if my very expensive propane running heater was blowing ANY heat down there and this all only matters when you're parked and plugged in too which means any of us dry campers dont have the luxuries.
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Old 05-23-2010, 05:04 AM   #9
Steersall4
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festus got it xackly right !! IF the furnace is running other wise all one gains is aerodynamics towing !! BUT thats a plus in itself!! insulation in the space? absolutly NONE! IF it gets cold enough and there is liquid in holding tanks IT freezes. WE HAD 2 nites in the RIO GRAND VALLEY that temp got below freezing just this past winter. IT cracked a place in my grey water tank that leaked when a certian abount of water filled the tank. I had to take down the tront section of underpining and repair the crack so I have see all up inside mine. 04 285 Cougar
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Old 05-23-2010, 08:50 AM   #10
fiddlinrver
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Move away from the cold

Not trying to be naughty but as retired folks, we do our best to move on when the weather gets cold. Hubby says when he can't wear shorts, then it is time to travel.

We spend the winters in AZ but have a home. It does get to freezing at night for a short time even in the Phoenix area. We have seen temps at night in the 20s for several days in a row. We store our RV in AZ during winter now so will be sure it is prepped for cold.

We lived 3 winters in the Phoenix area with our Hitchhiker as home. That was during some very cold nights and had no problems. I do think it was a higher insulated RV and we used electric heat with propane furnace kicking in only when it got below 65° inside. We never had any freeze problems.

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Old 02-01-2011, 02:29 PM   #11
BScott
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Question Camping In the Cold

So, What is the best camper to use in cold weather?
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