I’m interested in the Rapido 854F, however as it doesn’t have a double floor I was wondering if it is ok to use in winter?

[Alan Hunter]

I’m interested in a Rapido 854F, however as it doesn’t have a double floor I was wondering if it is ok to use in winter?
Grateful for any advice.
Alan

 

[Speve]

I don’t know if it’s the same but we had a Hymer Exsis i and that didn’t have double floor but the tanks were boxed with air from the blown air heating circulating around them we never had any problems with freezing even up in Sweden with frozen lakes and snow drifts it would be worth asking Rapido if they are heated.

 

[Phill D]

Do you want to use it in the UK in winter or the alps? That will make a big difference to your needs.

Many people use non double floored vans in the winter. As stated above protecting your water tanks and such is as important. As is the level and type of heating arrangement.

 

[rickwiggans]

We've used non-double floored vans when skiing. Generally 2 or 3 months off hook. You'll be fine. Regarding water, lots of folks don't bother filling tanks - just use portable containers. Not too much of an inconvenience, since mostly that's how you have to get water anyway - lots of taps are switched off or frozen, so in many places you need to be imaginative about where you get water. And you should leave the drain tap open and drain into a bucket for your waste, otherwise even if it doesn't freeze in the tank, there is a good possibility of freezing in the outlet pipe work, then you can't drain the tank anyway.

 

[Podney]

Our 786F doesn’t have double floor and we have used it happily in below freezing conditions in the uk,albeit fir short periods of 5/6 days.

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[Alan Hunter]

I don’t know if it’s the same but we had a Hymer Exsis i and that didn’t have double floor but the tanks were boxed with air from the blown air heating circulating around them we never had any problems with freezing even up in Sweden with frozen lakes and snow drifts it would be worth asking Rapido if they are heated.

 

[Alan Hunter]

Thanks all, we would want to use both in UK and Alps in the winter. I understand the waste tank is heated and cold tank is under the rear lounge seats next to blown air outlets. I understand it has category 3 insulation?

 

[David and Sally]

 

[deleted79651]

Thanks all, we would want to use both in UK and Alps in the winter. I understand the waste tank is heated and cold tank is under the rear lounge seats next to blown air outlets. I understand it has category 3 insulation?

You're running close to the 5 Free Posts limit, so get your subscription paid! My understanding is that you need to get your heating on early enough for the blown air to get to work before the 'Dump Valve' operates by emptying the fresh water to protect the system. Think this happens when the temperature falls to about 7 degrees.

Steve

 

[rickwiggans]

We had a heated waste tank in our Burstner. Never used it because as per my above post, the outlet pipe/valve tends to freeze, then you can't empty the tank. Drain into a bucket is what most folks do. If you are going to fill your fresh water tank, be very sure you have no cold spots where your pipework runs, and be aware that to prevent freezing, you'll need your heating on low most, if not all the 24 hours, when in the Alps. Also, on a separate subject, depending how high you intend to camp, be aware that you may have fridge issues if on gas. The our dometic manual says that gas failure above 1000 metres should not be considered a fault. it's related to the gas/air mixture. Our off hook camping were we ski is generally, 1000-1200 metres and our fridges have been fine. We've experienced failure at 1700 metres. We've been at at a lot of years now, and learn something every winter!

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[Reallyretired]

My rapido doesnt have a double floor but water tank is inside and waste tank is heated. Never had a problem using it in the cold.

 

[JockandRita]

Thanks all, we would want to use both in UK and Alps in the winter. I understand the waste tank is heated and cold tank is under the rear lounge seats next to blown air outlets. I understand it has category 3 insulation?

You'll be fine in that case. You'll need the heating on 24/7 when in the Alps, and as suggested, your waste tank valve open, draining to a bucket daily.
We had a single floor Hymer with Truma blown air heating, and the freshwater tank inside under the long settee. We have been fine at temperatures of minus 15 degrees C here in the UK. Friends with the same Hymer build quality have been fine at temperatures of minus 25 degrees C, when at European ski resorts.

HTH,

Jock.

 

[cyberyacht]

Carpet slippers and thick socks. You won't notice the cold floor.

 

[GMLS]

You will be fine. We've just ordered one as well for next April delivery. Its not a massive vehicle and the Truma heating will heat the space very quickly ('had the same system in a 8.5m van previously). The tanks are heated as and said above nice pair of socks and/or slippers and you'll be toasty. Enjoy the van when it arrives