If you’ve been shopping for an four-season RV, you’ve probably heard the term enclosed underbelly. Beyond the idea of an RV hiding its #DadBod, the exact image this conjures up for new buyers just may be … a bit vague. Yes, we know it’s supposed make the RV warmer. But what does it really mean when an RV has an enclosed underbelly? Also, does this guarantee that it’ll be great for winter camping?
Well, don’t sweat. We have some answers on what an enclosed underbelly can mean to each RV. And, even better, we’ll share some things you should look for, particularly if you are considering camping in colder climates.
What is an enclosed underbelly? (Asking for a friend.)
The way an RV is built might be a surprise for new buyers. (Or even ones.) It’s probably different than some people assume. If we’re talking about towable RVs, like fifth wheels and travel trailers, typically the chassis arrives at the RV manufacturer’s assembly line in bare form. From there, it is typically flipped over, and holding tanks, plumbing, and wiring are installed. Being upside down makes it easier for the team to put these items in. In some cases, the suspension and wheels are also put on at this point.
Once everything is in place, it had been traditional that the chassis was flipped over. And then the rest of the assembly process proceeds. But, as we’ve become better consumers and demanded more of our RVs, many RV makers go an extra step here.
In some cases, a climate barrier is put on under the tanks. Then a plastic material (that looks like plastic cardboard) finishes it all off. The space between the underside of the RV itself and the floor that you walk on is called the underbelly and basically occupies the space between the frame rails.
So, what’s included in an enclosed underbelly?
Once again, it’s important to know that RV companies each choose their own processes and systems. So, there isn’t an industry standard for what goes into an enclosed underbelly. Some RV companies take elaborate steps to keep the holding tanks from freezing. Others don’t. So, it’s natural for you to find yourself asking questions, and comparing brands and options. Which is better: arctic package or four-seasons package or … this other one?
Despite the fact that most RVs are made in Indiana (where temps can get well below freezing), there really isn’t a standard for winter-ready campers. While many RV companies will put a bragging sticker on their RVs that might be arctic package, polar package, or any other branding, that effectively has no actual meaning. (Speaking broadly, of course, across the industry.)
How can I find out what an RV model has?
If it’s important to you that your RV is protected from the weather, particularly the cold, then your best bet is to go to the RV manufacturer. (Especially versus a dealership.) Some of them will have a diagram of how their RVs are built. (Some even with cool specifics.) So, if you’re shopping for your next RV, check the RV manufacturer’s website. If they have a great cold-weather package, odds are that they will — wisely — brag about it. You might also reach out to the company itself. Som RV companies even still disseminate information via printed brochures, which you can request.
Of course, a well-informed RV dealership may also be able to provide accurate information. But, as with many things, even if you accept their word still verify the information they share with you. And the manufacturer is the best place to do that.
What features should I ask about?
Let’s start with the basics. It’s pretty standard that an all-weather camper will have a layer of insulation and what is called a radiant barrier. (This looks somewhat like a sheet of aluminum foil.) But some RV companies go beyond this.
In some cases, an RV manufacturer will install holding tank heating pads. These pads are typically operated by the 12-volt system in your RV and can provide some heat to the holding tanks. That way, the contents don’t freeze.
Many times these heating pads are temperature-activated, so that they only come on when the temps in an underbelly go below a certain point. That temperature is often around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (Or 5 degrees Celsius.) If your RV has this feature, you can often just leave the tank heaters turned on if there’s a chance of colder temperatures. The heating pads will activate as necessary.
Heating Pad Nuances
Almost always, there will be a switch someone on or near your other RV controls that activates and deactivates these heating pads. Many RVs state that the underbellies of these RVs are heated, and that’s a true statement when they make that claim. But know that this heat is provided by the furnace, so you have to be running that.
If your RV has this built in and if you’re comfortable inside the RV, the holding tanks are protected by the furnace. But many RVers choose to use electric space heaters instead of the furnace. That will mean that the enclosed underbelly isn’t benefitting from the furnace’s heat. While an RV’s furnace can certainly have a thirst for propane, this could be partially due to the fact that it’s doing extra duty heating the underbelly.
Are there downsides to an enclosed underbelly?
The climate barriers built into many RV’s underbellies can keep the living space of the RV more comfortable. They provide a climate barrier between the outside world and the interior of the RV. In fact, it’s pretty unusual that I look at any RV, and the holding tanks are exposed to the elements. (Interestingly, that wasn’t true even a few years ago.)
But one of the downsides to these enclosed underbellies is that, if there is an issue, someone has to crawl under the RV and lower the underbelly material. Often this is screwed right into the frame.
From there, you’ll have to battle the underbelly cover. Then the radiant barrier. And then the insulation. All that just to check for leaks or other issues should you suspect something’s awry.
If the repair technician is you, then you get to deal with this. Even if you’re paying someone, then you’re paying their hourly rate to deal with all this.
If you’re four-season camping, it’s the right decision.
Since there is no one standard for what an RV company does when enclosing the underside of their RVs, the more you know the better off you’ll be. While there are some disadvantages to having the underbelly enclosed, the advantages far outweigh those in most cases. Especially if you plan to be out in the elements. With an enclosed underbelly, your RV is typically more comfortable to be in. And your holding tanks are protected from the elements in some fashion.
Being aware of what the manufacturer of your RV has done matter. That includes which materials they’ve used. And whether or not the RV has holding tank heaters. And if the furnace is ducted into the space.
There are absolutely RVs that are very well-suited to cold weather camping, but not all are. Knowing the difference can keep you out of hot water — or perhaps make sure that the hot water flows in your RV.
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