In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How can you tell if a camper is 4 seasons? We will describe the characteristics of a 4 seasons camper. We will also give you advice on how to make your camper ready for any weather.

How can you tell if a camper is 4 seasons?

The simplest way to tell if a camper if 4 seasons is to check for the following attributes:

Insulated, enclosed and heated underbelly;
Higher-insulation for the roof and the room floors;
One/two interior heaters and AC to keep you cosy and warm in winter, or cool in summer.

Usually, manufacturers specify whether their camper is 4 seasons or not.

What makes a 4 seasons camper?

If you are curious to know what makes a 4 seasons camper, here are some criteria that best describe one:

Flawless construction: To meet the 4 seasons requirements, the materials used for the construction of these trailers must meet very specific technical characteristics: in particular high resistance and perfect rigidity. But that is not enough when you want to use your motorhome in winter. This is why manufacturers pay particular attention to the quality of assembly of the sandwich panels.

Foolproof insulation: For optimal comfort, high-performance insulation is essential! This is why manufacturers use Styrofoam for 4 season trailers. Styrofoam has recognized priorities of high sound and thermal insulation and lightness. Guaranteeing the quality of the insulation in your RV, the Styrofoam will provide you with lasting thermal insulation.

100% polyester as standard: Compared to an aluminum sheet surface, polyester contributes to better trailer insulation. This is why most 4 seasons trailers are 100% polyester: facades, roof and floor.

A double floor: 4 seasons trailer manufacturers have designed a double storage floor combining storage space and thermal insulation. In addition to its storage attractions, the architecture offers reinforced thermal insulation helping to maintain a gentle ambient temperature in the RV.

Well-insulated windows: Trailer windows are a point of vigilance with regard to heat loss. This is why 4 seasons trailers are fitted with double-glazed windows with polyurethane frames. It is also possible to opt for double glazing on the front cabin side windows (except driver’s door) to improve cabin insulation. So you can enjoy the landscapes and the heat!

TRUMA heating system: In most 4 season trailers, the Truma heating system is positioned in the kitchen area, i.e. in the central part of the vehicle, to ensure optimum performance and uniform radiation at the front and rear of the vehicle.

This positioning was determined following tests carried out jointly between TRAUMA and different RV manufacturers.

This functionality is controlled by the CP PLUS control panel with digital display and programming possibility, at the entrance of your vehicle.

ALDE central heating system: Arctic Comfort Plus (depending on models) In collaboration with the ALDE team, RV manufacturers have developed high-end central heating which has been successfully tested in Scandinavian countries.

Having become a benchmark on the market, this heater offers a uniform temperature in the living area and the cabin (A-class windshield, cabin-living area connection), with the possibility of adjusting the temperature in the room differently. It benefits from the Frost Control system.

The ALDE Comfort Plus Arctic central heating consists of a gas boiler and a heat exchanger.

The gas boiler heats a liquid (60% water / 40% glycol) in a network of pipes and convectors and creates a flow of hot air that rises along the outer walls. Partitions, furniture and the air are gradually heated, forming a barrier of hot air that insulates the windows. To guarantee optimal heating, this system has a maximum of 25 convectors, i.e. the equivalent of 18 meters of convector length.

The R value – an important sign that your camper is 4 seasons

The R-value indicates the heat insulating capacity of a layer of material and is often used as the insulation value of double glazing windows, walls, floors and roofs. This is the heat resistance of a layer of material expressed in m2K/W. The higher the R, the greater the resistance of thermal transmission and the more insulating the material.

The calculation of the R-value depends on the materials of the construction to be examined. The thickness of the material, expressed in meters, is divided by the value λ (the coefficient of thermal transmittance). The higher the value, the better the insulation, a double layer has, proportionally, double heat resistance.

The formula is as follows: R = e / λ including:

R = heat resistance in m2 K / W
e = material thickness in m.
λ = thermal transmission coefficient in W / mK

Example: An insulation material with a thickness of 9 cm (= 0.09 m) and a λ value of 0.024 gives an R-value of 3.75 m2K / W (0.09 / 0.024)

A huge advantage in terms of insulation is given by vehicles with double floors, a real plus for mountain enthusiasts. All the systems are inserted in the well-protected and heated double floor.

The heat shields for the driver’s cab are indispensable for all campers, available for both inside and outside. The internal ones are less protective and must be supplemented by a dashboard cover, but have the advantage of being protected from snow and rain.

Even better as insulation, the full external cover, able to ensure effective protection even for the engine. For the living unit, mats should be budgeted, often annoying in summer, but suitable for snow.

In addition, to help with the standard heating, if we are parked in a campsite that provides at least 2 kW of electricity, it is possible to bring an electric oil radiator with you. It has a low cost and is useful if the stove is inefficient, as well as to reduce gas consumption when we are not in the camper and still keep the interior warm enough.

Tips for four-seasons travel trailers

If you’re serious about travelling during all four seasons in your travel trailer, you will need to make sure you can keep an optimal temperature inside. This is the key to a successful trip no matter the weather outside! Here are our last tips:

To feel comfortable during the winter there is more than just installing a heater for your trailer.
While it sounds counterintuitive, ventilation is the key to a comfortable travel trailer.
Water vapor in the form of condensation can feel like it’s heating up your space, but don’t be fooled – it condenses on walls and windows and can cause major problems for the travel trailer’s integrity and your health.
Keep your living area well ventilated to ensure that stale, humid air is replaced by cool, dry air.
Other tips for avoiding condensation include drying laundry outdoors or in a laundromat and cooking with a slow cooker or fan oven, which is another great source of heat.
In summer, keep the doors, the windows and the skylights closed during the hottest hours, unless there is a light breeze or light wind that, although it will not help to cool the environment, it may make the heat more bearable.
Try to avoid prolonged cooking inside the travel trailer in the hottest hours of summer.
If you have a tarp that covers a large part of the travel trailer, feel free to use it as an awning. I
When you notice that it has already cooled something late at night, make sure you have constant ventilation inside the travel trailer for as long as possible, ideally throughout the night, paying attention to leaving all the mosquito nets in place.

Do you have any tips or concerns regarding 4 seasons campers? Let us know!

FAQ on How can you tell if a camper is 4 seasons?

How do you make a 4 season travel trailer?

To make a 4 season travel trailer, it is important to understand what fit for 4 seasons means in the camping world. A four-season trailer, thus, has better insulation to keep you warm on cold winter days and cool on hot summer days.

What is the best all-weather RV?

These are considered to be the best five all-weather RVs:

Keystone Raptor Fifth Wheel
Forest River Arctic Wolf.
Jayco Redhawk 26XD Motorhome.
Jayco 327CKTS Eagle Fifth Wheel.
Heartland LM Arlington

How hot is too hot for an RV?

Let’s say that 156°F would be too hot for an RV. It is thus important to think twice before driving in hot weather, as the RV tires will definitely be 30 t0 60 °F hotter than the ambient temperature.

What is a thermal package on an RV?

A thermal package on an RV usually means better motorhome insulation to protect you on cold winter days. A thermal package usually includes:

Insulated, enclosed and heated underbelly;
Higher-insulation for the roof and the room floors;
One/two interior fireplaces (on certain RV models) to keep you cosy and warm.

References

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How can you tell if a camper is 4 seasons?