ksd
Medina, MN
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Joined: 10/22/2003
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We are shopping for a new TT. We've looked at dozens of them. The one at the top of our list right now seems to be missing one thing that the others all have -- an enclosed and heated underbelly. Is this a big deal? Yes, we live in a cold climate (Minnesota), but we certainly don't plan on camping in subfreezing temps. Our TT will strictly be for summer use. The freshwater tank is actually inside the TT (under the queen bed), so even an unexpected freeze wouldn't impact our water supply.
So should we care that it doesn't have an enclosed and heated underbelly?
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dbbls
Missouri
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Joined: 09/29/2005
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If you are sure you will "never" camp when it is below freezing than an enclosed underbelly is not necessary. Remember, "never" is a long time.
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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Others will disagree but having owned both un-enclosed and now enclosed I really don't think enclosed is a huge deal.
You said that you will not be using your trailer in the winter anyway. Some claim that enclosed tows better or gets better mileage..maybe but the difference is very slight if any.
I actually liked the fact that I could easily get to gas lines, plumbing, ect. easily with our unenclosed unit.
A floor plan that works for you is much more important than the belly.
Good luck with your choice.
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pdvandusen
Snow Hill, NC USA
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The enclosed underbelly will, also, make the airflow under the TT smoother. In other words, less drag and better fuel millage. You have to decide if it's worth it.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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no, but as was said, never is a long long time.
bumpy
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explorer72
Corona, CA
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Joined: 11/07/2007
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I have an enclosed underbelly and though I like the cleanness of it, I'm not looking forward to the time I have to rip it out to access something underneath the trailer. From people I've spoke too (including service techs) enclosed underbellies are sometimes more of a pain in the rear than the value they might add.
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jplunkett
Virginia
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I have an enclosed underside and have mixed feelings about it. Living in the Mid-Atlantic, we do use ours year round and at times in freezing weather, but nothing too cold or for too long. So I will get use out of it and the tank heaters in the winter. I doubt that the air flow difference is adding to the MPG, and I do worry about how I'd handle tasks like tank valve servicing.
safe travels,
John & Elizabeth Plunkett
Louisa, Virginia
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tatest
Oklahoma
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Since this has become a popular checkoff item for buyers, there are a whole lot of TTs with "enclosed underbellies" that have nothing more than a piece of plastic fabric, or sheet of corrugated plastic, stretched across the frame a few inches below the floor. These spaces are usually not heated (except by what leaks through the floor) and the RV is not necessarily more winter ready than one with a better insulated floor and no "enclosure."
Actual double floors, enclosing heated insulated basements, are very rare, and tend to add a large increment of cost. Something you see in less than a half dozen TT brands, and rare even on large 5ers until you get into the $30K and up price range. If the TT has a "enclosed underbelly" that something less than than an insulated heated basement, and you don't plan on winter camping, you don't need to spend for an enclosure that isn't really what the manufacturer wants you to think it is.
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saltbayou
hammond,la.
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I agree with downtheroad,the most important thing is the floor plan. Buy what works for you and you'll have no regrets.
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Ductape
On the Road
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Only you can decide the value of any particular feature to you.
As for us, we like to dry camp spring and late fall at high elevations. Freezing weather is not unusual. So it's a big plus for us.
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