Using Furnace to Shed Snow/Ice

[Cracker]

We're thinking about heading south and, at present, the AS has a foot or so of snow and ice on the roof. The weather here has just moderated (for a short period of time---) with daytime temperatures around the mid 30's. Not wanting to subject following traffic to ice flying off the roof as we drive south into warmer areas, I was wondering if firing up the furnace for a day or two before we leave would create any problems - i.e., leaks, condensation, etc. I'm particularly concerned about ice dams causing leakage into vents and the like. If I wait too long we'll be back into sub-zero temps and the "probable" heat loss may not be adequate to achieve de-icing. I normally don't remove the snow and ice from the AS during the winter so that's the reason for this question.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I would stop at a truck stop and wash it before getting on the Interstate..

Have a safe warm trip...

[DaveFL]

If I remember the roads and vehicle condition after traveling, I would wash after the trip ;-)

[Boondocker]

How about saving the fuel and using a broom to clear off the snow?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Rodney,

OUCH

Can't even use a nice soft boars-hair brush without scratching, ask me how I know.

I think nice warm water a little easier, especially up here in the cold.

[Cracker]

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

How about saving the fuel and using a broom to clear off the snow?

Note that I said "de-icing!" The snow here in Maine is seldom so powdery as to permit simply brushing it off - especially after being hit with a mix of rain, snow, and then a thaw. Further, as per Robert Cross, even the finest brush can damage and, that said, I limit the street broom to the poor old '95 pickup - our winter "beater!" As for truck stops with wash capabilities, by the time I traveled south in Maine to find one the AS roof would probably be clear.

Back to my original question about thawing out using the furnace???

[Lily&Me]

Having previously had our Interstate frozen in with snow and ice---here and in Missouri , our suggestions would be to try to get it melted off the roof before you hit the road, presumably with your funace. If you take it to a car wash, that could result in freezing your locks and perhaps doors.

You might consider investing in a cover, which will keep the snow and ice off your roof and out of crevices which will expand with the freezing.

[2airishuman]

hi cracker...

how much propane do you wanna use?

that unit (i think) has a butyl tape barrier between outer skin and ribs.

so it will not conduct heat as QUICKLY to the outer skin.

and IF the winds blowing that won't help either.

but IF you crank up the furnace and let her RUN it will melt stuff around the vents and fans...

and around the skylights and the windows and so on.

but once started, u really are committed to the process then GOING SOUTH.

because when it starts REfreezing, there will be water in all the tiny cracks/gaps/seams and so on...

i would just hook up and GO, it' not likely that some ice falling off the sides/top is gonna stop traffic.

or that u won't encounter snow again in a day or 2 and get MORE dumped topside.

put a sign on the back that warns of falling ice! and get out of dodge...

and don't forget to check TIRE AIR PRESSURES before hitting the road.


cheers
2air'

[Roadrunner]

I wouldn't be too concerned...we see more than ice and snow flying off the big rigs here in the mountains of PA...

Bob

[Cracker]

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

I wouldn't be too concerned...we see more than ice and snow flying off the big rigs here in the mountains of PA...

Bob

Yep - I've had sizeable sheets of ice shatter on the road ahead of me after flying off the roof of semi-trailers - and that's what bothers me. I've already taken a large cooler lid through the windshield of my TV that damn near took me out and I don't want to be responsible for causing an accident that hurts someone else. The "re-freeze" that 2Air mentioned is also a concern with respect to damaging the AS - since I doubt that I'll be able to reach warmer climes fast enough.

[ticki2]

I've used a SnowBrum to get the bulk of snow off then let the furnace do the rest. They work better if you pull like a rake rather than push . Use it on the truck all the time with no paint scratches. Try your local auto store. Good luck and have fun.

[16595]

Gentle furnace heat on an above-freezing day should be a gentle approach. Refreezing happens every night whether the furnace runs or not.

A gentle brush will reduce the amount of propane needed. The heat will transfer well enough on a warmish day.

Dwight

[NevadaGeo]

Your foot of ice and snow won't let a steel shovel near your Excella unless you worked at it.
Proud of ya for trying to eliminate the flying traffic hazard.