A cold realization...

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Puahapa

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Joined
Jan 30, 2013
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13
Ok.  So I have been digging around on the forum and have come upon the key point that I think is going to stop my rv plans dead.  The winter. My plan is to get an rv and take it up to breckenridge, co during the winter so I can avoid steep hotel/bb/motel prices.  It would be used as a weekend vacationer.  Well I checked the temps for the last month and every night they are around mid twenties Fahrenheit.  Upon this realization I started digging into full timing and specifically winter camping and came up with some things:

  • Condensation from all the breath is now a factor
  • The thinness of a rv's walls aren't made for deep colds
  • it becomes necessary to take measures to keep the grey and black tanks from freezing (anti-freeze)
  • most winter campers don't run fresh water, they use water containers
  • even running the heater all night won't keep an rv warm and toasty
  • skirting can help keep some warmth in

Am I missing something else?

I understand that there are special companies like artic fox that make Rv's with winter in mind and that my intended use plays a factor.  Does intending to only stay at camps with hook ups change this equation at all?  By wanting a rv for winter I feel like I have now added another layer of complication to the equation and thus much more money.

What is y'alls take on it?

-k
 
I don't know how far from Brekenridge you are but Tiger Run always had RV's winterized when we there 20 years ago. I can tell you TR will probably not save you any money over renting, they are on the upper end of the price scale.
 
I think Jeff has pointed out the biggest hurdle for your wintering budget - the high cost of being in a very popular ski area with a relatively small amount of suitable RV parking. It's one of those things where if it was easy and cheap, everybody would be doing it.

We stayed into November in Taos at a nice park down to ten degrees. It was not uncomfortable unless it clouded over and we did not get the sun to warm the coach during the day. But even with electric heaters and the propane furnaces, it was just a little frisky. And we would not do it all winter.

There were ski people there for the winter, but they were skirted, winterized, insulated, and had temporary propane tanks. It's not like it cannot be done, but you have to really want to be there. Monthly rate was around $500 plus electricity which shot up with the electric heater running so hard.

Possibly your requirement to be in the ski area and control costs are somewhat opposing goals. But I think your analysis so far is pretty good!  8) At least you are looking before you leap, which not all of us do well, me included.
 
Plumbing locations. Like in my Jayco the water line leave the interior of the house and drop down under the slide and the pop back up through the floor in the bathroom. So knowing the location of all your plumbing and and being sure that it will not freeze because of being outside. Not to mention my fresh water is external as well thinly insulated...

I would say I could gat away with camping at 30-32*F but colder that that will be risky for plumbing at least for me...

Now dry camping using tubs and water containers I could camp down to 0*F or so (in theory) but I know my propane will disappear in a short order without AC power for a electric heater to aid in heating.

Below zero you never stay warm... 
 
Puahapa said:
  • Condensation from all the breath is now a factor
  • The thinness of a rv's walls aren't made for deep colds
  • it becomes necessary to take measures to keep the grey and black tanks from freezing (anti-freeze)
  • most winter campers don't run fresh water, they use water containers
  • even running the heater all night won't keep an rv warm and toasty
  • skirting can help keep some warmth in

Yes, there are those with Winter packages.  If you can deal with what Winter throws at you, you MIGHT have a chance.  I wouldn't recommend it.  Here is why...

Condensation not only is an issue due to breath.  It involves all moisture sources inside.  If you fix yourself a box of macaroni and cheese, the moisture level inside will increase dramatically!
Even with the Winter package, depending on the outside temperature, you may be pushing the envelope.  You can't bet on the weatherman.

Skirting will help.  But probably not enough.  Depends on conditions.  Again, your betting on the weatherman.  Frozen water componants can bring you grief.  And could cost quite a bit to repair.

Heat will be expensive.  Propane or electric, no matter. Something for you consider.

I commend you for your research.  Full timing in such a climate does take some special precautions and might be a bit more than you want to deal with.  If you have a deep wallet, then go for it.  If you are wanting to be practical, consider wisely.  I cold camp here in MI.  Not full time.  Can't do it in my TT.  Long term camping results in a whole new set of precautions I do not want to deal with.  Too expensive.

 

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