Essential Prep for Ice Storms in a Travel Trailer

[IBTripping]

I live fulltime in a travel trailer. In preparation, two generators, gas filled containers, backup propane heater, extra 20 lb. propane tanks, non-perishable food, 8 kilowatts of power station and battery backup, new batteries in portable lamps, enough prescriptions for at least a week, full tank of gas in my truck, 10 gallons of water, enough cash if extended power outage, etc. I do fine for heat down to the high teens temperature. However, the forecast projects temperature down to the single digits for a short period. Then I'll add Mr. Heater to make it comfortable. Right now I'm experiencing freezing drizzle. I need to be careful I don't slip and fall walking the dog while he's enjoying making yellow snow.

 

[Derby6]

Really not much different than stick and brick prep IMO.

 

[Kirk]

. I do fine for heat down to the high teens temperature.

Where are you? Here in Dallas County, TX it was 16 degrees this morning.

 

[Oldgator73]

My wife asked me what we will do for heat if the power is off for very long. I told her we would have do as the native Alaskans and get naked in bed and share body warmth. She said she hopes the power doesn’t go off. Not sure how to take that.

 

[Domo]

Might I suggest a text or phone call schedule every 4 hours to someone? Kinda like check-in for status. That way if there is any issue, a call might be missed and help can be sent.

Otherwise you sound prepared... just remember, if the power does go out, even with your backup ready to kick in, eat the ice cream just in case...

 

[WILDEBILL308]

​

Like Kirk said it was 16 this morning but we have warmed up to a balmy 23.
Where are you located IB? I am in the mid cites area of east Fort Worth. The sleet is about 2-3" deep but is frozen so hard I don't sink in even over the grass.

 

[msw3113]

Poweroutages.com reports that power is out in Virginia primarily in three southeast counties. Hope that doesn't include you. Stay warm, and if you must go outside take extra care that icy ground does not rise up and smite thee.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Glad I'm in Louisiana right now and not Indiana. At home (Indiana) we had 5 degrees (above zero "F") this morning. In Louisiana we had 23 degrees (above zero "F"). Makes me glad we are in Louisiana!

We've been through power outages at home and in the camper. At home, we have a total of 4 portable generators now (if the camper is there). We have 2 generators with the camper and 2 generators at home (Indiana).

We winter camped in a Starcraft Ventra Pop-up in the 1990's and we survived every time. My wife and I had double sleeping bags, that could be zipped together. Yep... even though the kids were at the other end, we got naked! (of course, 35 years ago, we both still had a pretty good looking body!.... don't ask what they look like now!)

 

[John From Detroit]

Glad I'm in Louisiana right now and not Indiana. At home (Indiana) we had 5 degrees (above zero "F") this morning. In Louisiana we had 23 degrees (above zero "F"). Makes me glad we are in Louisiana!

We've been through power outages at home and in the camper. At home, we have a total of 4 portable generators now (if the camper is there). We have 2 generators with the camper and 2 generators at home (Indiana).

We winter camped in a Starcraft Ventra Pop-up in the 1990's and we survived every time. My wife and I had double sleeping bags, that could be zipped together. Yep... even though the kids were at the other end, we got naked! (of course, 35 years ago, we both still had a pretty good looking body!.... don't ask what they look like now!)

 

[John From Detroit]

Serious reply.
How well you do in an ice storm depends on the Rig... I would retract awnings if Freezing rain/ice is expected and make sure heat is working and propane full.

 

[IBTripping]

Where are you? Here in Dallas County, TX it was 16 degrees this morning.

I'm in Richmond VA. Until this storm, I thought I was living in the South. Lowest temperature for this storm has been 9 degrees F. Snow ended with freezing drizzle for hours. Had to use a Pulaski to chip the ice off my gf's front and back steps.