Wintering in Virginia

[texasx]

We are planning to stay the winter in the Shenandoah Valley.
New to winter camping. Four seasons package in the GD Imagine we're using.
We're up for adventure but looking for advice and recommendations.
Thanks! B&V

 

[rgsauger]

Will you have a monthly rent that includes electricity or will your power bill be separate? What part of Virginia? If you will not be moving it for months at a time, you will definitely want to do a wrap around the lower part of it to keep out the wind and air from the bottom of your rig. If you do not have them, you might also want to install electric tank heaters in the belly. Especially if you have free electricity. That would be much cheaper than running propane.

Sounds like a fun adventure!

 

[texasx]

Just north of Waynesboro and electricity is included in the monthly. Good point, thanks!
Planning on adding a bottom skirt and possibly a full RV cover. Not sure if the covers add much.

 

[Oldgator73]

It’s gonna get cold. Like someone said put some insulated skirting around your unit. Get some heat tape for your water hose. Do they keep the water on in the winter? Your furnace will suck propane so get a small space heater. You may need a dehumidifier to abate some condensation. Maybe an electric blanket.

 

[rgsauger]

A couple of the radiator style heaters will do wonders for the interior. Still have to take care of the tanks and plumbing.

 

[dabrooks]

Many campgrounds that stay open all winter have propane companies that will come and hook up a 100 lb tank. You may want to ask.

 

[Tulecreeper]

I know a retired Lt. Commander who lives in a 5th-wheel by herself in Virginia Beach. Been doing it for a number of years full-time.

 

[Kirk]

Might you be staying at Waynesboro North 340 Campground? We spent a couple of months just up the road at the Agusta Forestry Center several years ago as RV volunteers and had a great time. But we were there in the summer months. If you like history, there is a lot to see in that area related to the civil war. Winter weather there will probably be cold and wet so skirting will be important. If you have a good 50A power pedestal then you can probably use two electric heaters to supplement the furnace. I recommend the use of the oil filled heaters as they are safer and just as effective.

 

[Rene T]

Just north of Waynesboro and electricity is included in the monthly. Good point, thanks!
Planning on adding a bottom skirt and possibly a full RV cover. Not sure if the covers add much.

What do you mean by a full RV cover?

 

[NY_Dutch]

Just north of Waynesboro and electricity is included in the monthly. Good point, thanks!
Planning on adding a bottom skirt and possibly a full RV cover. Not sure if the covers add much.

You really don't want a full RV cover if you're living in the RV. The sewer vent odors would not be open to being dispersed by the air, and the refrigerator vents would be covered as well as the windows including the emergency exit(s). The covers offer minimal insulation value anyway.

 

[texasx]

It’s gonna get cold. Like someone said put some insulated skirting around your unit. Get some heat tape for your water hose. Do they keep the water on in the winter? Your furnace will suck propane so get a small space heater. You may need a dehumidifier to abate some condensation. Maybe an electric blanket.

Great info, thank you!

 

[texasx]

Might you be staying at Waynesboro North 340 Campground? We spent a couple of months just up the road at the Agusta Forestry Center several years ago as RV volunteers and had a great time. But we were there in the summer months. If you like history, there is a lot to see in that area related to the civil war. Winter weather there will probably be cold and wet so skirting will be important. If you have a good 50A power pedestal then you can probably use two electric heaters to supplement the furnace. I recommend the use of the oil filled heaters as they are safer and just as effective.
View attachment 167726

KOA just north of Harrisonburg. Still learning the area. We love all the history here!
Should be able to run additional electric heaters using park power. I understand you can go through a lot of propane!
Thanks so much!

 

[texasx]

What do you mean by a full RV cover?

Something like this. Still researching. Thanks

Gold Shield 5L - RV Cover for Travel Trailer 33' To 35' Feet Long

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[NY_Dutch]

Something like this. Still researching. Thanks

Gold Shield 5L - RV Cover for Travel Trailer 33' To 35' Feet Long

Buy a Gold Shield 5L Travel Trailer 33' To 35' Feet Long RV Cover. Best Rated Online Gold Shield Travel Trailer 33' To 35' Feet Long RV Covers. In Stock and Ready to Ship.

www.carcover.com

Definitely not a good idea for the reasons I stated earlier.

 

[texasx]

You really don't want a full RV cover if you're living in the RV. The sewer vent odors would not be open to being dispersed by the air, and the refrigerator vents would be covered as well as the windows including the emergency exit(s). The covers offer minimal insulation value anyway

 

[Kirk]

Something like this.

You would quickly discover how bad it is. They are not intended for use while staying in the trailer. You would be dark inside all day and if you experience a storm it will get destroyed very quickly. It will do nothing significant by way of keeping warm.

 

[texasx]

Good advice! That's what I've been learning. Thank you!

 

[texasx]

Many campgrounds that stay open all winter have propane companies that will come and hook up a 100 lb tank. You may want to ask.

Good point! Sounds like the furnace can use quite a bit.

 

[NY_Dutch]

Good point! Sounds like the furnace can use quite a bit.

Since you're staying the winter, you may be able to find an LP supplier that will set up a 100 lb cylinder or two for you so you don't need refills as often if the park allows it. The park office should be able to help with that.

 

[NY_Dutch]

Many campgrounds that stay open all winter have propane companies that will come and hook up a 100 lb tank. You may want to ask.

Sorry, Dave, I some how missed your post before I echoed the same thing.