Snowstorms!

[Biggestbird]

Anyone have any suggestions on winter storm precautions other than don't? Last winter we were staying on the Oregon coast in a typical rain scenario but it was getting cold. We had filled the water tank and put the hose away and are lucky enough to have a coach that has heat pads under the tank and a heated basement so were not too worried. I was glad to hear in the early AM that the rain had stopped. HAH! When we got up there was approximately 6" of snow and the temperature was 25. We knew we had to get the snow off the slides or they would not come in and if left the snow would turn to ice. The park could not help as they had their own problems with frozen pipes, guests with rigs that were not equipped for this type of winter so were freezing up, plus their own water supply was freezing. Many had left their hoses outside hooked up so you can guess the rest on that part. I finally got up a a ladder beside each slide and pushed the snow off with a long broom and it worked. Can't say the ladder idea was the best but seemed better that getting on the roof for sure. Many rigs were frozen. People had to just abandon them, especially those with trailers. We now keep an even closer eye on the weather and commit to just pulling in the slides and being cozy if needed. Just wondering what other have experienced and any suggestions?

[450Donn]

Spend a winter in the Columbia river gorge a fewmyears ago. 50MPH wind and 10 inches of snow, with the slides all out. No big deal, never a leak. If you must move, then yea, clean the roof off, otherwise wait a few days amd the snow usually melts. At least in western Oregon. On the east side, its still leave it alone unless you get a couple of feet, then you should clean the roofs off.

[Rkesselus]

We have a couple of extra full hookup here at home in Bastrop Texas. Might just mention that we did have a little snow in 1982.

[TonyDi]

Originally Posted by Rkesselus

We have a couple of extra full hookup here at home in Bastrop Texas. Might just mention that we did have a little snow in 1982.

Does this mean you're overdue for a big snow storm?

[FatChance]

We spent last winter at 7000' in Flagstaff, AZ. 6' of snow and lows down to just below zero. If you plan and attend to details, no problems, in fact, we're looking forward to doing it again this winter!

[Waiter21]

We were traveling through Iowa last December and planned to spend the night in an RV park. It was -20, the wind was blowing 40 mph, and it was blowing snow and drifting.

When we pulled into the RV park after dark (office was closed), we couldn'r see the roads and was afraid we'd get stuck or drive off the road, so we stayed in the main parking lot.

We didn't have electricity, so ran off battery, which died about 4am. no heat. The generator would not start because I think the fuel level was to low. Finally got the engine running and then was able to start the generator.

LESSON

When traveling under adverse conditions, keep the gas tank full and be prepared to honker down.

[Jake21]

If there is a chance of freezing temps in the near future, always have plenty of fuel. I learned the hard way. Dallas a few years ago. Had a bit less than 1/4 tank of fuel. Ice storm hit. Cedar Hill and a lot of the DFW are lost power. We had no power for three days. Diesel furnace and genny died on day two due to consumption. Had to go to Wally World and buy a 5 gallon gas can. 3 trips back and forth to the gas station. Argh. Never again.

[nothermark]

One of the things about snow is the way it melts. As long as there is no water problem and you have sufficient fuel the easiest way to handle things is to just check the forecast. Unless you are in for long term below freezing weather the best move is to just leave it to nature. Sounds like you could run self contained for a few days while things thawed out and took care of themselves. Bet you will then keep a better eye on the weather. You don't want to drive on snow covered roads anyway. ;-)