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ernest917 · 06-30-2014, 09:51 AM

There's not an RV made that can survive multiple -20 to 30 degree temps.... It's a guarantee that something will freeze, break, ext....

I can only imagine how miserable conditions could be inside the RV for extended periods of time... Just not my idea of a fun time....

BCooke · 06-30-2014, 10:37 AM

Another from up north (Baudette) that recommends renting. At dropframe's spend you are looking at $600 in propane alone , $500 for a site in Town and Country plus electric. It is doable but you have to ask if you want to.

CampDaven · 06-30-2014, 11:22 AM

Wanderchris, a 37 foot Cedar Creek 5er usually has 3 slides.
Are you prepared for roof and slide ice/snow removal?

Just a thought.

Wanderchris · 06-30-2014, 04:00 PM

Well guys that is some good information--and thoughts. I didn't think I could take the winter, though I was raised in MO and learned to drive in OK winters. I'm glad to hear they bike in Minneapolis, we were hoping so but hadn't heard that. I bought her a good bike last year when she was supposed to go to school in Oregon, outside Portland, but didn't get enough scholarship money. She did get full tuition at NCU--and won't be looking for booze, sex, and/or drugs-- so that is why she is going there--to be a Christian worship leader. Or believe me, we never would. But when she gets out a whole week for Thanksgiving and 4-5 for Christmas break, are we just supposed to go back and forth, and how will the weather be then? Can we even get her back in January? It is a real problem; I didn't realize the temps got that low. Thanks for taking the feather from my hubby's cap to burst my bubble.

98FPA · 06-30-2014, 04:07 PM

Wanderchris, though I have never came close to those camping conditions I do know 2nd. hand that you would have to be out of your ever loving mind to try this. My son has lived in Williston, ND the past 2 winters in his 5th. wheel. From November to May nearly every day is a challenge of some sort weather wise. The past winter was absolutely nearly unbearable, but when you find work and you need a job like nearly everyone in the Bakken oil formation you do what you have to do. We did everything we could possibly to do to his trailer so he could survive but it was not enough. Water is always an issue, you know water freezes at 32 degrees obviously, but the heat tape and all the goodies just don't cut it. Your propane and electrical will cost a fortune. His employer provided him with a 30 Amp pedestal, a 30 amp service doesn't cut it at all in the winter. His refrigerater is always freezing up, water heater problems, and not to mention that the black and gray water tanks freezing up constantly. He even skirted is trailer and insulated all the walls of the skirting, nothing helps. With tempeatures constantly -10 to -30 degrees below you seldom get ahead of mother nature. When I took him to ND to look for a job I told that I never wanted to go back and to this day I "STILL DON'T". I also told him that I'd rather go back to Vietnam than go back there - he is finally realizing that Father knows best (reluctantly). As mentioned there are other options and you seriously need to look at those, camper definitely is not one. Good luck with you decision!!

GBS · 07-02-2014, 11:16 AM

Sorry when I assumed she was going to the University - that is the "big dog" here. But the weather comments still apply. As far as coming and going for break times, driving generally will not be much of an issue. We're really, really good at clearing streets. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts, and as long as you don't drive right into the teeth of a major storm, you'll be fine. Ice does happen, but it is not the huge issue that you hear about in southern states - their issues are mostly liquid water that then freezes. Ours usually stays frozen, and therefore can be plowed aside, which happens very quickly, especially on highways. So I'd pay more attention to the conditions in the more southern parts of you trip north, where ice is a much more serious problem.
We transported our daughters and their stuff hundreds or thousands of miles many times during those times of year, and had only one time where a storm drove us to an early overnight at a motel.
We have been known, at times, to have "brown" Thanksgivings and Christmases, but the cold starts to really settle in around the first of the year. I wouldn't advise bringing the RV, but driving will be fine. Just take it a little slower, and leave extra space in front of you. And bring the heaviest coats, hats and gloves you can find for those times you get out of the car.

We're contemplating the opposite problem - how to get all the snow/ice off of our RV in Jan., and how far south we have to drive it before it can be de-winterized.