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papa d · 09-20-2012, 08:05 AM

Any problems or experiences traveling to South Dakota and Michigan in Oct or Nov in Class A - thanks. Papa D

njs42 · 09-20-2012, 09:15 AM

Well I just heard on the news last night that the weather gurus are predicting an unusually fierce winter in that part of the country (melting ice cap). Caught my attention because I am going to be doing the same thing in mid-to late October. I think I'm leaving the rig at home and renting a 4 wheel drive.

The only other "fact" that I know is that everyone I know who lives in that region is heading south for the winter.

So the minimum it would seem would be to plan ahead, watch the weather, be able to lay over if necessary, don't get in a hurry. Also you may want to check on RV parks, sites etc; most of them close around October I believe.

Good luck hopefully a local will give you a more qualified response.

cb5300 · 09-20-2012, 09:37 AM

Better pack a W-A-R-M coat!!!

Skip426 · 09-20-2012, 09:47 AM

X2, on the parks closing for the winter, we passed through Rapid City during the first week in Oct. only 4 units in the park we were staying at and the owner had shut down a large section of the park to drain all the water lines. We were coming home from the east coast at the time and parks had started closing all along the route, some as early as Sept 15th.
Anywhere in that area expect BAD weather in Nov. As a SD farmer put it when asked about the cold.
" You realize that the only thing between here and the Arctic Circle is a barbed wire fence at the Canadian Border."

djbmsu · 09-20-2012, 06:37 PM

At that time of year you should only be cautious. It can drop down but usually not for long but be prepared. Can it freeze and snow ? Yep. Take warm clothes , be sure propane and furnace is all in working order and coach is serviced also. You should be fine

DA_BUS · 09-20-2012, 08:23 PM

I live in Minesota and we are going camping in a Class A DP this weekend. low 30's at night high of 58 Saturday...No problem. If you have water lines exposed to the outside - maybe should drain them if they are talking mid to low 20's or get up in the middle of the night and run a gallon of water through them to change up the water temp hot and cold....but if everything is in an enclosed belly you should be all right. If you have a furnace in the belly with floor ducting - run it a few times during the day - and a night you definately will be OK. If you are concerned - we let faucets "drip" at night to keep water movement.....I will be camping up until the end of October and in to November if it doesn't consistently get below 45 during the day. Most campgrounds and parks close in MN October 15th.....this means they shut off the water - but will probably let you park...You can stop by a Cabela's and dump for free. Nice dump stations and fresh water fillups at Cabelas.

bgc44a · 09-21-2012, 04:54 PM

You will sleep better at night, don't need an air conditioner.

ahicks · 09-21-2012, 06:00 PM

Michigan's usually pretty safe in October. November might depend on where you are?

Schoolsout2 · 09-22-2012, 08:38 AM

November can be bad.

vincee · 09-22-2012, 09:02 AM

Im freezing just reading these posts! Burrrrrrr.....

Schoolsout2 · 09-22-2012, 09:12 AM

I do not know where you will. E coming from but in late oct on I77 in w Va can be bad

bsinmich · 09-22-2012, 11:07 AM

Where in Michgan? The UP can get snow long before the rest of us. I live on the Lake Michigan side of Mich. and we will get lake effect snow but if you are 20 miles East of here you will probably not see anything. We had a very mild winter last year but they are saying Lake Michigan is warm this year and that should increase the lake effect more.

clyon51 · 09-22-2012, 11:27 AM

November can be iffy (zero to 45 degrees). Since Mi is 500mi long, it depends where you are. Most CGs will be shut down, those that aren't won't have water at the sites. With a little planning, you'll be fine. Come Dec 1st, we'll be in Fl until Apr. If you hang in Mi until Dec, turns the lights out when you leave

yoopergal · 09-22-2012, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahicks

Michigan's usually pretty safe in October. November might depend on where you are?

I agree. October is usually pretty nice although areas of the UP have been known to have snow storms in October. (Areas along Lake Superior) November starts to get colder. The lower penninsula will be considerably warmer than the UP ( but not as pretty, ha, ha) You might find an occational CG open for hunting season but most are closed by mid October or earlier. Good luck and keep the heat on!