Community Forums

affreeman · 03-05-2017, 05:59 AM

Woke up to 9 degrees here at the Hub Of The Universe this morning, but the strengthening sun and lengthening days have me thinking of spring and itching to get out with the motorhome.

Sadly the state parks won't open until the end of May, which seems like an awfully long way away.

But still, I'm starting to ponder when it will be safe to de-winterize the RV. Ours is stored in indoor, but unheated, storage, so it can stand a cold night or two but not a hard freeze.

For those of you in New England, and especially here in relatively temperate southern New England, when do you deem it safe to de-winterize? And do you have a favorite spot for an early season outing?

Rockwood27 · 03-05-2017, 06:13 AM

Danforth Bay CG in Freedom NH is open year round. I've stayed there in late November and early March with snow on the ground! Burlingame SP in RI opens mid-April.

Firewall · 03-05-2017, 06:31 AM

I usually feel safe around the second weekend in April. Most Ct campgrounds open somewhere around then. But boy is it cold out there this am!

affreeman · 03-05-2017, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

Danforth Bay CG in Freedom NH is open year round. I've stayed there in late November and early March with snow on the ground! Burlingame SP in RI opens mid-April.

Burlingame is a pretty nice place.

I've no problem using the MH in early March when it's still cold, but I'm not going to do so because after I use it I have to put it back in storage and de-winterizing and re-winterizing seems like too much effort for a weekend outing.

mrrving · 03-05-2017, 06:33 AM

We like to go to Meredith Woods in NH the 3 week of April. Indoor pool and hot tub and nice peaceful treed sites. We have actually camped there between the melting snow mounds. We are now seasonal and our place opens April 15 at Ashaway RV Resort in Ashaway RI, exit 1 off 95.
In the past we also liked to go to Washington, DC , Pocono Mountains, PA , West Point, NY and Gettysburg, PA for our April getaways.

Loggenrock · 03-06-2017, 10:43 PM

We've had single-digit temps this week here in Central NH - more predicted for the weekend - Brrr! So... it's too early... 8^)
Gotta give it another month, anyway. Not too many years ago we got a foot of wet snow the last day of April - trees were already leafing out - made a mess! just need to watch the weather... Fingers crossed! ST

marknpeg · 03-07-2017, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by affreeman

Woke up to 9 degrees here ...

it can stand a cold night or two but not a hard freeze....

here in relatively temperate southern New England...

Wait. what?

I woke up to 53 degrees this morning, might have to put on a jacket.

IC2 · 03-07-2017, 07:04 AM

Since we can see Vermont from a low rise, have about the same temps - it was 4*F yesterday and Sunday, 32*F this morning. With that said, it really doesn't take that long for me to dump the antifreeze and install the bigger batteries vs the over winter little one I use for occasional lights to do a check. I just wait until we plan our first trip then do it a day or so before. I have also been known to do a drain at home then a flush at our first CG, especially since their pressure is normally higher then what our town supplies. My wife will pick up a couple gallons of bottled water for anything we might need enroute if we do the CG final system flush.

jgrif72 · 03-07-2017, 07:37 AM

We have been camping on the CT/RI border for the last 15 years and the first week of April is the usual time they turn the water back on in our park. We have never had any issues with any real freezing except the occasional spigot freezing over night, but once the sun is up it thaws. As for the camper itself nothing has frozen up on it as far as I am aware. I do check the 10 day weather forecast prior to leaving and once or twice I dropped the main drains to empty the lines as a precaution. Good luck...

bill06447 · 03-11-2017, 06:42 AM

First week in April is generally safe. Still get below freezing but not a hard freeze that will break pipes.

IC2 · 03-11-2017, 06:52 AM

This weekend is NOT a good one to begin your camping season - near 0*F and a snowstorm or two on the horizon

djnott · 03-11-2017, 07:10 AM

I dewinterize when I'm going to use it here in Montana. Earliest was first of April. But I drained the water from the lines, water heater, and fresh water tank. It would take a prolonged cold snap to get the water in traps. And if it was predicted I'd use a electric heater inside to keep the chill away if it's parked. Next winter we're snow birding and won't come back till late March. I won't winterize it. I have an adapter to use my air compressor to blow out the lines. That's all I'll do.