Community Forums

Traveler77 · 09-20-2012, 12:25 PM

Hi, just checking in. Looking for advice on winter RV living. It's getting cooler and I'm not ready for winter yet. This site has been very informative so far.

Steve N Sal · 09-20-2012, 02:33 PM

Howdy and welcome aboard. Glad you joined us. Winter in Michigan???? Well last winter I guess not much snow and some warm weather but that was last year. It can get quite cold and I guess that's why we head South to FL. I have wintered here before when we were on the snowmobile racing circuit. I don't know if I would want to do a total winter though. Three different weekends thru the racing season were enough for us. Good luck hope all works out and have a great time traveling.

SarahW · 09-20-2012, 05:54 PM

Howdy and welcome to the forum.

I'm afraid I don't have any advice about winter RVing! You might search the site as I know there are threads on insulation, alternate heat sources, protecting water lines, winterizing, etc.

historyljc · 09-20-2012, 06:58 PM

Hi, welcome to the forum. Take Steve's advice and come on down to Florida. It gets cold in Michigan.

chief02 · 09-20-2012, 07:07 PM

Tell us more about your rig and concerns.

Traveler77 · 09-21-2012, 10:11 AM

Thanks for the advice, but Florida is not an option at this time. We have a 2009, 35' Jayco. I have electric service, but still need advice on the water and sewer hook ups. Also, ideas on temporary skirting would be helpful. This may be a one winter setup, so I'm hesitant to invest too much, but I also don't need extra headaches.
I'm thinking of using heated water hose to go from the house to the trailer. It's at least 100 ft.. I'm wondering if there is an alternative to attaching the hose outside to the normal inlet also.
Trav

bpendley · 09-21-2012, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler77

Thanks for the advice, but Florida is not an option at this time. We have a 2009, 35' Jayco. I have electric service, but still need advice on the water and sewer hook ups. Also, ideas on temporary skirting would be helpful. This may be a one winter setup, so I'm hesitant to invest too much, but I also don't need extra headaches.
I'm thinking of using heated water hose to go from the house to the trailer. It's at least 100 ft.. I'm wondering if there is an alternative to attaching the hose outside to the normal inlet also.
Trav

Check with Waldenwoods. They have recently converted 50 sites to winterized sites. A great place to stay!

Triker56 · 09-21-2012, 12:05 PM

It will probably be cheaper to winterize the RV, and then go rent a apartment.
LP use and running someplace to have tanks refilled will be a PITA & $$$.
Or have the local gas co. deliver a big tank to you. If they will come out and refill when needed.

100' of heated water hose will be $280 to over $500.

For sewer maybe a $350 plus pump plus over 100' of hose to use the house septic system?

Bales of Hay for skirting $$$

MSHappyCampers · 09-22-2012, 05:02 AM

Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join us! Glad you are enjoying the site. Good luck & God bless!

clyon51 · 09-22-2012, 08:36 AM

Living in Mi all my life, the thought of camping all winter here is a scary thought. We did a week once in the driveway for guests one time. We went through $40 @ day for propane and also ran 2 1500w heaters. Also had to use a 100w bulb in the water bay. We just used the tank as keeping a hose hooked up would have been crazy.

We could get by without skirting as we have a heated basement which keeps the tanks and pipes warm, but still need some heat source in the water bay. Of course without skirting the energy costs would be more.

It's certainly doable if you can bare all the costs and aggravation. Good luck to ya and let us know how all this goes.

Traveler77 · 09-24-2012, 08:35 AM

Thanks for all the greetings and advice. Another question here. Would using the on board w/s tank and refilling it be a better idea than leaving a heated hose hooked up? Definitely more questions to come.

clyon51 · 09-24-2012, 09:48 AM

*If* the water tank is in a heated area along with the associated plumbing, then I would probably go that way and save the expense of a heated hose. It really depends on the individual camper and how it's setup and insulated.

Traveler77 · 09-24-2012, 01:23 PM

I am finding answers. I thank you all. Our TT is a Jayco Eagle 320RLDS. It lists freeze proof insulation on the spec sheet. Although I couldn't see that insulation package extending to the sliders. I do plan to attach heat tape to the tank outlets and skirt it with plywood, (painted white as per my better half). The fresh water tank is 50 gal, and is in the heated area.