winter camping

[henriettahankenson]

Hello
I am thinking of buying a 2004 2720SL and would like to know if anyone has ever used a TM in the winter?
Thanks

 

[mcgyver210]

Yes we have camped in the winter & you can search & find many others that have posted their experiences with winter camping.

 

[henriettahankenson]

I did read alot of the old threads regarding winter use but any more comments are helpful
Thanks

 

[mcgyver210]

Not trying to be rude but if you read can you be more specific as to what you would like to know?

 

[mcgyver210]

1. Well I was just thinking & remembered one thing I would definitely do again for winter camping is replace the original thermostat with a digital one which is more accurate.

2. We also carry a oscillating ceramic heater.

3. We also use electric blankets.

4. We always disconnect & bring in the water hose so it doesn't freeze.

5. Make sure we have plenty of Propane incase we use the propane heater also. I have found the propane heater to work well when used but haven't used it enough to know how efficient it is.

6. Oh & it snowed one time but didn't cause any problems for us inside.

As you can tell we always have full hookups when camping

 

[brulaz]

Last, and so far the only, time we camped in below freezing weather, we wrapped all the outside water drains in plastic bags or bubble wrap, and opened all the cupboard doors to heat the water pipes inside the trailer. In the morning I unwrapped the drains and opened each a bit to free them of what little ice had formed. There were no problems.

Since then I've also wrapped the inside water pipes (where I could get to them) with that foam pipe insulation. There are still a few places I couldn't get too and am still worried about. I've also gone around the trailer, especially underneath, looking for cracks and holes to fill with foam.

The propane furnace fan is really noisy. We purchased a very quiet and light-weight electric heater and prefer to use that.

 

[TM_Matt]

Where do you plan on winter camping and what temps can you expect? Altitude can make a diff - I like to bring my efficient "heater buddy" heater for real cold areas but it is absolutely useless above 7000 ft. I haven't had my TM long enough to winter camp but have done so before. I was really nervous the first time thinking we would freeze and it was a piece of cake. Been down to 17 F.

 

[henriettahankenson]

Thank you so much for responding. Great information. We live in the high rockies of colorado, but would be doing winter camping in Michigan. All these answers really helped.
Thanks again everybody

 

[TexasCamper-TMO]

TM in winter

Camping with a TM in the winter is very doable (is that a word?)

I echo earlier comment on bringing a space heater....much quieter than propane furnace. We set both on at night but have the propane furnace at a slightly lower temperature; that way it will kick in if the space heater can't keep up. We aim the space heater towards the back bed and leave the privacy curtain open because it is hard to get heat down the small hallway.

We also lay blankets/towels along the perimeter of the bed pull-outs to insulate the sleeping area better. And I sleep with a hat on!

- John

 

[Redhawk]

I was wondering about the grey water tanks or thetford toilet freezing? Is this not a concern? Or do you not use them in really cold temps?

 

[PopBeavers]

We also lay blankets/towels along the perimeter of the bed pull-outs to insulate the sleeping area better.

- John

Do you use the swimming pool noodles and still have to put towels around the edges?

 

[OneMoBear]

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=223

Malinda

 

[TexasCamper-TMO]

Do you use the swimming pool noodles and still have to put towels around the edges?

I've read posts about using those swimming pool noodles, but we've never packed them. I mostly use towels, so we can wipe down the condensation on the walls in the morning....there's a lot of condensation inside the camper!

 

[PopBeavers]

I've read posts about using those swimming pool noodles, but we've never packed them. I mostly use towels, so we can wipe down the condensation on the walls in the morning....there's a lot of condensation inside the camper!

The pool noodles made a big difference for us when the wind was blowing. It stopped the draft.

We had another draft behind the closet. The upper and lower shells were not fitting together tightly enough. I tried stuffing towels in there but that did not work.

So when I got home I took the aluminum latch off and drilled a hole on the other side from the original hole. I installed it flipped over from the original orientation. Now, in order to clip it in place, I have to lean into the upper shell to push it in about 1/8 inch. No more draft behind the closet on windy nights. Not every one will have this problem. The pool noodles, I think, are applicable to everyone.

 

[BrigCA61]

Another option to the pool noodles, is the insulation foam used for window air conditioners found at home improvement stores. I sent hubby out for pool noodles and he found this instead, which fits the gaps under the slide out bed as if it was made for it and it definately makes a difference at night when it is cool out! Very easy to store when you collapse the trailer too.

 

[FishGal]

Not exactly winter camping, but wanted a test run to see how the TM did in the cold. Just got back from a camping trip where the overnight temp was going to be about 40 or so. Planned ahead and got some black insulation foam at home depot just like BrigCA61. Worked like a charm. Also had some leftover pink Owens Corning ridge foam insulation for the large gap in front at the front of the TM. Used two pieces and cut to fit.

Also brought along two ceramic headers, one in front on a crate to keep off the floor pointed toward the front, positioned about 4 feet from the bed. Kept that area at about 67 during the night. For the rear bed, put the other ceramic header on the tv shelf and it was warm and toasty all night with the curtain closed. There was condensation on all of the windows that we wiped down each morning. Also moved the ceramic heater in the rear to the bathroom for use during a shower. Not much wind, so not sure if we'll need more insulation for the next trip. Going to try again soon, but most likely going to remove outside shower and see what can be done to keep the pipes from freezing.

 

[countrygirl32082]

One thing I do is take a wide roll of blue painters tape...we have camped in 18 degree weather with the wind blowing 30 to 40 mph. I use the tape on the inside of the camper for the door hinges. It really helps and removes cleanly.

 

[PopBeavers]

Many of use use swimming pool noodles on the rear outside.

I have tightened up the seal between the rear shell and the bottom shell behind the wardrobe to close off a gap causing cold air to blow in.

I have replaced all of the foam seals on the door. I have modified the rubber seal at the floor opposite the hinge side, so that it actually works when you close the door. Sometimes I place a dirty towel there to block the draft.

I am not aware of any draft anywhere else.

I don't think we have ever camped much below 40F. We did have a bit of snow at 5,000 feet Memorial day.

We almost never have hookups. I put the furnace on the lowest possible setting, about 55F, when we go to bed.

Not exactly what you were asking.