Surviving a Vermont Winter Full-Time in an RV: Essential Prep Tips

[GoodScout]

We're making our transition to full-timing, but the process will require us to spend the winter months in snowy, often sub-zero Vermont. We're going to be living in our 2670MK from November through May before we hit the road, so we need some advice on preparations.

In the past, we've either winterized and stored our rig here or stored it in Georgia, but with us living here we're worried about making sure we don't do damage to the water lines, storage tanks, batteries ... and ourselves.

We'll have an electric hookup and access to water, although we plan to just fill our tank rather than deal with a heated water line. We've placed a small electric heater in the storage bay to make sure the lithium batteries don't get too cold, and we know the heating system has ductwork that feeds some of the heat to the undercarriage. But do we need to do more to protect the underside. We're somewhat sheltered from the wind, but is putting foam skirting around the rig necessary?

Last year I got up on the roof regularly with a leaf blower and blew the snow off the roof so it didn't pile up or turn into ice. Will that be adequate again?

For those who've full timed in winter climates, what are some tip that could help us through this (hopefully one-time) situation?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Frisky2]

Yes, up there, all winter... You will want skirting. Can be done with some 2x4s and insulation. It's a bit of an eyesore, but easy and very effective. Also disposable when you are done and probably don't need again. You will want a space heater or two. Figure out your receptacles so you don't flip a fuse every day. There are also larger lp tank rental options up there.

You will want reflectix or the like for your windows. If you don't already have them, covers on your roof vents will allow you to open them without snow blowing in all the time.

We have an electric blanket type thing, but it's a mattress cover instead of a blanket. We love it. If you get uncomfortable you can throw off covers, but it keeps any cold from below at bay.

Oh, and we find that a small dehumidifier helps to dry out the air and rig especially when it's very cold and windy and you don't even want to crack a roof vent.

 

[ajg617]

Good luck to you all - phew. There is a sub-forum on cold/winter camping. You might find this thread interesting - down to -44F in winter in Montana. Hopefully VT/NH won't get that low.

Getting ready for coldest weather in our Solitude 310GK

We are at our daughters home in Belgrade, Montana and as I type this it is a balmy 1 degree F outside with tomorrows high forecast to be around 15F. Weds it is forecasted to be between -28 and -31F with highs below zero. Right now the fireplace and furnace are pretty much running nonstop, I have...

www.mygrandrv.com

 

[triplethreat]

Honestly, no one could pay me enough to camp in those temperatures, but to each their own. Good luck with it, it sounds like pure misery to me.

 

[sande005]

Be prepared to live in the dark - the windows are not double pane, and moisture condenses like crazy when the temperature difference is great. Plus they radiate out a LOT of heat. You'll be mopping up a lot of water constantly, and the risk of water damage can be very high. Ventilation is key, but that means your heat leaves even faster. Get a really big propane tank! Research proper vapor barriers - like under the bed. The cold from the pass-thru can make the bed support very wet and moldy. Leave cabinets open for the same reasons. You may want to get a few small fans to help with trying to keep the condensation on the walls in check.
These are barely early spring to late fall campers.