![]() |
Using camper off-grid in winter |
Post Reply ![]() |
Page 12> |
Author | |
gpokluda ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 11 Nov 2018 Location: NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 398 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posted: 04 Jan 2025 at 11:28am |
We ran into the same issue. We camp all year and winter camping in an Rpod takes a significant amount of effort and attention to detail. We added a second battery and carried an extra LP tank, which we also used for our CampChef stove, but in the end, we decided to upgrade to a camper that was more suited for four seasons.
|
|
Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Kawasaki KLR650 |
|
![]() |
|
David and Danette ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1223 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
When we camped off grid during cold temps we used a portable Mr Buddy propane furnace. We used a solar pannel and a generator to help keep battery charged but found the camper furnace drained the battery to fast, we only had one battery.
|
|
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
|
![]() |
|
StephenH ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6422 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
We have spent traveled and camped in the trailer at temperatures in the low single-digits. No water in the tank. Use RV antifreeze to flush if needed, but try to avoid using the toilet in the trailer. You will use a LOT of propane trying to keep the trailer at usual room temperatures. We kept the thermostat lower and dressed warmly. We also tried a Mr. Buddy. The small one was adequate, but top-heavy. I was always worried that it would tip over without me being there to catch it. I ended up returning the little one and got the Buddy which had much more output than we needed, even on low, but it was much more stable.
Good, warm sleeping bags are great to have. Adding some insulation under your mattress helps also. Possibly a layer of Reflectix would work. I had not tried that. I did insulate the platform underneath by using the foam sheets in the frame spaces that support the bed platform. That was also quite helpful.
|
|
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
|
![]() |
|
KirkH ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: 20 Jan 2021 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Late to the party here but I have taken my Rpod 192 to ski resorts at 10,000β altitude several times. Once in No ember I actually took fresh water and showered. In midwinter, we donβt use the plumbing. We might urinate in the toilet at night but try not to. We use a Mr Heater Buddy propane heater. We keep the furnace thermostat at 50 degrees at night. We carry a generator and solar panels to recharge batteries. We use electric space heaters while the generator is running.
Condensation is an issue. We keep the vent fan running and use a sponge and bucket to wipe up condensation. Other than that we have no problems. We have camped at 10,500β in a blizzard with 40 mph winds and 3β of snow. |
|
![]() |
|
jato ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3342 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The coldest weather we have camped in over the past 14 years with our 177 is 22 degrees F. The propane furnace ran a lot and we kept the windows on both side of the bed open about 1/4" for ventilation. The times we kept everything closed, even at 35-40 degrees was not good, a lot of condensation on the walls, actually too much! There is a way to avoid condensation but I don't recommend it - stop breathing
![]() |
|
God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
|
![]() |
|
TimeOutside ![]() Newbie ![]() ![]() Joined: 26 Oct 2024 Location: Hollister, MO Online Status: Offline Posts: 7 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Thanks Tars. I'll dig into this a bit more. PS. I never imagined campers on Barsoom. π |
|
Some ideas are so preposterous that only an intellectual can believe them. - Malcolm Muggeridge
|
|
![]() |
|
Tars Tarkas ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1454 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
|
2010 176
FJ Cruiser |
|
![]() |
|
TimeOutside ![]() Newbie ![]() ![]() Joined: 26 Oct 2024 Location: Hollister, MO Online Status: Offline Posts: 7 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Thank you everyone for your input. It's not what I wanted to hear, but
it is what it is. I simply had no idea that campers would be made that
could not be used year round. It still baffles me that is how the industry works. But since the majority of the outings I purchased the camper for will be in seasons where a freeze is possible, I do want to explore options that will let me utilize the camper as intended as much as possible. I hate to think I wasted my money. (My wife will be really pissed.) So, let me ask some additional questions and get your input, since I still don't know what I don't know. Assumptions:
So, for the tanks:
Now about the lines:
About condensation:
Thanks in advance for you input on all this detail. Andrew Edited by TimeOutside - 29 Oct 2024 at 9:05am |
|
Some ideas are so preposterous that only an intellectual can believe them. - Malcolm Muggeridge
|
|
![]() |
|
gpokluda ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 11 Nov 2018 Location: NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 398 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
+2 to what everyone else has said. There are things you can do such as have the bottom sprayed with insulating foam and have heating pad installed on the tanks (but require your to be plugged to shore power). But none of these will make the Rpod of 4 season rig.
Another thing about cold weather camping in an RV that you need to be aware of if condensation management. You will need to have air flow in the trailer even though it is cold outside, in order to avoid having condensation build up which can lead to mold in places you won't be able to reach. All of that said, winter camping can be fun. We did it quite a bit in our Rpod and still do in our current camper, but we relied on facilities that had toilets and showers such as State Parks. Our current camper has a composting toilet which allows us to use the toilet in the camper in the winter. There are a number of 4 season campers out there. The two I see the most are Arctic Fox and Bigfoot.
|
|
Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Kawasaki KLR650 |
|
![]() |
|
Tars Tarkas ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1454 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I agree with GlueGuy. You need to blow out the lines or fill them with RV antifreeze and not use the Pod plumbing if temps are going to be below freezing for any length of time You won't be able to use the sink or shower. You have to really watch the waste tanks too -- you could use the toilet and flush manually with RV antifreeze, but that could be risky. Winter camping in an RPod can be a lot more comfortable than winter camping in a tent, but you almost have to have access to campground restrooms and showers. TT
|
|
2010 176
FJ Cruiser |
|
![]() |
Post Reply ![]() |
Page 12> |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions ![]() You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |