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Cold weather camping

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12254
Printed Date: 05 May 2024 at 12:47pm
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Topic: Cold weather camping
Posted By: tony rpod 180
Subject: Cold weather camping
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2018 at 9:34pm
We have yet to camp in cold weather and was wondering what else we need besides a heated water hose.   How do you keep sewer hose and exposed tanks from freezing?

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GMC Canyon/RPoder



Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2018 at 10:01pm
Okay, if you are planning on extended sub-freezing camping, the R-Pod is not the best choice. You would need a unit made for four-season use. Those have enclosed tanks that have heat ducted to them so they won't freeze. The exposed tanks of the R-Pod can freeze. That being said, if you only anticipate overnight freezes that are in the mid-20's and higher and the temps will be above freezing during the day, then you can have water in the tank and use it. If, however, temps are projected to be consistently below freezing, it is best to drain the fresh water system and winterize it. Some people use compressed air only. Some use RV antifreeze only. Some use a combination of the two to make sure that the fresh water system won't freeze up and break water lines and/or valves.

When we made a winter trip, we winterized the fresh water system. We carried extra RV antifreeze and used that for flushing solids and after flushing liquids, added a little RV antifreeze to keep the valve wet. We carried an 8 gallon Hydroller water carrier in our tow vehicle since it was heated and moved it to the R-Pod when we stopped. Our drinking  and cooking water came from that. Since it was always in a heated space, we did not need to worry about it freezing.

Showers were out so adult pre-moistened washcloths (look in the drugstore's medical supplies) like what are used in hospitals took the place of showers. A product for waterless hair cleaning also helps. If you are staying at a campground that is open year-round, it should have a heated shower facility. We were traveling and staying in Walmart parking lots or truck stops or other convenient places that lacked hookups and such amenities.

Winter camping with an R-Pod is certainly doable. It will be challenging though. As long as you are prepared, you can do so successfully.


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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2018 at 10:07pm
RPods aren't made for 4-season camping.  They're okay to around 20 degrees if it warms up in the daytime.  If you want to spend enough money there are things can try, but usually people who cold camp winterize the plumbing and use bottled water for drinking and cooking and flush with RV antifreeze.

RPods are tight so they're pretty easy to keep warm inside.  They're small so they cool off quickly too though.

TT


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2010 176
FJ Cruiser


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2018 at 7:49am
+2 to SH and TT. I have done an extended stay in winter with my Pod. At a campground. The only freezes I had were, campground water at their spicket and the gray water drain. I did use a heated water hose, ran electric heater in Pod and on really cold nights left a drip. It was a challenge, and even with heat, there was some uncomfortable nights. It is doable and a shorter stay would have been preferred.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."


Posted By: tony rpod 180
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2018 at 9:44am
Thanks everyone, really helpful

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GMC Canyon/RPoder



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