R-pod Owners Forum : Using camper off-grid in winter http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Using camper off-grid in winter Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:50:14 +0000 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 11:28:45 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=16072 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Using camper off-grid in winter : Originally posted by David... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154146#154146 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 16072
Posted: 04 Jan 2025 at 11:28am

Originally posted by David and Danette

  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.

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. 
]]> Sat, 04 Jan 2025 11:28:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154146#154146 Using camper off-grid in winter : When we camped off grid during... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154145#154145 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 16072
Posted: 04 Jan 2025 at 10:01am

  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.]]> Sat, 04 Jan 2025 10:01:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154145#154145 Using camper off-grid in winter : We have spent traveled and camped... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154143#154143 Author: StephenH
Subject: 16072
Posted: 04 Jan 2025 at 12:17am

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.
]]> Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:17:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154143#154143 Using camper off-grid in winter : Late to the party here but I have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154142#154142 Author: KirkH
Subject: 16072
Posted: 03 Jan 2025 at 11:24pm

Late to the party here but I have taken my Rpod 192 to ski resorts at 10,000’ altitude several times. Once in No ember I actually took fresh water and showered. In midwinter, we don’t 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 10,500’ in a blizzard with 40 mph winds and 3’ of snow. ]]> Fri, 03 Jan 2025 23:24:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154142#154142 Using camper off-grid in winter : The coldest weather we have camped... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154001#154001 Author: jato
Subject: 16072
Posted: 12 Nov 2024 at 7:22pm

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 breathingLOL - not a viable option for sure!  We have camped in cold weather but used compressed air to clear the lines and basically dry camp.  As has been stated above, the r-pod is not intended to be used in cold winter climates, unless you are going to dry camp, and from your post, that is not your intent.
]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:22:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=154001#154001 Using camper off-grid in winter : Originally posted by Tars Tarkas Responses... ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153969#153969 Author: TimeOutside
Subject: 16072
Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 10:33pm

Originally posted by Tars Tarkas


Responses...

Thanks Tars. I'll dig into this a bit more.

PS. I never imagined campers on Barsoom. πŸ˜€ ]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:33:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153969#153969 Using camper off-grid in winter : Originally posted by TimeOutside Thank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153967#153967 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 16072
Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 7:55pm

Originally posted by TimeOutside

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:
  • I'll be camping in my home area of southern Missouri &/or south.
  • I'll be able to view the forecast and have time to fully winterize if there is a long period of freezing temperature coming.
  • In my home area, the typical freeze is no lower than 15 degrees F.  Sometimes it is in the mid-20s.  Usually it is in the upper 20s. Rarely does it remain below freezing during the day.
  • At 15 degrees F, with 15 gallons remaining in my fresh water tank and a starting water temperature of 40 degrees F, it will take almost 34 hoursfor the water to freeze.
  • At 15 degrees F, with 2 gallons in a grey or black water tank and a starting water temperature of 40 degrees F, it will take almost 4.5 hoursfor the water to freeze.
  • See the Water Freeze Time Calculator for other values.
You can probably get by into the mid 20s for a few hours, but it's risky.  The tanks don't have to freeze solid for you to have a problem.

So, for the tanks:
  • It seems to me that if I start out with a full 30 gallons in my fresh water tank and don't let it dip below 15 gallons that I have a very low risk of running into trouble, as long as I keep an eye on the forecast.
  • It seems to me that if I dump some food grade antifreeze in my black and grey tanks (and the lines leading to them), I should also have a very low risk of them freezing.
  • Does this seem correct to all of you?
Yes.
  • Do I have access to the bottoms of the tanks?  (I won't have the opportunity to look until later this week.)  If so, I can stick heating pads on the undersides.  I have a hybrid truck equipped with a 2k watt pure sine wave inverter.  I will always have access to AC power, although I don't want to run it continuously.
Now about the lines:
  • The lines are more problematic.
  • Do I have access to the length of all the water lines?  (I won't have the chance to look until later this week.)  If so, I can attach heat tape to them and wrap them with insulating tape.  The current draw of such tape is well within my ability to manage even when boondocking.
  • If I don't have access to the length of the water lines, for example the line to the shower being buried, then I have a problem.  I could leave the water dripping, but without a way to get the water back into my fresh water tank I'll drain the tank too quickly.  Also, I'm not sure it would be good on the pump.
How much do you know about electricity?  If you are powering heating pads and tape with your inverter hooked up to the Pod battery, you won't make it through the night. Running your truck all night might work.  A generator would probably be better, but a lot of campgrounds don't allow generators after certain rather early hours.
  • It's not a big trailer.  It's about 52' around the outside.  I have the option of skirting it.  That would help a bit.
Yeah, that will help a bit.

About condensation:
  • As a long time winter tent camper, I'm familiar with this problem.  But I just don't know about campers.  How well insulated are the walls?  If I'm running a vent and have heat, is condensation really an issue at 20 degrees?
That will probably work.  You can adjust the vent depending on your results from night to night.

Thanks in advance for you input on all this detail.
Andrew

]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:55:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153967#153967 Using camper off-grid in winter : Thank you everyone for your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153961#153961 Author: TimeOutside
Subject: 16072
Posted: 29 Oct 2024 at 4:52am

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:
  • I'll be camping in my home area of southern Missouri &/or south.
  • I'll be able to view the forecast and have time to fully winterize if there is a long period of freezing temperature coming.
  • In my home area, the typical freeze is no lower than 15 degrees F.  Sometimes it is in the mid-20s.  Usually it is in the upper 20s. Rarely does it remain below freezing during the day.
  • At 15 degrees F, with 15 gallons remaining in my fresh water tank and a starting water temperature of 40 degrees F, it will take almost 34 hoursfor the water to freeze.
  • At 15 degrees F, with 2 gallons in a grey or black water tank and a starting water temperature of 40 degrees F, it will take almost 4.5 hoursfor the water to freeze.
  • See the Water Freeze Time Calculator for other values.
So, for the tanks:
  • It seems to me that if I start out with a full 30 gallons in my fresh water tank and don't let it dip below 15 gallons that I have a very low risk of running into trouble, as long as I keep an eye on the forecast.
  • It seems to me that if I dump some food grade antifreeze in my black and grey tanks (and the lines leading to them), I should also have a very low risk of them freezing.
  • Does this seem correct to all of you?
  • Do I have access to the bottoms of the tanks?  (I won't have the opportunity to look until later this week.)  If so, I can stick heating pads on the undersides.  I have a hybrid truck equipped with a 2k watt pure sine wave inverter.  I will always have access to AC power, although I don't want to run it continuously.
Now about the lines:
  • The lines are more problematic.
  • Do I have access to the length of all the water lines?  (I won't have the chance to look until later this week.)  If so, I can attach heat tape to them and wrap them with insulating tape.  The current draw of such tape is well within my ability to manage even when boondocking.
  • If I don't have access to the length of the water lines, for example the line to the shower being buried, then I have a problem.  I could leave the water dripping, but without a way to get the water back into my fresh water tank I'll drain the tank too quickly.  Also, I'm not sure it would be good on the pump.
  • It's not a big trailer.  It's about 52' around the outside.  I have the option of skirting it.  That would help a bit.
About condensation:
  • As a long time winter tent camper, I'm familiar with this problem.  But I just don't know about campers.  How well insulated are the walls?  If I'm running a vent and have heat, is condensation really an issue at 20 degrees?
Thanks in advance for you input on all this detail.
Andrew



Edited by TimeOutside - 29 Oct 2024 at 9:05am]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:52:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153961#153961 Using camper off-grid in winter : +2 to what everyone else has said.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153958#153958 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 16072
Posted: 28 Oct 2024 at 8:20am

+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.
]]> Mon, 28 Oct 2024 08:20:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153958#153958 Using camper off-grid in winter : I agree with GlueGuy. You need... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153957#153957 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 16072
Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 10:35pm

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
]]> Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:35:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153957#153957 Using camper off-grid in winter : Rpods are not 4-season campers.if... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153953#153953 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 16072
Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 12:07pm

Rpods are not 4-season campers. 

if you intend to use it during below-freezing temperatures, you will need to avoid using any of the internal water plumbing. If you keep all the parts clear of water, then they can't freeze.

It is impractical to convert an Rpod for 4-season use. I suppose it can be done, but the cost would not be very appetizing.
]]> Sun, 27 Oct 2024 12:07:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153953#153953 Using camper off-grid in winter : Noob here,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153950#153950 Author: TimeOutside
Subject: 16072
Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 3:08am

Noob here, and in a bit of a panic.   I just purchased my first camper, a 2012 R-Pod 177 this last Friday (10/25/2024).  I didn't even think of these questions until sitting in the camper that night and watching some YouTube videos on R-Pods.

The big question is, how do I protect my camper from the effects of freezing temperatures when my intention is to be using it in the freezing temperatures? To make matters worse, I'll primarily be using it off-grid three or four days at a time, and most of my trips will be impromptu.  I'm hoping I didn't just buy something that I can't use as intended.

Although we live in southern Missouri, we do get hard freezes.  Sometimes even in October.  I have watched a couple of videos on winterizing my R-Pod.  Even just putting antifreeze in the tanks and lines seems impractical, since I may pull it out of storage just a few days later to go use it.  I could use it without any of the water features, but that's not what I bought it for.  I want to use the toilet, and have hot water for showers and doing dishes while I'm camping.

So, what do I do to keep my lines and tanks from freezing both while camping in freezing weather and when in storage?  (And hopefully it doesn't cost a lot. I spent most of what I have to spend on buying the camper.)

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

Note:  I haven't rented a storage location yet.  But anything affordable won't have AC.  I can add some extra battery capacity and I've even got a solar panel that I could add to the roof if the solution requires power.]]> Sun, 27 Oct 2024 03:08:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16072&PID=153950#153950