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Old 02-01-2017, 06:38 PM   #1
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Winter camping in Montana

Two of us are traveling from Delaware to Bozeman Montana before the middle of February with our 128S A frame. We are not using water because the pipes and water tank would definitely freeze on the road and in Bozeman. We will take 2 1/2 gal containers of water for drinking and washing when we stop at truck stops that do not have warm showers.
I'm taking a small ceramic heater as an addition to the furnace and plan on keeping temperatures around 60-65. Please don't ask why, this is a must trip on a limited budget.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
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Old 02-01-2017, 07:24 PM   #2
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Are you staying in private campgrounds? (Are there any open?)
I'm pretty sure FS and BLM campgrounds in that area will be close.
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Old 02-01-2017, 08:22 PM   #3
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There is one just outside Bozeman. On the trip we will be using truckstops. Try them if you haven't, all the basic amenities you need
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Old 02-01-2017, 08:36 PM   #4
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Have you considered gas mileage towing vs not towing and taking a smaller vehicle? if you were getting 50 MPG instead of 11 MPG you could hotel stay the whole way and back and while there no problem? just a thought.

Maybe an A frame is not that bad on gas?
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Old 02-01-2017, 08:59 PM   #5
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I've stayed in Bozeman Hot Springs CG a couple times, although it's been about 20 yrs now. Their website says they're open all year.

Bozeman Campground – Bozeman Hot Springs

It's right next to the hot springs, which I think would be REALLY nice this time of year.
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Old 02-01-2017, 09:18 PM   #6
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Winter camping in Montana

We will be in Bozeman at least two weeks and the gas mileage drop is only about 3-5 MPG
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Old 02-02-2017, 02:02 PM   #7
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Winter Camping in Bozeman

Stayed in the Hot Springs Campground outside of Bozeman several years ago. It stays open year round. Has great indoor pools and fitness center. Great place to hang out while you stay in Bozeman.
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Old 02-02-2017, 02:15 PM   #8
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Hot water heater needs to be empty, as well as pipes and tank.


I would consider putting fresh propane in the tanks to avoid regulator freeze-up.


You really only need electric at the campsite unless you have a good-sized battery bank and a way to fully recharge. I would set the camper to stay at 50-55 at night to conserve propane and battery. Heater fan takes 4 amps, so 5 hours run time equals 20AH used.


Water will be turned off at almost all campgrounds.


Winter storms and wet snow accumulation could be issues. Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado are known for fierce winds (30 to as high as 60MPH gusts are commonly recorded). The A-frame will handle the wind once set up, but you can't set up or take down in that wind. If it's snowing while the wind is blowing, the roads get closed (I mean shut down closed, you will be removed from the highway). Finally, a sticky, wet snow will put a lot of weight on the roof and vent - will need to be cleared off.


Yes, the vent needs to be cracked at all times to prevent condensation.


We do winter camp, but track the weather carefully to avoid camping during a winter storm or getting buried in snow.


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