Living in camper for the winter

[PaPaMooseP]

Hi folks don't know if this is the right area.but here we go. We are going to have to live in our camper this winter. I need some ideas to winterize our camper so we don't freese everything up. We are in Minnesota so its going to get cold. Thank you in advance.

[Kimber45]

Minnesota? 1. park it in a heated barn. 2.winterize it and stay at a campground with heated bathrooms and don't use the water in your rig. 3. underskirting and every other possible option and still have it freeze up

[PaPaMooseP]

All the parks are closed for the season.so that option is out. Don't have access to a heated barn. And that's what we were thinking. Thank you

[clr]

OK you will need a lot of preparation. You will need some type of skirting for the unit, I would suggest hay bales if you are allowed. You will need a heated and insulated water line. You will also need an extend a stay type of propane adapter, and I would contact a local propane company about on site service of a large propane tank. Placing plastic storm windows over the windows on the inside is a very good idea.
I hope your unit is 4 seasons and has some provision to remove the humidity, A humidifier may have to be purchased and used also.

Good luck and stay warm.

[PaPaMooseP]

Thank you very much

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by clr

I hope your unit is 4 seasons

The OP has a Shasta Oasis, definitely NOT a 4 season trailer.
Stick and tin trailer with only R-7 fiberglass insulation in roof, sidewalls and floor.
Not even a 3-season trailer.

[PaPaMooseP]

We did stay in it a few time last winter. But only for a couple nights at a time.

[Kimber45]

sorry if my response seemed mean I was trying to be realistic. I live in Michigan and know hold cold it gets. I think Minnesota is prob worse. can you shower at work or the gym? and use buckets of water for toilet and bottle water for everthing else?

[KenHwy61]

As a fellow Minnesotan, I can tell you you are going to have some serious challenges but sometimes circumstances are what there are and moving south is not an option. Without knowing more details such as water supply, sewer waste disposal and type of electric supply it will be hard to give a specific answer. The Shasta was of never designed to be in sub-freezing, let alone sub-zero temps, but I am sure people have lived in far less and survived. As clr suggested, you will go through large amounts of propane and will have major moisture-condensation problems so a dehumidifier is a must. Any extra insulation anywhere you can add it would be beneficial. A carbon monoxide monitor is important to have. Be prepared to deal with frozen water lines and waste gate valves and give some thought as to what you might do if the furnace should fail.

[PaPaMooseP]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

sorry if my response seemed mean I was trying to be realistic. I live in Michigan and know hold cold it gets. I think Minnesota is prob worse. can you shower at work or the gym? and use buckets of water for toilet and bottle water for everthing else?

I didn't take it as mean. We can use shower else where.we had thought about using a bucket.

[PaPaMooseP]

Originally Posted by KenHwy61

As a fellow Minnesotan, I can tell you you are going to have some serious challenges but sometimes circumstances are what there are and moving south is not an option. Without knowing more details such as water supply, sewer waste disposal and type of electric supply it will be hard to give a specific answer. The Shasta was of never designed to be in sub-freezing, let alone sub-zero temps, but I am sure people have lived in far less and survived. As clr suggested, you will go through large amounts of propane and will have major moisture-condensation problems so a dehumidifier is a must. Any extra insulation anywhere you can add it would be beneficial. A carbon monoxide monitor is important to have. Be prepared to deal with frozen water lines and waste gate valves and give some thought as to what you might do if the furnace should fail.

We understand we are going to have challenges. We also understand the Shasta was not designed for sub zero weather. And we never intended to do so. We are not able to go south.

[Kimber45]

if you are not paying the electric bill get a couple inexpensive heaters from menards or lowes and run them like crazy.

[PaPaMooseP]

We will be paying the electic. But are considering using a couple small ones

[1984fireball]

Insulated/Heated water line. If your holding tanks have the heating pads and a heated underbelly you can do it. You will have to skirt and will want to consider an electric heater in the storage area as well. Reflective/insulated covering on the inside of the windows keeps heat in as well as out. I also agree with the dehumidifier. Extra electric heat for the interior. Anything to block wind. (semi trailer from work etc).
Consider insulating any water line you can get to as well. Always leave a line dripping.

[PaPaMooseP]

Thank you

[youroo]

There was a Member on here a few years ago that "Tried to Winter in Minn"! Maybe someone can lead you to his "Post/Story" he was very Detailed on all his Prep Work even working with his Duluth,MN Dealer! They even Bought a Forest River "ICE HOUSE" to attempt staying during the COLD WINTER! It started out Humorous but turned VERY SAD at the end! You might try a Search at the Top under "Minnesota Winter Attempted"? Don't think or Hope for a "MILD WINTER" that never goes Well! Youroo!!

[PaPaMooseP]

Thank you. I will look for it

[GOTTOYS]

There has to be another option for you. Living through the Winter in that trailer is only a notch above staying in a tent. A mobile home, apartment or staying with a friend or relative has to be better. Trade it off for something more livable.

[youroo]

Here it is "GypsyFamily post on 10/19/2012! Youroo!!

[PaPaMooseP]

Originally Posted by GOTTOYS

There has to be another option for you. Living through the Winter in that trailer is only a notch above staying in a tent. A mobile home, apartment or staying with a friend or relative has to be better. Trade it off for something more livable.

We just need to sleep on it