what is the coldest you have camped in a pop-up?

jeeplj8 · 10-18-2011, 07:26 PM

looking at camping next weekend, predicted low is 28. Wonder just how cold it will be in the camper.

Triguy · 10-18-2011, 07:53 PM

The coldest we camped in a pup was just below freezing, although we used to camp in 4-season tents down to 10 degrees F IIRC. We may have even hit 0 once.

The pup, which was an old Jayco, struggled only a little to keep us above 50 inside the camper. We didn't bring along a full tank of propane so we kept it low to last the weekend but we had pretty good sleeping bags. It was just The Girl (later to become my wife) and me. Kids would have been a different story.

Thinking back, temps at night were not a problem at all because of the sleeping bags. It felt colder before bed as we sat around the fire.

Jeep4Two · 10-18-2011, 08:31 PM

We are new to this camping thing but a few weeks ago we awoke to 38f and the cool cat heat pump was still going strong so we were warm. We have an early November trip planned so we may or may not hit lower temps. I'd be fine with the furnace at 50 or so and outside temps in the teens, or with a good bag no heat at all with a properly winterized camper.

I think it all comes down to your comfort level and gear.

acadianbob · 10-18-2011, 09:37 PM

Make sure you have lots of propane and a good battery as the furnace will be running nearly continuously. If you are sleeping "on the outside", you will feel considerable cold through the canvas. That being said, lots of people survive just fine in tents with no heat at all. You should be OK. I'd plan on some good sleeping bags or lots of blankets.

Ovair · 10-19-2011, 07:21 AM

Coldest I've camped in a canvas side unit was in Baumholder Germany. It was......COLD. Well below freezing. I had a small slide in that had a crank up roof with canvas walls. Inside was chilly, and our breath condensed on the inside of the canvas. If you're not boondocking it, I recommend an electric space heater (use their energy, not yours). That won't make it warm inside, but will help keep it reasonable.

Jeep4Two · 10-19-2011, 09:12 AM

I'll try to post my experiences as my popup is the new hard side a series. I'm hoping better heat retention than canvas.

D-mo · 10-19-2011, 09:21 AM

I did a trout fishing expedition last May .. first weekend in Algonquin Park. The weather at home called for a bit of rain ... we got thunder-snow, highwinds, and an icestorm. The awning was frozen open .. and even with the furnace running we froze the waterlines of the trailer. Not the most pleasant experience .. but the tent trailer (at the time) faired out well. Like a previous poster stated .. bring lots of propane, and ensure your battery is up to scuff ... even if its plugged in ... or else you will get the propane sensor ringing as there is alot of 12volt draw from the furnace when heating via the furnace which is a warning signal that you are having issues with battery vs. converter .. working overtime to recharge

dmo.

extremebike · 10-19-2011, 09:57 AM

If you invest in electric mattress pads then the only problem is getting out of bed. We always used to get an electric site and use a portable baseboard heater so that we are not using propane. It is also quiet.

Extremebike

Sterling 32RL
2004 F550

jeeplj8 · 11-03-2011, 02:51 PM

well it only got down to 45 after the forecast was calling for much colder. the protable electric heater we typically use in the bathroom at home did a good job of keeping things pretty warm. i only heard the propane heater kick on a few times overnight.

Timex · 11-03-2011, 03:12 PM

Had a Coleman pop up in the mid 90's that had queen beds on both ends. Went camping in the Smokies one October by a small stream. That first night(found out later) it got down to the mid 20's. The temp and being near a stream added to the cold air. I was sleeping on one end and my wife a small son were on the other end. We used a small electric ceramic heater for heat and they had an electric blanket. I opened up an old sleeping bag and lay on it with 2 quilts on top of me. Needless to say, with the beds being open underneath to the night air, I almost froze to death! I vowed that if I lived till morning, I wouldn't rest until I found me an electric blanket. Had other cold nights later but that electric blanket was the answer for me. If you are dry camping, gas heat would have to be the way to go. I have no experience with dry camping in my pop up so I won't/can't give advice on that.

Yak · 12-31-2011, 09:37 PM

12 degrees, a foot of snow earlier in the week

backpacker3 · 01-01-2012, 06:33 AM

In August 2009, went to Yellowstone and it was around 25 to 35 each night. No hookups but did bring 0 degree sleeping bags, was warm and toasty. Used Mr. Buddy Heater when awake. Do not like to use furnace or other propane devices when sleeping, just a thing I have about gas appliances. With elec. hookup, use ceramic heater, quite and works real nice.