Cold weather RVing

  • 10/31/2018 11:15 AM
    Message # 6882520
    Anonymous

    My wife and I are expecting our first grandchild.  Our daughter and her husband are in Erie, Pa. and the baby is expected in early February.  There is a campground that is open year round that is in Erie.  We have a 2018 Fleetwood Bounder (35K). I have several questions: 1) In general can the RV survive in this environment? 2) Does anyone know the snow load rating for the roof?  3) My plan is to take the flattest route possible, any suggestions? 4) A big concern, outside of making sure no damage occurs to the plumbing or any other items in the RV, is the salt used on the roads. Any suggestions? Please provide  serious suggestions.


    Thanks in advance,

    Jimmy Ghi

  • 10/31/2018 6:52 PM
    Reply # 6883242 on 6882520

    It is definitely possible to travel and use your Bounder in February, but be prepared.

    We have a 2014 Southwind and travel from Ontario to Florida each January, spending 2-3 days in zero to sub zero temps.

    On our coach:

    1) the forced air propane furnace "is" ducted into the basement area keeping the fresh, black and grey tanks from freezing, just be certain the RV park's dump facilities are available in the winter

    2) you will probably need to refill the propane tank every 2-3 days as the furnace will be running 24/7 and the heat pump will not work in cold temps

    3) we supplement the coach heating with a small space heater when connected to shore power

    4) can't speak to the actual snow load limit, but a 250 pound man can walk on the roof with no issue so wouldn't think you should have a problem. If necessary, get up on the roof and clear it.

    5) your fresh water hose will freeze unless if you use the "heated" type hose

    6) we watch the weather and will not travel on snow days and icy roads as these RV's are not like handling a car in winter 

    7) try to secure a parking spot that has some wind protection

    8) purchase 2 remote thermometers @ ($14.00 Walmart) place 1 sensor in the wet bay and 1 in the utility bay and monitor the temps from inside the coach. In -4F temps last January, ours never went below 36F 

    All the best with your adventure.


©2023 all rights reserved, Fleetwood Motorhome Association.                                                                             Contact Us | Privacy Policy

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software