Well folks...

[ExtraMile]

I hope you are in the deep south as trying to stay in an RV @ below freezing is a real challenge trying to keep water to it and drain holding tanks, along with virtually no insulation make them hard and expensive to heat.

[/quote]


The water will be supplied by a well and the exposed short lengths of plumbing, will be protected with heat tapes. Along with skirting surrounding the lower perimeter of the camper. Many of mobile homes, do just that.

And no, as a matter of fact, I will be north of I80 in PA. So no deep south for me. I will do whatever it takes to remain warm! Many wool blankets, Propane/Electric heat. Maybe even seasonal insulation, on the exterior. False walls, made with free OSB and purchased framing timbers/styrofoam and the love a softer side, to help keep each other warm during colder weather.

[bill50cal]

I spend mid March to 1st week in Nov. in a 5th wheel near Bristol Tn. one tip is to keep water in the fresh water tank just in case also straw skirting is attractive to mice. good luck and keep each other warm.

[ERLover]

One very serious problem in a camper in the winter time is condensation, from breathing, cooking and propane heat.

[reible]

Here in the Chicago land area we have people who live under viaducts and in alley ways and some even in forest preserves and stay there even in winter. Cardboard insulates and warming shelters for the coldest nights gives them the chance to live the life.

Some do it because they have to, others choose to. Then comes the thoughts of the homesteaders in Alaska even in this day and age there is a place for those that choose that life style.

At one time I might have been able to but no longer. I now need my creature comforts. We use to keep the house at 64 in the winter, now we keep it at 67.

The story that comes to mind is the one called "Alone in the Wilderness" I taped it off TV and still have it somewhere. Anyway that is another story but more to the point you can read about it here:

http://www.aloneinthewilderness.com/bui ... cabin.html

For those that can it is a valid life choice.

Ed

[dusty]

Protect from freezing. That is really all that need be said.

When the holding tank freezes solid, life becomes miserable.

When the water lines in an RV freeze, they usually burst. You do not want to be under that RV trying to repair frozen tubing.

Heat tape works great, so long as the power is on.

Prevent wind from flowing freely under the rig. Skirting of any type will help to do that.

Start preparations early. Do not wait until October/November to 'begin' winterizing. One unusually cold night is all that it takes.

How do I know? I lived in a 19' travel trailer in Omaha, Nebraska for months one winter. I arrived there on assignment in August. In October I was under the trailer doing what we are warning against.

[ERLover]

Actually heat tape only works minimally unless insulated over it.

[dusty]

Actually heat tape only works minimally unless insulated over it.

Yes, that is very true. If you install the heat tape in accordance with instructions, you will provide that insulation. Keep that dry too. You don't want to rap your pipes in insulation that eventually gets wet and freezes like a blanket of ice around the tape.

You have had enough instruction now. You are on your own. Good luck. I wish you a warm and cozy winter in your RV.

[ERLover]

So EM, what is the purpose or this all? I mean your primary residence should be kept heated between 50-55*. I think you live in the NE and in Penn just north of 80 in most winters is not nice. This year could be completely different with El Nino and is starting out that way.
So a bit confused, or just an adventure?

[ExtraMile]

So EM, what is the purpose or this all? I mean your primary residence should be kept heated between 50-55*. I think you live in the NE and in Penn just north of 80 in most winters is not nice. This year could be completely different with El Nino and is starting out that way.
So a bit confused, or just an adventure?

I want to return to my roots, I was raised there and have always wanted to return. Land is nearly priceless in this state, on the account of marcellus shale, gas. So, I can not afford a blade of grass, let alone a few acres.

Oh and guess what, I am about to go and see a 34 foot 5th wheel, built by Glendale, it is a Golden Falcon/Presidential Series. These trailers, are built in Canada, and take in to account for their brutal winter conditions.

If any trailer was built for this issue, a Glendale is one of them.

Furthermore, city life has never been me. I have always loved living in the country. Sure I have 3+ acres here, but I also have, traffic (out the waa-zoo) and sirens, planes, trains and automobiles and tug boats. All things that can wake you out of your peaceful slumber at the tweek of a switch or the roar of their engines.

I am seeking quiet solitude.

I am seeking tillable acres, and a place for my wood shop, where the neighbors wont whine, if I choose to wind up my planer, at midnight. I am seeking a place where I can raise a flock of birds as well as an abundance of veggies and any overages will be shared out to other families, in the form of a CSA.

I want to return 'back to basics' with a well stocked up, plugged in, wood shop. Oh and guess what? I have a propane fired 20kw Eaton Generator, just itchin to be used, for what it was originally intended for, to supply power, when Mr. Utility company can not keep Mother Natures trees from atop of their supply lines.

So that is my reason, on doing this. Yes, Homesteading is where I want to finish my lifespan, on ole Mother Earth.

[ExtraMile]

And no, this home will not be abandoned. I will live here, until early April and once the land is tillable, that is when I will begin my succession planting. From early April to late October (USDA Zone 5a), my current plan of 1/10th of an acre, will be my focal point.

The following year, if my physical strength is good, I will double that 1/10th, to 1/5th and so on. Their is a family of four who own a market farm, in Quebec CA and they are the poster children of a 'market farm' I want to see if I can do this very same thing, on my own. Sure if there is a softer side, who wants to tag along, then I welcome her and if not, me and my pups will simply continue living our lives together, on our own