Maintenance & Restoration

Chris Z · 10-01-2009, 02:24 PM

Kentucky
Generally in November

Nigel&JudyN · 10-01-2009, 03:56 PM

Do we haf ta?

No seriously, we're newbies and aren't sure if we have to winterize, etc. We just acquired our new-to-us egg in June and have a trip to Florida planned for over Christmas. We live in North-East Maryland and our "Bothy" lives in our garage. The temp doesn't get below zero (at least hasn't in the five years we've been here). Do we need to do anything after we return from our (first) big trip? Thanks.

Raya · 10-01-2009, 04:08 PM

If the temperature gets below 32 Fahrenheit (or even close), you should probably drain and/or winterize the water system (exact procedure depends on how involved your water system is). You mentioned 0 degrees, but unless you are measuring in celsius (unlikely) that is not freezing. 32 degrees Fahrenheit is the freezing point of water.

You could, alternatively, heat your garage, but that would probably be an added expense and worry all out of proportion to simply winterizing the trailer.

Think about sink drain hoses, water pumps, water tanks, and any other water hoses. Toilet and associated pumps and tanks (if you have one). Water heater (if you have one), and greywater tank (again, if you have one).

An A/C system could need winterizing - I'm not sure what you have.

Basically anything that has fluid or water in it.

Propane is fine for over-wintering, although you might want to drain the lines and store the tank elsewhere, since you keep the trailer in your garage (Turn on stove and then shut off valve at tank and wait for burner to go out; then make sure to turn burner handle to off position.)

Raya (further south than you, and definitely still in winterizing territory)

Sandra Lair · 10-01-2009, 08:30 PM

Alabama:
Eggbert will hibernate from about December through February.

Sandra

Scott S. · 10-01-2009, 08:46 PM

I'm north of you in Manitoba. putting mine to bed next week.

Alf S. · 10-02-2009, 09:28 AM

Hi: All...We're located in the "banana belt" of Canada. About the same latitude as Eugene Oregon. Anywhoo...ifn I was retired I would winterize "Our Escape Hatch" by hooking up and tugging south to say Frostproof Florida. But alas it will be under cover at my brother in laws very soon!!!

Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Will M. · 10-02-2009, 03:27 PM

The Trillium goes away right after it returns from the Hershey, Pa Antique car meet next week.

Pat C · 10-02-2009, 06:39 PM

Well our Boler is going inside for the winter this weekend.We are in Northern Ontario and snow can be expected any day now.

Patty S. · 10-02-2009, 08:11 PM

Upstate New York (near the Adirondack Mtns,)

I usually use mine until Thanksgiving, then I reluctantly cover it & put it to bed.

Roy in TO · 10-02-2009, 10:13 PM

Southern Ontario.

The majority of camping facilities in this area close following the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Without a southern trip planned, we have little option but to store the trailer till things open up again in the Spring. May is when we can get active again.

I suppose we could wait till the lakes freeze over and get a bit of use out of them for ice fishing.

Joy A · 10-02-2009, 11:36 PM

Gosh, reading this thread brought tears to me eyes.

I had not really given much thought to a great deal of our members who have to put there little fiberglass babies to bed for the winter, as I'm out here in California where I can use my trailer year round. I am in the foothills of the Sierra's and am just below the snow line. I do get snow about 2 to 3 times during the winter but it doesn't last for long. The temps do get low over night however all I do is keep an electric heater running in the trailer.

Any way my condolences to all of you who can't camp during the winter.

**Frederick L. Simson** · 10-03-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Gosh, reading this thread brought tears to me eyes.

I grew up in Upstate New York and winter is but a memory. I suspect that your Northern Eggs are highly prized due to their limited use availability.

Mike D · 10-03-2009, 11:06 AM

As with most things in life, my trailer use is out of synch with typical. The Bigfoot gets winterized in late January and comes out of hibernation in late April. We use it the most from late October-early January in the Virginia Highlands.