New 2001 Scamp owner

[jjohn]

Hi my name is Jack, wife and I purchased scamp in may and have put on over 6000mi. already. Was just starting to winterize and an opportunity came up to go to Ky and Arlington Va. in early Nov. Wondering if it is safe to take camper this time of year unwinterized. How cold does it have to get to cause freeze up problems? We are from Iowa and also wondered if driving through eastern mountains at this time could be a problem.

[David B.]

Jack & Wife, welcome to the FGRV forum family. I don't have any experience traveling through freezing weather with our trailer, as we have lived in Arizona for 29 years now, and didn't go out to camp in the winter when we lived in Michigan. I am sure someone will answer your questions.
Happy Trails
Dave & Paula

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by jjohn

Hi my name is Jack, wife and I purchased scamp in may and have put on over 6000mi. already. Was just starting to winterize and an opportunity came up to go to Ky and Arlington Va. in early Nov. Wondering if it is safe to take camper this time of year unwinterized. How cold does it have to get to cause freeze up problems? We are from Iowa and also wondered if driving through eastern mountains at this time could be a problem.

Water freezes at 32 degrees. Don't fill fresh water tanks or hook up to city water supply. Drain the water heater and winterize system. Anything put in water will lower its freezing point. Put some RV antifreeze in black water and gray water tanks. Carry water in jugs for drinking and/or flushing. In November it's probably not going to get super cold. Worst problem you might encounter is dump valves freeze up. This can be addressed with wife's hair dryer. You should be OK.


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[Paul O.]

Welcome to the forum!
If the outside temperatures go to 30F overnight, you should still be OK. Especially if you keep the inside comfortable, and turn on the water heater. Below that, it could be iffy. If you connect to the city water, disconnect and drain the hose before going to bed. Reconnect in the morning. By the way, the late season campsites have heater tapes on their water taps.
We pushed it last spring and it was down to 10F in the wee hours of March 13 this year in western PA, but only for a few hours. Things were beginning to freeze, but no damage as far as I could tell. I made the mistake of not draining the "magic" shrinking hose, and had to pour warm water on it to thaw it. The next time this happens I plan to drain the hose and squeeze the water out of it. Then it should expand and work in the morning.
We were up early, trying to make Denver from VT in 3 days. We made it.
If the roads get bad, remember that you can stop and take a break. Better safe than sorry. Even a gas station might let you stay to be off the road.

[papa-t]

Jack welcome to the FGRV family

[Eric Johnson]

Welcome! Frosts usually start in late October and in November any weather is possible especially in the mountains. . . sleet, snow anyone's guess.