rvfiddleddd wrote:
I wonder about the LP and furnace if it gets really cold. Would we be able to run it all night without running everything down? We'll be in Yellowstone NP, and last time we were there it snowed in August and our pipes froze. We wouldn't use the furnace during the day....only at night, and we could turn the thermostat way down and put on an extra blanket.
The reason I'm asking all of these questions is we're considering whether to risk it and try to camp in one of the campgrounds in Yellowstone that work on a first-come, first-served basis. We currently have reservations at Fishing Bridge, but it's so expensive, and we're virtually never at the campground when we're at the park, so I'm thinking about exploring other options. Plus, during our 3-month travels this summer, we're likely going to have opportunities to camp in forest service campgrounds, etc.
We have the Senior Golden Age Pass that gets us in to campgrounds for 1/2 price (or free.....not sure). That's such a bargain! So we'd like to utilize the campgrounds that will allow us to utilize that card. Fishing Bridge is operated privately and does not honor the discount.
With two people in a B you will not need the furnace at night unless the outside temp is below 20-25 degrees. Multiple down quilts will keep you cosy.
A heated mattress pad is great! 120v versions are available at big box stores (They might be on sale, at this time of year), or you can order a 12v one online. Use it to preheat your bed for an hour in the evening when your generator is on, then turn it off. If you get cold in the middle of the night, you can reach over and turn it on. It will not drain your batteries too much.
I have used this method in pipe-freezing temperatures when I was alone -- no other warm body providing heat -- and it was toasty. And I am one of those people who always wants an extra blanket. And I sleep naked :).