Forum Discussion

michelled's avatar
michelled
Explorer
Sep 09, 2013

Going out in cold temps

My husband and I are new owners of a 36' 2006 Georgie Boy Landau. This is our first motorhome. All our previous experience was with travel trailers. We're still just getting to know our MH.

This winter, during the holidays, we'd like to drive from our home in New Hampshire to our friend's home in Tennessee, and boondock on the lower lot of their property for about one week. Obviously, temps in NH will be freezing at that time of year but it will get warmer as we go south and the historical average for that part of TN at that time of year is 42 (low of 21).

We COULD winterize everything and not worry about it; Just use rest stops on the way and our friend's bathroom. But it would be really nice to be able to use our own plumbing and our own bathroom, both on the trip and once we got there.

Thoughts? Warnings? Tips? My husband is leaning in the direction of no plumbing at all. But I told him I'd do some research and report back to him because I would REALLY prefer my own bathroom, especially since we'll be parked on the lower lot and its a hike up to the house. Thanks!

16 Replies

  • Easiest for me is to winterize with the blow out method, drink bottled water and use winter windshield washer fluid in the waste tanks to flush. Paper plates and the microwave.
  • Hi,

    Definitely take along a heavy duty extension cord #10 would be best but #12 may be enough. I prefer to use oil filled heaters to supplement or even supersede using the propane furnace.
  • I agree with what everyone has said, if you are living in it in those conditions you should be ok, we have done it several times, down into the teen's

    My concern would be how muck LP you will be using, if temps get into the 20's @ night & stay chilly during the days your propane will not last long, maybe a couple days
  • Since I live in California I'm no cold weather expert, but I'm sure this can be easily done where you still get to use your plumbing. As long as you're going to be living in the motorhome you'll have it heated inside so there shouldn't be a problem with the indoor stuff. If you're going to leave for the day and it's cold out, you can turn the thermostat way down but make sure it stays on. You'll have to wait for advice from somebody else on the basement heating issues and keeping that plumbing safe, but there are ways to do it. I personally wouldn't want to have to rely on rest stop bathrooms in the cold!
  • Hi,

    Are the waste tanks and plumbing enclosed? Are they in a heated basement?
  • michelled,

    You should be just fine as long as you keep the heat on.
    Have a great trip.

    Steve