Forum Discussion
valhalla360
Oct 17, 2014Navigator
I can be done but it will come with a lot of hassles.
- Electricity: You will need a way to keep the batteries charged. The furnace needs some electricity to run the brains and the fan. Solar isn't likely to be a good option in NY in the winter. That means running the main engine or getting a rig with a generator (of course that means gasoline costs)
- Heat: Electric heat is out. That means propane. We were in -5F for a couple of days once. We were going thru a 30# tank a day. Keeping enough propane on hand will be a prime consideration (most winter full timers have a large tank delivered to the campground but again that's not an option in your case)
- Fresh water: That's probably fairly easy but a hassle. Once it get's regularly cold, winterize the fresh water system and get a couple 5 gallon water jugs and you can get by. Washing will be a hassle but it can be done.
- Gray/Black Water: Dumping will be a problem. Once it freezes up, you may not be able to open the valves. You might consider switching to a composting toilet. Solids only need to be emptied every 3-4 weeks but you need to empty the liquids every few days. If you have access to a public toilet, that's doable.
- Slideouts: Assuming you are looking at on street parking, you probably don't want slideouts. This also helps with heating as non-slide units are a little better sealed up and there is less space to heat.
- Local ordiance/general dislike from neighbors: This is likely the deal killer. Once the locals find out, you will probably be forced to move along. Get caught a few times and there will likely be tickets.
Can it be done? Yeah but it's really not a great idea.
- Electricity: You will need a way to keep the batteries charged. The furnace needs some electricity to run the brains and the fan. Solar isn't likely to be a good option in NY in the winter. That means running the main engine or getting a rig with a generator (of course that means gasoline costs)
- Heat: Electric heat is out. That means propane. We were in -5F for a couple of days once. We were going thru a 30# tank a day. Keeping enough propane on hand will be a prime consideration (most winter full timers have a large tank delivered to the campground but again that's not an option in your case)
- Fresh water: That's probably fairly easy but a hassle. Once it get's regularly cold, winterize the fresh water system and get a couple 5 gallon water jugs and you can get by. Washing will be a hassle but it can be done.
- Gray/Black Water: Dumping will be a problem. Once it freezes up, you may not be able to open the valves. You might consider switching to a composting toilet. Solids only need to be emptied every 3-4 weeks but you need to empty the liquids every few days. If you have access to a public toilet, that's doable.
- Slideouts: Assuming you are looking at on street parking, you probably don't want slideouts. This also helps with heating as non-slide units are a little better sealed up and there is less space to heat.
- Local ordiance/general dislike from neighbors: This is likely the deal killer. Once the locals find out, you will probably be forced to move along. Get caught a few times and there will likely be tickets.
Can it be done? Yeah but it's really not a great idea.
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