Forum Discussion

Explorer

Nov 14, 2013

traveling in a 5'ver at below 32 degrees

I will be traveling from PA south late this year into early 2014. I am living in my 5'ver so not winterized. I figure it will take me at least 5 days to get far enough south (Livingston TX) that temps wont be below freezing. I will boon-dock the first 4 nights as it's very hard if not near impossible to find a campground open that time of year up north and on my route.

I will run my generator an keep my thermostat at 60 degrees while on the highway and will run it overnight, which means 24/7 for four days the genny will be running! Is that OK? I carry four 30lb LP bottles and the generator is Onan 5500KW. Any estimates about LP amounts used per day? I will keep the stat low and use space heaters to supplement the furnace knowing that the furnace needs to run to keep tanks and water lines from freezing also will run tank heating pads.

Is my plan OK? Would you answer my questions from above.

Seeking Advice

23 Replies

dakonthemountai
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
As stated, forget the genny and pad heaters while driving and just use the 12v furnace that is (hopefully ) also ducted and heating your tanks? when you get to your destination then start the genny to keep everything up to stuff for the night. You won't have a problem. I full timed for 9 years across the US and never had an issue with overnight stops using the battery for the furnace, etc. I didn't have a genny either. The trick is to not stay in one place on the battery too long, but if, as you say, you are taking 5 days you shouldn't have any issues. with that much propane it should be MORE than enough for the time you are concerned about.

Best of luck and happy travels! :)

Dak
powderman426
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
I would think you must be driving real slow to take that long to get out of freezing temps. I can make here to tenn in maybe twelve hours and that is usually far enough south to be out of trouble. But thats just me.:B
2-MTnesters
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
Just curious, why run the genny while driving, the fan on the furnace is 12 volt as is the thermostat so will run off of the battery. Also while plugged to the truck you will be recharging the camper battery.