Forum Discussion

wuhungsix's avatar
wuhungsix
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013

lows below freezing, bad idea to camp?

Hi folks.

We have a camp trip to NV Beach which this weekend Friday-Monday which I planned months ago. NV Beach is near S. Lake Tahoe(6300 ft elev)and is a dry camp site. Well winter came early this year and night time lows are forcasted to be between 28-33 degrees. Day time temps will be in the mid to low 60s and sunny. No snow or anything.

We have a 2003 Trail Cruiser 23QB. It is not an all season and has exposed tanks and what not.

I thought I would be OK but thinking again Im not sure. I dont want any lines to freeze and crack but I figure just having the furnace on while sleeping will keep everything inside ok. I figure since this is not a deep long term freeze the tanks should be OK. I have been mainly worried about out friends who were tent camping. What are you thoughts?

37 Replies

Show More
  • mhardin's avatar
    mhardin
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    You'll be fine in those temps. You're right - too much to lose using the lantern for heat. You should get a CO detector anyway, just in case the furnace leaks.
  • wuhungsix's avatar
    wuhungsix
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    I need to run the furnace since we have two little ones with us (3yrs and 8 months). I have dual 6v batteries and a generator so I should be fine. Since I went to this set up I have not woken up once to a dead battery like previously. But I also never camped this cold so Im sure the furnace will be getting a work out.

    Thanks of the latern tip. Never thought of that. Seems dangerous but I guess if everything was vented it would be fine. I dont think I will try it though. Too much for me to lose if I did it wrong.
  • Lowsuv's avatar
    Lowsuv
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    Take along a propane lantern and an extra six pack of propane bottles .
    Instead of running your battery down to run the furnace use the propane lantern to heat the trailer.
    Open windows and vents when you do this .
    Buy a box of duraflame logs to get the campfire started and to add to the fire if it gets smoky . Not for the main fuel but to keep the wet wood burning .
    Full fresh water tank and another 5 gallons in your pickup .
    Dry camping is best !
  • wuhungsix's avatar
    wuhungsix
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    Great, thanks for putting my mind at ease.

    How about the tent campers? haha I warned them. At least there are casinos close by in case they cant make it through the night.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,056 PostsLatest Activity: May 04, 2014