Travel To South Dakota

[Alabama_Jim]

Thinking about traveling to South Dakota during Thanksgiving. I see the average low is 23 degrees during November. My question to the group is; what precautions would be needed while traveling in my 24 ft TT?

Didn't know what fourm to put this in, so please excuse me if it is wrong.

[2gypsies1]

Some routes might require you to carry chains for the RV and tow vehicle and if you're hoping to drive at that time you won't be able to do so without putting them on or else sit a spell until the roads clear. There are no guarantees on weather.

[Alabama_Jim]

Thanks to all. mad Norsky I know exactly where you are. I have been through Yankton.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

Another thing to think about is an old saying we have up here on the northern plains.

If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes. And in a lot of cases, especially in the western part of the state, it is exactly what can happen.

Where I am in the SE corner of South Dakota, November I can be out working on the lawn most every year. However, the west part of the state is a whole different animal with weather.

There can and have been early season blizzards out that way, dumping a LOT of snow, while at the same time I've had cloudy and maybe a little cooler temps at my place at the worst.

So be prepared for change.

[bobsallyh]

Another thing to think about. In these areas of the US. there are way fewer roads to travel on and if snow hits, they are very quick to put the gates across the interstates at on ramps and spending time in a truck stop, etc. are not unusual.

[Dick_B]

Fortunately your original post stated `thinking about'. It's lots of fun to plan but cooler heads would err on the side of leaving the RV at home and either fly there OR stay home with the RV!
At our age (77) we limit the times we put ourselves at risk.

[Old_Days]

Also wash your camper and truck really good,if it has snowed. They dump a lot of salt on the roads up here in the winter.

[Bumpyroad]

I have a friend who lives in Rapid City. sez that they have gotten snow in all but one month, perhaps July? don't know why their weather is so crazy, I can understand the winter with air moving down from Canada but it seems like all year either too hot or too cold?
bumpy

[Alabama_Jim]

RAS43, that is just what I was talking to DF about. The temperature should be above freezing in the day time, unless something highly unusal occurs. We did stay in Spearfish, SD during the spring. I got down to 32 degrees and it was absoulutely no problem. I do know November should be a bit colder.

[kknowlton]

Heaters would be needed if Thanksgiving pulls a repeat of last year. Did you notice that? MINUS 22 degrees.

[RAS43]

Either a heated fresh water line or just keep enough water in the tank and disconnect the hose at night which is what I do. I don't think tank heaters are needed if you keep the interior warm.

[Alabama_Jim]

Guys, I know to bring an extra heater to supplemnet the built in propane heater. I know our camper is equipped with artic shield insulation. What other tips do I need? Is it necessary to get tank heaters? Heater for fresh water line?

[SDcampowneroper]

Averages are only that. Temperatures here in the Black Hills fluctuate greatly day to day and day to night. Last Nov. was typical 50s day, 20s nights 'til the 11th, then -22f.
Look at nws.com website history for the region you may visit to get a truer idea of weather.

[Jim_Shoe]

Jim,
Check out Weatherbase. It won't tell you what the weather will be like when you go, but it will tell you the weather, by month, by town/city within state over several years. The program defaults to Centigrade, but you can select Fahrenheit and it will remember you on future visits to the site. And its free.
Also, better to give more info than less. Where in South Dakota. What other states will you be passing through on the way. And, of course, when will you be traveling.