travel info.

[rich1955]

hi everybody:
We own a 5th wheel that we snowbird in.At the end of December we are going to leave western NY and head for Mesa AZ.my question is, how far south do we have to get that i would not have to worry that the water lines will freeze up while we are traveling during the day.when we stop for the night i can turn the heat on to prevent the lines from freezing up. Any info. will be appreciated.

[rich1955]

thanks everyone for all the great input!! i'm starting to get the idea now! i think i'm leaning towards jugs of water,just for the first couple nights. just to flush tolets,brush teeth, and make coffee.you think may wife will be OK with that! LOL!!it will take some talkin. thanks.

[almcc]

A few years ago we left later than normal for our US trek, we left Canada on December 1 and we used hotels until Bowling Green KY, where we de-winterized. You may have to go a bit farther south later in December to be assured of above freezing daytime temps.

We look at the weather forecast, we de-winterize if it's going to be above freezing in the daytime, overnight it's not a problem because we run the furnace and the RV has enclosed water lines and a heating duct pointed towards the enclosed tanks. We haven't tried running the furnace en route during the day.

[dcason]

Hey Rich,
We are also in NY state.
We check the maps for snow coverage and 48 snow prediction by intellects....google it.

When it is cold, we start out with empty tanks/winterized and fill/summerize ASAP in a warmer area (depends on year really)....we may have one or two overnights somewhere like this or not. We still use toilet and use minimal water to flush as we won't be in freezing for long (using jugs of water) or rv antifreeze. The heat in the cab is on of course and at night we might put the heat on (like it cold) at lowest and open cabinet doors if we are carrying water in tanks).

Then we find a flying j or pilot and get a water fill (check their website and then call to see if water is turned on). We just came home from UT/AZ/NV and some Pilots had turned water off...so you do need to check.

If nighttime temps are 28 or above we are using the water (we have internal tank and one external tank and tank heaters but don't usually use them).
Have fun.
We used route 80 to 77 to 70 to get us diagonally down there. We used walmarts when commuting home...we did it from show low AZ to Kingston NY area in 3 nights...rather hellacious but hubby doesn't mind driving.
Donna

[rich1955]

Thats a great thought to, thanks.

[GoPackGo]

Here's another thought for you - Why not just use motels until you get below the frost line ?

No propane usage, no setup and takedown on cold short days. Make a motel reservation and I would think you might be able to drive a little longer instead of having to stop early to do setup. Warm bed at night and a nice long hot shower in the morning. Then just get in the truck in the morning and drive.

Just drain your water system or do the anti-freeze thing now and you'll be ready to leave in Dec.

[rich1955]

thanks for all the info. Its a great help.we have a Excel, Winslow 5th wheel. its suppost to be insul. pretty good.looks like i will just have to watch the weather. i guess i didnt know you could travel with the heat on!! WHY NOT!! LOL!

[jdb7566]

I use Weather Underground weather history and data ap. Type in zip code, date you plan on visiting that area, and you will get average high and low temps for that region. Last year we left Minneapolis for southern Texas on December 21, and temps moderated south of St Louis, MO. From that point we didn't fear frozen water lines. Ironically, while in southern Alabama after the new year, we experienced mid 20's for lows for three nights in a row. We were already set-up so we were able to take necessary precautions.

[jplante4]

Went through the average daily hi/low temp charts along I-81/I-20 and it looks like Little Rock AR

[Padlin]

I have 3 routes west off I-81/59, I-40 in TN, I-20 mid state AL, and I-10 on the coast, weather forecast decides which to take. Used 10 last year the end of Dec, dewinterized in Chattanooga. I traveled with the heat on.

Hoping to take 20 this Jan after having had some difficulty last winter around the Houston area, some CG's were closed due to flooding earlier in the year. I imagine it may be worse this year after the hurricane went through. Want to stop in Shreveport anyway.

[K_Charles]

It was 60 here today and 20 yesterday morning. Weather changes every day. Maybe you can put water in it the first time you stop, maybe it will freezing all the way.

[DrewE]

You can leave the heat on while you travel during the day, too, set to a low temperature so it doesn't use too much propane. If you're unwilling to travel with the propane on, you could stop every few hours to check on the temperature inside and use the furnace for a bit then if needed to warm things up sufficiently.

The latitude doesn't matter so much as the weather conditions. Since you're starting with a warm RV, I would guess that at least mid to high 20's during the day should be okay, and maybe even somewhat cooler, but a lot depends on the construction of your RV and how warm it starts out and various other variables.

[Moderator]

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