East Coast travel in February

[mwitkus]

My husband and I have camped most of our lives but are new to the Class A motorhome/RV experience. We recently purchased a new to us Four Winds Hurricane and can't wait to begin traveling.

One of the trips we have planned is the journey south from MA to FL during the February school vacation. Obviously we realize snow may be an issue but we are willing to take that gamble. 😉 What we are really concerned about though is proper preparation of the RV for use in the winter month as we work our way South and back North again.

Does anyone have any tips for what we need to do to prepare?

[Ed_C]

We usually leave the Cape at the end of December. There's water in the tank and the heat is on. We carefully watch the weather. Besides the dangers of driving in snow or ice there is the SALT factor, not good for motor homes. We drive about 470 miles (a long day) to the Hershey KOA. We like 84 to 209 to 33 to 78 to 81, if the is any chance of weather. Then 81 to 77 to 95.

[Dennis12]

Go onto rvparky and plan your trip now. Call the campgrounds now and ask questions and you won't have any surprises. I have traveled in the coldest of weather and as long as i have heat in the unit and leave what cabinet doors open when i can I have had no problem.If you have tank heaters, use them.If you would get stranded in a storm I have stopped at different churches and they were happy to give me electric for a donation for the church. Have even been invited to dinner. Good people on the road. Keep propane full. Good luck and happy camping. If you would save my contact and privet message me with any helpful hints you may have after tour trip. Dennis Hoppert

[tropical_ron]

My first recommendation would be to winterize your motorhome sometime in Oct.-Nov. timeframe to avoid disaster. We don't un-winterwize until we get below DC weather forecasts permitting. We travel south in January and carry drinking water and a jug for toilet until we get to warmer weather. Historically, after the first night, either in Clarksboro,NJ, or College Park,MD. We have had occasion to packup sewer hose and water hose after showers at night if the weather is going to be cold. Frozen hoses in am are not fun. Our second night is in NC and we have usually add water to the potable tank there; weather permitting (temp).

[Effy]

Most CG's from VA North are closed in winter. Start thinking about places to overnight in the event of bad weather. 2 Years ago we were caught on a return trip from SC in February where an ice storm hit VA/MD. It was supposed to be a mild snow event and hit much later. Instead it was a mix and hit earlier in the day and was much colder than predicted. VA DOT decided NOT to treat the roads and they were literally covered in ice and snow and accidents everywhere. White knuckle driving and even in a MH, no place to overnight due to CG's being closed for winter. Temps were in the low teens and by the time I got home I had to thaw my water pump with a hair dryer just to get some antifreeze in the lines. That time of year you need to watch the weather very carefully and have a solid plan in place in case it hits.

[Dr_Jay]

Hi, the advice given is right. Also, keep a close eye on your propane because you will go throufpgh a lot of it for heat especially north of Richmond. Have a great trip.

[wildtoad]

Even here in SC it can get cold in February, but rarely cold enough to cause issues. Keep some water in your fresh water tank just in case you need to disconnect from the water hookup. Your furnace should keep you nice and toasty inside as well as keepin the water from freezing, but it will eat propane quickly, so fill it before you leave and check it from time to time.

[AZAmmochief]

You might also check the campgrounds you're thinking about staying at. Many in the NE are closed during winter months.

[Matt_Colie]

As our schedule and family often we require(d) that we travel in winter, I just got used to:
A - Watch the weather
B - Be ready to hold a day
C - Carry adequate provisions to do B comfortably

In many decades, we were only once stopped for more than 24hrs by weather.

Matt