We're trying to decide whether or not to take our annual trip to metro-Detroit in late April next year. It looks like average temps are 36 (low) to 60 (high). We have a Rockwood 8312ss with a ducted heating system, enclosed underbelly, and heated water tank. Will we have any problems if we try to camp at this time? What if it gets a little cold and temps drop just below freezing (say 30) for a couple hours at night - would that cause issues?

Good to go.You need overnight low to be 25 or less while in use before you need to worry much. If forecast below 30 just bring in your water connection.

36 isnt cold. My tt has enclosed and heated underbelly and has been used at -12 and everything worked. We regurly use it temps in the teens. Enjoy your stay.

If there's an open campground, you'll be fine. Short of that, an electrical hookup at a relative or friend's house will be desirable. Otherwise, you'll need a generator or a long drive to bring the batt(s) back up. They are less efficient in cold weather. Showering, cooking, and even sleeping in lower temps creates a lot of moisture. Use adequate ventilation while engaged in the three to avoid condensation build-up. Enjoy.

Mickeyfan0805 wrote:We're trying to decide whether or not to take our annual trip to metro-Detroit in late April next year. It looks like average temps are 36 (low) to 60 (high). We have a Rockwood 8312ss with a ducted heating system, enclosed underbelly, and heated water tank. Will we have any problems if we try to camp at this time? What if it gets a little cold and temps drop just below freezing (say 30) for a couple hours at night - would that cause issues?A lot of parks close from Oct. to April. and it can be really hard to find a place to dump.

Cold Weather Camping - How cold is too cold? | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Sep 20, 2013
As long as we are plugged in -10F is OK and could probably go a little more.
Still that is pretty dang cold and not always a bunch of fun.
stetwood
Explorer
Sep 20, 2013
In late April the temperatures are rising, if below 30 just use you fresh water tank instead of connecting. Also it might be a good idea to open the cupboard doors where the plumbing is in if temps get below 20. Enjoy your trip and don't worry about the freezing. In late April small grain crops and corn is being planted. That means the ground temp is above 45 degrees.
noteven
Explorer III
Sep 19, 2013
camperpaul wrote:
Thats_Ok wrote:
36 degrees is barefoot weather!

Too cold is when you try to talk and your words come out in chunks of ice and you have to fry them to find out what you said.

And if you don't do this right away, there will be nothing but a babble out there in the spring...
IndyCamp
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
No problem with those temps.

Take it easy on Detroit. It is a great city and there is actually a lot there to see and do.
Mr_Beebo
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
I didn't know anyone was left in Detroit.
frankdamp
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
For us, the lower limits are <30F overnight and <45F daytime high. If it's that cold, we'll stay home.
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
If you have electricity where you're camping you can always use one of those portable heater fans. I've got one in my camper and we've used it on a number of occasions, mainly to take the chill off rather than run our furnace.
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
Grit dog wrote:
Weather aside, "annual camping trip to metro detroit"??
Different kind of wildlife viewing!

I guess that does sound funny out of context. We're from the area, but moved to MA two years ago. We go back each year to visit family and friends.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Sep 18, 2013
Weather aside, "annual camping trip to metro detroit"??
Different kind of wildlife viewing!
mlts22
Explorer
Sep 18, 2013
If going out in temperatures around freezing, there are a few things one can do to make life a bit easier:

I've found that if one can plug in couple 60-100 watt incandescent lamps for storage compartments, this gives enough heat to keep things fairly warm down there, enough to keep pipes and such warm.

Then, there is insulation. I've found my TT loses a lot of heat under the bed, so I tossed some Reflectix underneath, and that has helped some. One can spend a lot on additional insulation, but the trick is to go for the best bang/buck and find the biggest heat losses first.