Full-time camper living. Surviving the Winter! Things I've learned along the way.
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- čas přidán 20. 12. 2022
- Here is a quick video of my tips for surviving the winter full time in a camper. I've made some mistakes along the way, and here is what I've learned thus far. These are my major things to pay attention to before freezing temps. Hope y'all enjoy the video! Any questions on products or any tips feel free to ask and comment! Sorry for the choppy video, I'm still just getting started and slowly working towards getting better and providing better content. Appreciate your patience!
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what are you talking about?! That skirting looks great! You did a great job!
Thank you so much!
Skirting looks just fine. Did a great job plus it gets the job done.
I agree looks great
You did a great job!!! We have a 35ft heartland pioneer and did the foam board all the way around, ran us $200-250 for the board and tape. This is not as easy as it looks when you are making cuts and trying to close all gaps. For us we taped along the edge/little under the belly. We also put a work lamp (it gives off a lot of heat) under our RV to help keep under us warm since our under belly is not very insulated at all. For the drains, we keep ours hooked up as well and the hole needed to open/close the drains we cut a little “door” in the foam and only taped one side like a door and the wind hasn’t knocked it opened. We use the same meters too. We had to get a large dehumidifier though because the condensation is so much on the windows, (outside would be 20-24 and inside would be 65-68 (propane furnace) we’ve even had issues with condensation in some places like where the bed meets the front wall, closets.
Thank you for the feedback! Yes the condensation is no joke in winter time. I did a followup vid to this and show how crazy the condensation got. I have several dehumidifiers and they can't keep up when it's that cold. I just started noticing the condensation issue on the bed on wall recently. I have just been pulling the bed out from the wall when we get up in am. If you have any other suggestions for that one much appreciated!
We have been living fulltime in a rv for over 5 years now . Lowest temps we have delt with was -11 so far . Keep your water with a constant drip when it freezes just like in a house .
I'm going to judge you you did an excellent job.
Wow, very nice information and down to earth without wasting a ton of money. You look like you thought about this a lot and have good experience to share. Thanks for putting this out there.
Thank you for the support and your kind words! Sure is refreshing around here 🤣
They need to replace the propane tank. You need to know how much propane you have and it's the propane companies responsibility to fix this. At least in my state.
It's a smaller company and they have been great to deal with so I'm not gunna fuss about it too much. They said they would come replace it. They even topped off my propane at no charge because of the gauge issue.
Heat lamp under the camper works great too instead of the heater.
Awesome idea, probably way safer!
How do I do heat lamp
1 or 1 on each end of camper?
Great video, lots of info. All just really practical advise and experience based stuff. Love it. I'm in Missouri too, so yeah, we get some wicked winds.
This was a great video for us as we are newbie full-time rv living and want to learn all we can to make our new living style enjoyable as possible. 👍
Woodstove
Great winterizing tips! Thanks for sharing.
Use Velcro strips. The pieces of Velcro on your camper will be permanent and when you park for a long time, you just attach the skirting. Make it easier for you.
🤯 phenomenal tip! It's like once I'm parked somewhere and skirted I don't wanna move till winter is over! Love this idea, thanks for watching and sharing 💜💜💜
Great advice from someone who’s living thru it. Thanks for posting. ❤
Thanks for the support 💜
I think with our horrific economy a LOT of us are living in campers on friends or families property, it's fun but a sad thing that our economy crashed so hard. Think before you vote, we don't want war mongers anymore...and we need the housing market to get back to normal....it's way way out of control now. Anyway, off topic, Great video thank you and we LOVE Oso!!
💯 thanks for the support. Aww and thanks for showing love to our fur baby. He's a mess 🤣
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Also excellent job on the foam board skirting. Looks nice and neat.
Did the same with a camper we owned except also had 3/4" plywood on top of the insulation. We had a milk house heater underneath. Was a 1989 Skyline Nomad and was propane heated. Did great for what it was at -45 in North Dakota. The biggest issue we had was the condensation in the inside. Stay safe, warm, and have a great winter.
Sweet! I have a 78 Skyline Nomad! Actually, I have a brand new RV built up from a bare trailer and then wrapped in the tin from a 78 Nomad. Unexpected cold snap this year is supposed to take it down to like 2F and I don't have time to wrap it. I know the R30 I put under the floor keeps my toes comfy down to about 15F and all the plumbing is on the heated side of the wall, so I'm just worrying about comfort and a few extra degrees at this point. But I have GOT to get a heated hose, because while the pipes are safe, that hose can freeze and then no harm no foul but also NO WATER!
You know what, the silver insulation on the bottom of the camper looks nice!
Great video. Thanks for all the advice and tips.
Thank you for the upload, very useful! We are in the teens here in NW Georgia some of the nights this week so I know you are much colder! Stay warm!
Your cold-weather set up looks pretty good. Two things I would add Bales of Straw going around your skirt. That would help out tremendous with more warmth & wind abuse. Also get ahold of your gas company have them put a splitter on propane bottle. Run a hose directly to a full-size outdoor gas grill. Electric heater underneath on cold nights great idea.
My only issue with the hay is it invites the mice, it's hard enough keeping them out as is. Don't want to give them a condo
I've used them before with no issues. But I do have a cat that keeps mice issues non exsistent
@@snowduckin2479 Very true I forgot about that !!! Good luck this winter wish u the best. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you! So far so good big snow coming and cold temps I think we are ready!
So just a silly bit of advice when applying tape to literally anything if you use a heatgun or a Torch to warm the adhesive before you apply. Tape works a 1000 times better again. A dumb life hack, but it works. I've done this while taping a torrential downpour. Even the crappiest tape works better.
Thats a great set you have and that reflective tape is extremely useful for so many things... good video
Very nice video, well made and informative. Thank you for sharing!
Appreciate the support! Thank you for watching!
Thanks. Looking to get into this pretty soon.
Hello from BC Canada full time rv life 👋 Great points! Warm wishes to you for the winter ahead ❄️☃️
Thank you! You too!
Great video. I may wind up living in a 4 season one in a few years and I need to know these things. So helpful and I will subscribe so I know how things are going with you.
That's awesome! I highly recommend it, the most liberating thing I've done. Appreciate the support so much! When you take that leap I'd be happy to answer any questions I can, still going to be putting out content along the way!
Wandering Dryad Thank you so much. I'm taking care of my 86 year old mom and she's getting pretty frail. Her health isn't very good but after she passes, which I hope isn't for a good long while yet, her house is sold and bills paid off what's left over gets split with my brother. That money has to buy me a roof over my head and help me to pay my bills along with social security. It's looking pretty bleak and has been really stressful.
Good luck in -7 degrees. Looking forward to seeing you next video showing how you made it!
Thank you this video helped me. I'm thinking of moving into a camper and you covered stuff I was worried about.
Glad it was helpful! I say go for it. It's been an awesome experience for me
you are wonderful! i can learn a lot from you, im on my way to buying and living in a box truck, this rent in louisville kentucky is killing me, im very impressed in your RIG i will keep following you THANKYOU!
Thank you for the support! It's best decision I've ever made. Any questions I'd be happy to answer. Good luck on your box truck!
Awesome video for Winter RV. Thanks!
Thank you!
Looks good real good and clean. Nice clean simple layout
I think you did an outstanding job getting ready for -7 weather.
I was hopping for good beginner tips but as someone who live in texas. I see this video only for cold climates tips and that’s something I just don’t have to worry about.
One thing off grid living, buy a heavy insulated tarp. Lay it down back onto it , then do ur skirting. Really helps. I have a 8x24, then I have a 30x50 trap. I use the 30x50 as a base , then 8x24 insulated, then pull the bottom tarp up the side and tape it.
Oooo that's a great idea. Thanks for the input and the support!
Excellent video thank you for sharing your experience.
Excellent video, great job thanks for posting. I'm going to try and do the same thing on my toy hauler that's in Tennessee.
Thanks for the support and positive feedback! This setup has done me well the last 2 winters 🤞
Thanks for the video! Very helpful
You did a great job, please always know everything looks just fine
Thanks for the support! 💜
Im a Pinter that does a lot of exteriors. You might be able to find some white exterior tape. The “exterior” part is what matters. UV resistant and is designed too stick amazing outside even after it gets wet but still peals away nice. It’s not cheap tho. I use it in yellow colour. 👍
Awesome advice! Thank you, I'm gunna check that out
Thks for that..... I was hoping I didn't have to go flex seal tape, that stuff sticks forever (love it)
Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. I’ve been in my 5th wheel since June 2014. I live at my mom’s to help her. She’s 92.
My 5th wheel is parked halfway under a rv cover because the three slides and height didn’t work. I was able to get some T-111 siding I cut up and used for skirting. I use heat tape around my water line to keep it from freezing.
I had to change my toilet as a bracket broke and the second time it filled the underbelly and pulled it down. I still need to have the permanent repair done on it but it is setting back up for now.
A friend helped me install an extension trench to the shop’s septic tank hookup. We installed pvc pipe in the new trench and pvc pipe from the trailer to the corner of the shop where we ended the trench/pipe. My grey water tanks traps don’t work so they are always hooked in to the system so when I flush the black tank I need to fill it with water and do an extra flush for a clean out.
My bedroom floor was always cold so I insulated the ceiling in the basement as well as the pipes in there. My unit is a 2003 so things have gradually gone bad and I’m broke taking care of mom. It means things like the furnace going out calls for two to three little heaters carefully placed and monitored. One is plugged into a heavy duty extension cord that is plugged directly into the shop. I avoid blowing fuses that way. The fridge quit working so I have an electric fridge where the dining table would be. I do save on propane usage since I primarily use it for cooking on my stove top. The water heater is on electric with propane backup.
I have a washer hookup for a combo machine in my bedroom closet. They are ridiculously expensive so I do my laundry at my moms house.
A huge thing for the rv is to install plastic window coverings on the inside of my “house”. I use HVAC tape but do have to keep pressing it down against the wall occasionally. It makes a big difference.
I like the use of insulation you’ve done for skirting. It looks like you have the shiny on one side kind. You might try foam board with a covering of plastic next time. It shouldn’t fall apart as easily as the white beaded side of the foil covered type. And dumping grey water on the ground will eventually start stinking. Can you make a dry well with a fifty gallon drum and River rock?
Sounds like you have a solid set up. It definitely does help to be more stationary through the winter months. We are debating on when we need to throw skirting on again for this coming winter. I'm holding out as long as I can.
Nice job keep up the good work
Looks great! Good Job!
Appreciate that thanks 🙏
I added 2 diesel heaters to my rv,that has add a second heat source and I set them to about around 65f to 68f.i can run my diesel heater on low and get about 10 hour to a gallon of diesel.
Awesome vid. Thank you for sharing!
How much does it run you for propane/month? I’m in Missouri as well
Maybe double sided tape on the inside of insulation then stick to RV they try outdoor tape as reinforcement, might be a good idea to fill your little propane tanks as backups just in case. Rv looks great!
There is a plastics squeegee that helps secure the tape much better than by hand. Go to the HVAC shop and ask if they have some?? Installers use them to heat the tape and secure it. It heats up with friction. As you apply light pressure to the tape it kinda “hears the adhesive to secure it best.
The absolute best tape that I've found for skirting is Reflectix tape. It stays for a long time, and it doesn't leave a residue on your trailer.
Thank you for posting this! My husband and I are looking to move into an RV untill we can get a house. Unfortunately we’re in the northeast so I’m very nervous about living in it during the winter… we’re going to be stationary and I couldn’t really find any videos showing someone’s set up that actually works. I honestly could care less what it looks like if it keep me warm I’m good. Getting an RV is way cheaper vs rent. But thank you thank you!! Any other tips you have for camping in the cold please post! You literally saved our day!😁
That's so sweet thank you for the support! I def cannot know what it is like that far north. I plan on putting out a video of something I encountered this past winter at -10 nothing major. We have been in the middle of our move finally! I have 2 and a half yrs under my belt in that camper so I have as much knowledge of midwest winter to encourage you forward. I just haven't had the time to edit and get it out atm. Once I'm settled I plan on putting more out. Then onto our next chapter of barndo living. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.
The propane company should replace the entire tank. They get old. I’ve heard of some propane tank connections freezing up, would it be good to wrap it all? It’s good to have a little ventilation under your trailer. It looks great 👍
Thank you! Yeah it was their last one, they said as soon as another one came available they would replace this one. So far no freezing connection issues.
I lived in a 32 ft fifth wheel with a 16 ft slideout for 5 years, I used three space heaters for heat.
Nice start! I'm watching....
Good job on everything. A video I can actually understand
Thank you! And thanks for the support
I wonder if you put a cover over it and heated the air gap under the cover if that would make a difference in condensation because if the gap is warm the trailer down not know its not summer.
I've just purchased a used fifth wheel and will be putting it on some land out in the country. I came upon your channel doing a little research on what full time permanent RV living will be like. So much to learn.
I enjoyed this video. You have a nice easy presentation. I'll be checking out some more of your videos.
I'll be moving from a 4 bedroom house to a 36' trailer. Although in the past I have rented a travel trailer, I know almost nothing about trailer living. Your idea of putting gravel around the bottom of your insulation to cut down on drafts is something I hadn't heard before. I'll definitely try that.
That's awesome good luck to you! I've def done plenty of trial and error. Working on a video now of my most recent error. Been in the negatives for past 2 weeks and I've slacked off on some things this winter. More to come thanks for the support!
There's already a well and power to a pole. When it warms a bit (Colorado) I'll have a septic tank put in but until then it'll be the storage tanks.
You did an awesome job. !!!
Thank you so much for the positive feedback 💜💜💜
Planning on living full time and this brain food was great👍
Congrats! Feel free to ask any questions I don't cover in my vids. Happy to help. Thank you for watching and the support!!
If you want to know how full the big gas cylinder is just pour a kettle full of boiling water 💦over it the liquid gas inside will pull the heat out of the water and you will get a wet line showing the actual level of the liquid gas inside the cylinder
Great tip! Thank you.
great setup. Nice channelkeep up the great work.
Instead of the silver tape, you should consider using blue or red tape used in vapour barriers.
Your skirting job looks just fine to me. Tough thing to do without spending a small fortune. Some good things to think about in the comments too. Good luck to you this winter. We live about 15 miles south of KC.
Thank you! There have been some great suggestions in here, love the feedback! Thanks for the kind words and support 💜
You did a better job than I could have. I may need to do this soon because I can't afford to live in my house anymore
I understand that. Gotta factor in how much it costs to park it somewhere. Don't know your area but that can make a big difference on if it's worth it or not.
Have you thought about buying some spray paint (rattle cans) for those skirting panels? It would really make those shiny insulated panels almost completely disappear. 😉
Thanks so much for making this detailed video. I also live in Missouri and am planning to buy my first RV in 2024 to full time at the end of 2024. Super helpful information. New subscriber here!
Thank you for the support! Glad to answer any ?s you have, and good luck to you. It's so worth it
I'm a Missourian living in Iowa and very much considering buying and RV to live in full time. I can't seem to decide on the location I want to live permanently in. But I figure I'm trying to get closer to my family in the KC area as well. Trying to find places to park an RV.
@@malloriebuckler6441 moved from Iowa, mom has a lakehouse in missouri, and I I'm in GA going through the same process ! I posted something on facebook in a few different community neighborhood groups and got really lucky with some of the responses. Secured a discrete location closeby with water and electricty for $400 a month. . Just a thought to consider since rv campgrounds aren't always the cheapest !! Ya have to open to people coming back and scrutinizing you of course. Good luck
When you said I'm not an expert,...you became an expert !
🤣🤣🤣 is that how that works!? Lol I may be onto something then!
What are you draining your gray and black waters into? Is that a DIY septic? Also, I see your close to a building or house? Do you use their electricity or run exclusively off propane? How much propane cost do you average per month?
Draining into a legitimate septic system. Power is running from the house. Staying at my sister's place and pay rent until our house is built. Worked out well.
Awesome video. 🙏🙏 Im going to have to move to a friend's house but there's not enough room inside. Im moving there to help support my buddy's wife while he's in prison so she doesn't loose the property and i either have to convert the garage to a living space or live in a camper outside. Those are really the only two options other than buying a shed and insulating it. Do you have any ideas other than what I mentioned?
Do you have a back up for charging for the battery to charge incase of power failure? Looks good to keep the wind and cold out.
It has a solar panel up top, I'm about to post a full tour video and talk about it. I love the solar for back up
Good job
are you using a plastic applicator squeegy to apply the foil tape? from the look of the tape it doesnt look like it. That tape sticks to anything properly applied
Didn't even think of that. I will give that a shot. Thanks for the suggestions
I like your insulated trailer skirt.
Hell yeah thank you for this! I know alot bout homes but it's like campers are different in a lot of ways. I've got straw along my bottom as well as I see in the comments. But looking for something better looking and you nailed it. For the water lines I've got the heated tap and I'm wanting to say 3 inch foam because I actually ran my hot and cold from my place to my dad's lol. It began when the propane wouldn't heat the water good enough lol. I do have a question though if you have a problem with stink bugs and a solution?
I used hay my 1st winter because I didn't secure foam board well enough and wind storm took me out. Ppl worried about mice but my cat took care of that. Stinkbugs I have not had an issue with. The ladybugs got crazy but I make sure to spray around the outside specially around the support stabilizers where anything can climb up and my basement area. I'm going with thinner foam board this year it's easier to work with.
My kids woke up in the middle of the night frozen, they were sleeping on a bunk bed in our brand new camper next to a window. Any suggestions on what to put by their window to keep the cold out
I use the roll of thermal reflective insulation. You can get rolls of it on amazon and cut to the size of the window. It works really well I have it over every window in the winter.
Nice video, you done a good job, I subscribed. Don’t worry too much about the freeze up. If it’s insulated underneath, and you keep the furnace on, even if it’s turned way low, as long as it kicks on, you generally won’t have a problem. I’ve done this for years. I enjoy some of the tips people are giving. You’ve got this!
Thank you for the support and encouraging words. I'm almost too chicken to go no skirting but it sure would be nice to not have to mess with!
@@WanderingDryad-we6sy you’re so welcome. It can’t hurt skirting it anyway. I’ve never done it, always had a heated, insulated underbelly and never had any problems. I’ve been through several very hard freezes but never any major issues. You’ll be fine. Keep up the good videos. Thank you.
Not sure why they don't use a bigger tank. But if you do run out you can transfer the hose over to the other two and keep going.
Preparation is key 🤣 Rarely have to refill
I live in Missouri full time I. A camper to this the first winter in here so far so good
Awesome news! If we survived that -7 I thing we can survive anything 🤣
Insulate propane tank , although rare , it can freeze. And , hell yea 🤙
Condensation tips perhaps ?
the reason i choose a box truck to live inside cause its size its bigger than a one bedroom apartment and i can HIDE in any city and its stealth looks like a regular commercial license vehicle and i will keep the license plate as a commercial vehicle, i subscribed cause i like how both of you are making it happen surviving in this f**k up america, im 58 yrs old and i never thought i would see this 55 million homeless people in america so sad to say.
I get it completely, smart move. It will be worth it
How do you plan on keeping the propane warm? Does it need to have a heater pad to ensure it doesn’t freeze?
Never had a problem with freezing, I don't do anything to it
Great job
Skirting looks great!
I wonder if placing hay under the camper, with the skirting would make an impact?
I'm not sure, I really wouldn't see the need in that. The skirting does the job just fine. My skirting all blew away in storm last year and I went to hay bales instead. So far the styrofoam keeps it warmer underneath
they make heaters for under the trailer cheap and very safe thanks for the video
Really!? You happen to know the name of them, or can I just go to an rv shop and find some? Thanks for that info!
Wow amazing video l love it looks beautiful RV Tour and u did awesome job From Edinburg Texas
Thank you so much for positive feedback and support! 💜💜 More to come!
@@WanderingDryad-we6sy Ur very welcome and thanks u❤️❤️❤️
I'm curious as to why you aren't using an HVAC quality duct tape? It will withstand wind snow rain name it and for removal Goo BGone or a similar product. I'm new to you and I'm West of you. Lived in Palm Springs so trust I know stupid winds of 60-80. Looks brilliant.
Gorilla tape..I use mine outside on my window well I have a plastic shield for the window well and used the tape and it adhered to the brick and its kept out water and moisture...
Hows the skirting holding up so far? I think you did a great job! Easy to put up and maintain. Not expensive and very doable. Would be very easy to remove and store if you travel. Pet the fur baby for me!!!!
Skirting has held up great! I had such a hard time with it last year due to wind but my modifications this year have helped tremendously! Ha thank you I will sure pet him for ya, he's a spoiled brat 🤣🤣
I think maybe it would help if you wrap the propane tank in like a heated blanket.
Skirting looks great, you're a professional
I am getting a rv an i hav no electric hookkups. All i need is a heater , phone charger and computer charger how long do you fhink propane will last me for all that
Depends on how cold it is in your area. I could make 2 20lb tanks last in 30 degree weather for 2 weeks. If it's not that cold you could prob make that last at least a month
Hey, can you place hay bales against the foam board to keep them in place instead of tape and gravel ? It might help add some r value as well idk 🤷♂️
Also, I know from experience that a 100 w bulb in a small lamp under the camper will help build heat up to prevent freezing also, and might be a little safer than a space heater. I know a rancher who keeps a 100w bulb in his pump house over the winter in Nebraska to keep his well pipe from freezing up and it works, plus all you have to do to make sure it’s on is look for light coming through a crack or a “window” of sorts.
I’ve been considering g doing the same thing you’re doing, living in my camper for a few years to build money up, but I don’t have a place to park it nor do I have a 4 season 😢
Yes you absolutely can, last year I ended up having to go with bales against the foam board because it kept blowing away. I don't like using the hay though because it's so messy. I say go for it, been best decision I've ever made. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'm currently watching the video to forgive me if you explained this in the video.
How do you get fresh water refilled, and sewage emptied? Thanks in advance!
I just run hose from the outdoor spigot fill up fresh water tank, then disconnect everything and put hose away. I don't ever leave it hooked up during the winter. The sewer hose is hooked up to sewer pipe and I leave valves closed until I'm emptying it.
Thank you great video liked and subscribed
Thank you for the support!
When you say “top
It off”? How much does that cost? How many gallons does that take to “top off”??
Maybe like 30 to 40 bucks. They don't have to come out often except during winter it's more frequent
wait what did u say about flower pots ? mint skirt job by the way
Where did you get the scarf?
Good job.
There is a spray type glue for gravel so it will not move at Lowe’s
Do you own or rent your propane tank? You mentioned you were in Missouri, I'm in NE Arkansas. No propane companies around me will rent the 420 lb ASME and they won't rent me a 250 gallon if its hooked upto my RV. Of course I can BUY a 420 lb $875 plus regulator, hoses etc. Just wondering what your experience was related to propane.
I rent mine it's 60 for the year. That seems crazy they wouldn't just rent one to ya.
The skirting looks great 👍 🏕
Thanks you!! Appreciate the feedback, I definitely learned from the terrible job I did last yr 🤣
Maybe you should try the ductwork tape that's rated for the extreme heat and cold to seal up the seams on the foam board.
Interesting. Did you do a video during the cold snap when it got the lowest and what the temps inside got to? Are your windows double-paned? Thanks for this vid.
No double pane. I did a video after this at some point showing the inside and an update after neg 7
The foam board looks good to us. My wife and I was thinking of using hay bails but after watching your video we are definitely going with the foam board.
Thank you so much! Last year I did foam board and did not secure it as good as this year. 1 storm and the wind completely ripped most of it off. So then I scrambled and did foam board on the back because it was still somewhat attached, and I did hay bales on the front. Just cautionary tale there. Just make sure you follow some of the tips I said to secure it on inside and at the bottom because it really makes a huge difference.
Stay away from the hay if possible. It’s a home for mice. That’s the last thing you need in a camper. Good luck.
Try using Alien Tape. Used it on Christmas Lights outside and it stayed the entire time. I live in STL, Mo.
Great suggestion! Never even heard of that, will it leave a residue?