Winter Camping in a 3023 for the season

[Bill]

We are going to go this Friday to St. Vrain and see how our new to us TM does. This is our first camper and first trip.

St Vrain is a beautiful campground. We stay there whenever we can get reservations, which isn't often. However, the land around it is dead flat for miles, and the wind coming down off the front range can be ferocious. My limited experience is that cold itself can be handled, but cold with even a moderate wind can be a major problem. At least check the weather forecast before you go. If you can, face the nose of the TM into the wind. And do not let yourself run out of propane, or gas for your car.

Bill

[Blueduck3285]

Originally Posted by Bill

St Vrain is a beautiful campground. We stay there whenever we can get reservations, which isn't often. However, the land around it is dead flat for miles, and the wind coming down off the front range can be ferocious. My limited experience is that cold itself can be handled, but cold with even a moderate wind can be a major problem. At least check the weather forecast before you go. If you can, face the nose of the TM into the wind. And do not let yourself run out of propane, or gas for your car.

Bill

We are skipping this weekend as it just appears to get worse as the days get closer. We are going to try closer to the end of the month.

I thought I had read someone talking about water and their mattress, is that only a concern on the cold months or all year?

[Bill]

One other suggestion. Pool noodles and pipe insulation are great for many air-leak areas, such as around the beds. But they are kind of rigid for other areas, such as around the bottom of the entry door. For this area in particular, something more limp and deformable, is needed. A canvas tube filled with coarse sand or fine gravel, or even a couple big socks similarly filled, can a better solution.

Bill

[Bill]

Speaking only for myself, I have not experienced significant condensation in the bed at any temperature that is even remotely comfortable - say above 50*. It seems to me that it would be almost inevitable at temps below 40* or so. Condensation occurs when the inside air is humid - it contains a lot of water vapor. Water vapor is generated by people breathing, of course, and can be made worse by showering and cooking. One of the worst sources is standalone propane heaters, since water is a natural byproduct of propane combustion. Whenever you run one of these, you need to crack a vent to let some of the humid air out, or it will rain inside. Seems counter-intuitive, I know. By the way, the TM propane furnace is vented outside, so it does not generate water vapor inside the trailer.

Bill

[Shane826]

We camped in the 1000 Islands in late October last fall. I didn’t think it was a great idea but my wife really wanted to go so we compromised and went camping. Weather was miserable. Dropped into the mid-40°s at night. I was amazed how much condensation was on the bottom of the mattress in the morning. I’m half expecting to have to replace it due to mildew when we get the camper out in the Spring. Either way I’ve talked to a few places about a mattress cover with a vinyl bottom.

[Kidkraz]

My nephew floated this idea to me awhile back. I have zero idea how good or bad it is, just tossing the idea out there.


https://www.mattressinsider.com/matt...revention.html

[Kmikesell]

Two things'....
One: If moister is an issue (Not so much here in UT) you can do what sailors have done (A VERY moist environment) Use a vinal lattice under the bunk. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda-...4497/205575644

Two: DW and I have "camped" in 12 degee temp, with a small electric heater. No prob.

[Pseive36]

Hello. New owner of a 2000 3023. I have used a desktop heater(6×10), in the recent cold snap we had in Denver area. Went from negative 4 to about 50 degrees internal temp, however it took the day. I ordered a new space heater and will try again. But I'm impressed so far. It's set up in my driveway, and it holds most of the weather out as long as I'm prepared. Can't be late to jump though.