Opening/Closing in Cold Weather

I wondering how the TM holds up as far as opening in cold weather, e.g. -20 to -30 Is it not advisable? I'm wondering if the upholstery that folds over the couch and bed area would crack. If it snowed during the night, would the heated TM ice up the snow on top. I realize that the snow would have to be brushed off.

For example if I decided to drive down to Texas in the Winter - I might leave in Feb. and it might be very cold. Would I have to stay in a hotel until I got to warmer weather?

Remember, there are no stupid questions.
John

[Cateye]

We have had no problems with cracking. The slideout is a little stiff but that's about it....

[Bill]

This is by no means a stupid question. And my answer is the same as Cateye's - no problems.

There was a thread (or maybe two) on this topic several months ago. One concerned icing on the TM body - and yes, it does happen, but it is not hard to deal with. The other dealt with some of my hilarious (at least in retrospect) attempts to deal with the four fresh-water drain valves under the trailer after they froze. No damage was done, just as TM promises, but my dignity was hurt when I made the process MUCH harder than it had to be.

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/yabb...;threadid=1595
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/yabb...;threadid=1380

Bill

I wondering how the TM holds up as far as opening in cold weather, e.g. -20 to -30 Is it not advisable? I'm wondering if the upholstery that folds over the couch and bed area would crack. If it snowed during the night, would the heated TM ice up the snow on top. I realize that the snow would have to be brushed off.

For example if I decided to drive down to Texas in the Winter - I might leave in Feb. and it might be very cold. Would I have to stay in a hotel until I got to warmer weather?

Remember, there are no stupid questions.
John

If you decide not to get a hotel in really cold weather, at the minimal I would suggest having electrical blankets. My virgin trip was on a very windy day with temperatures in the 40's (F). Although the TM has great insulating potential due the polystyrene inherent in the design (polystyrene is an excellent insulator), the cold seeps through the gaps around the bed. I don't know how to weather proof these areas so I would suggest sleeping on the sofa bed with a nice electrical blanket.

Others may have ways to fill the gaps. Summer camping has been great and the insulation is great even on the hottest days.

[Van Isle TM]

I use long pool noodles - they have a double purpose - I use them when travelling - to protect the cupboards and bathroom wall from the upper cupboards where they sit on the floor and when set up I toss them in the gaps around the bed. For winter camping - I do have strips of an aluminum covered insulation that is made for hot water heaters - and plan to put those over the gaps around the bed. I have a question about snow - camping in the northwest - you may get snow for a couple of days followed by rain - I'm concerned about the heavy wet snow - can that damage the shell arms if you haven't cleared off the snow before the rain comes?

[tentcamper]

We have traveled with the TM and camped down into the teens. No issues. We keep it winterized.

Not sure about -20f. I don't think I would want to warm up a -20 camper after setting it up. I would do a motel if it was -20f

[Larryjb]

I suspect John is a "Snow Bird", a Canadian who visits the US for the winter. So, that would be -20°C.

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-20 is cold whether Fahrenheit or Celsius