Outside winter storage question

[rfield54]

I was wondering if any one out there has experience storing their A/S outside during the winter in snow country. I know about winterizing the plumbing, but what about the problems with lots of snow (and ice)? I live at 9,000 feet (near Vail) and it snowed today. There's plenty more where that came from. Has anyone used those heating wires that are designed for roofs??? I would think that the heat these cables give off is not enough to do damage to the plasti-coat and that the only problem might be how to stabilize the cable at the angles. I'm mainly concerned about ice build-up (the glacier effect). I guess regular snow removal would be a start. Any ideas out there would be greatly appreciated.

- Roy

[john hd]

roy,

our first chance of snow here in wisconsin is still at least a month away.

here is what i do, wax your trailer. it will help the snow slide off.

if you get a big snow storm go out and broom it off the roof. i don't think you need deicing cables as you will not be heating the inside (i assume) to prevent ice dams.

mostly i'm concerned with the weight of a foot plus of heavy snow.

john

[rfield54]

Thanks John, I've got the Walbernize ready to go just as soon as this white stuff goes away . . . it's too early to talk about Indian Summer, isn't it?

[john hd]

roy

i just want "regular" summer to quit here, way to hot!

85 here today! ask me again in feb. if i changed my mind!

john

[frozen chosen]

I'm sitting up here in Anchorage thinking the same thing....I wonder if its also a good idea to put the trailer axle on blocks to gget some load off of the wheels and bearings. I understand its not a good idea to tarp AS's, so I plan on simply brushing the snow off. Past that, I've been advised to place a dessicating agent in the trailer, and of course remove all the bedding and such. Luckily we don't have much in the way of spiders here. I really hate spiders. A lot. One alternative; the local State fair grounds rents space in their large covered (not heated) arena (where they show off the giant cabbages) for $300 all winter. This might be worth it in the long run (?).

[Silvertwinky]

We were right in the heart of the ice storm last Feb. I took this picture of our camper all dressed up in ice! It's not a real good picture. The ice didn't seem to cause any problems. I think we received about 2" of ice at that time.

[Silvertwinky]

Here's another picture. Just thought I would throw it in!

[rfield54]

That looks cold. . .I can just picture a younger Jack Nickolson sitting by the hedges "the morning after" in The Shining . . . Getting back to the original thought, I'd have to guess that a summer in Pheonix would be tougher on an A/S than a winter in, say, Minnesota. Especially on the skin. I think the A/S folks in the Northwest have it easiest, with their moderate climate and lack of harsh solar exposure. Probably the kindest climate on the continent for Airstreams! Roy

[yukionna]

Here's a photo of my Airstream from winter 2003 in New England!

[rfield54]

Well, so far no one's reported any problems related to snow and ice build up, so I'm starting to feel like the proverbial "over protective parent". I guess I have to feel pretty fortunate that we here don't have to worry about hail (pea size on brief occasions)... All replies are appreciated. Roy

[sander17]

What is the problem with covering it with a tarp? Is it the wind motion rubbing the platicoat?

[rfield54]

Yes, that would be the first problem. Secondly, the wind would cause the tarp to rip at the point of contact with protrusions like the TV antenae, AC, vents, etc. - Roy

[InsideOut]

mostly i'm concerned with the weight of a foot plus of heavy snow

Shouldn't be a problem...it's distributed evenly and the top of an Airstream can take an adult's weight if distributed over the whole roof (not point loaded). The end caps, where you can't get on the roof is curved so the snow would slide off...

We've not had any problems even with "the big one" last year...

Shari

[rfield54]

Good point about the weight being distributed evenly. And the bottom layer would turn to ice, taking the exact form of the A/S top. The pressure would then be greater along the sides than on the top. Enough said . . . outside it stays.

[BruceACampbell]

I'm 45 miles east of you and at 9000 feet also. My 70 21' has been outside, uncovered 4 winters that I've had it and several more before that with the PO. The snow melts off after most storms, but creates quite an ice jam and snow bank around the wheels. Enough to lock it in and be a problem when I take my annual "thawout trip" to AZ in late April. Call me at 418-LOCK if you have any questions.

[rfield54]

Great reply. Thanks, Bruce . . . I'll save that #. And thank you too, Shari


- Roy

[Heather Wick]

We live in ours in Steamboat Springs, Co and don't have any problems. Neither do the other 4 (including an Avion) next to us seem to have any snow problems either. Just gotta keep the trail to the door clear....

[wangissimo]

Hi all,

I just bought a '68 Overlander, 26', and am planning to take it from its previous home in Ashland, Oregon, then docking it long term at my buddy's ranch in Colorado, about 30mins from Telluride. As far as I know, this part of CO will experience a lot more snow than southern Oregon.

I've been reading up on winterization, which makes a lot of sense, and currently about jacking to take the load off the axles (these forums really a font of great information!). What I haven't found info on is if I need to worry about snow that accumulates from the ground up. Having spent a lot of time in Lake Tahoe where we can get 4-5' in a day or two, I've experienced firsthand moisture creeping into the interior, and the difficulty of opening doors and garage doors after snow accumulation. Since this is my first RV, and first AS , for that matter, I'm worried about keeping it waterproof through the winter months. Is snow from the bottom something to be concerned with? Let's assume there will be nobody around for 1-2 months at a time do routine snow removal.

Just to provide more detail, and use this opportunity to ask another question, I'll be working on new rubber and seals around all the windows & doors, since as far as I can tell, everything's original and cracked. Where do you recommend I get quality rubber seals?

cheers,
Dave

[MAJORJDB]

We live in upstate/central NY, so snow/ice is a given, but accumulations are hit/miss. We park our rig under a carport which keeps snow, ice and the sun off. However, birds seem to like nest in the nooks/crannies of our carport and p**p on our AS
.... : (
We are still working on that issue, lol. Good luck and travel safe. Jim & Gretchen

[ROBERT CROSS]

Here in the Lake Erie snow belt the it has always melted in SPRING.
I believe Colorado snow will react the same.

Bob
🇺🇸