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Old 12-29-2013, 11:49 PM   #1
thewolffman
 
2022 27' Flying Cloud
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Dec 2013
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Ask a silly question...

Since being a new member earlier today, I have a couple of rather silly questions. I would appreciate any advice.

My wife and I retired recently and are in the process of arranging a trip to pick up a new Airstream Travel Trailer we just purchased. As you might imagine we have a few technical questions regarding traveling in snow and ice with the Airstream. Since we may get caught in some cold weather going to get it and driving back home. I was wondering what you normally do about keeping the trailer warm enough so the water in the tank and in the dump valves don't freeze up? We were planning on using hotels on the way up north to get the trailer but planned to use the travel to sleep, cook and eat in on the way home. It will be about 5 days up and 5 days back and a total of approximately 4,800 miles traveled.

Along our route how would we find out about any courtesy parking that might be available along the way? Is that information listed on this website someplace?

Which are the best brand rv camping grounds to look for along the way?

Any advice is appreciated.

thewolffman
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Old 12-30-2013, 12:08 AM   #2
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1989 32' Land Yacht
Oakton , Virginia
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Great start! Super Walmarts and Cabellas usually permit overnighting. The Walmart site links to their pdf file of go and no - go locations. My personal suggestion would be to not use fresh water until I was far enough south to avoid hard freezes. The plumbing should either be clear of water or contain winterizing anti freeze.
You want to take cold weather sleeping gear if you use the AS in a Walmart. I.e., sleeping bags, down comforters, long johns.
Have a safe trip.

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Old 12-30-2013, 12:09 AM   #3
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Welcome to the AF.

I agree that you probably can do without onboard water until you get further south.
Just use bottled water and RV antifreeze in both the waste tanks. (Take the cap off the waste outlet so nothing freezes there.) When you are far enough south you can take on water in the system.

I would try to avoid the salt as much as possible. Can you not plan your trip to coincide with good weather?

Be sure to wash with lots of clean water as soon as you get out of winter.

Dave
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Old 12-30-2013, 12:37 AM   #4
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Battle Lake , Minnesota
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The largest hazard is salted winter roads initiating corrosion on this vulnerable metal trailer. Make a beeline south as quickly as possible, avoiding any city driving, and stay on dry interstate.

Just don't use the plumbing until you can get far enough south, leave it winterized.
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Old 12-30-2013, 01:10 AM   #5
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Hi, we have towed in snow and on ice; I did fine, several times, but I wouldn't recommend doing in it. [driver ability and maybe some luck] I did this without chains and with two wheel drive. I ran my furnace 24 hrs a day to keep us and my trailer from freezing. [water heater too] Make sure that you start with full propane tanks. At this rate, two 30 lb tanks will last about one week. Our temps were zero at night with a high of 27 degrees during the day. You need to be towing or at a full hook up campground or your furnace will drain your batteries real fast. My fresh water hose has been frozen a few times, but I was able to use my water pump and fresh water tank.
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Old 12-30-2013, 01:30 AM   #6
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If you are towing a trailer in snow or icy conditions, you need to have chains for your TV AND the trailer. Many states require chains on the trailer for a very good reason. You don't want your trailer to jackknife, which can happen due to the trailer tires having less traction than the TV during breaking on a slick roadway - a very dangerous condition. Best bet is to take your time and not travel during snow/ice on the road.
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