Travels across canada in October and November

[Destinations]

Soon the Bullet will be on the road again..

I do wonder if anyone has traveled across canada in the late fall with the possibility of snow any day? Is there anyone that might have thoughts on this
great undertaking??

[CanoeStream]

Hi Destinations -- welcome to the Forum!

I've travelled successfully in -8 to -9 C temps. Towing in similar temps you might need to burn the furnace. Don't set the thermostat too high or you'll use a lot of LP! Ask how I know... Set a thermometer under cabinets where your plumbing is located and check at stops while towing. That's the only way to tell if you're keeping your pipes warm enough.

Be cautious. We have seen -15 C temps by the end of Oct -- not often and definitely storm related -- you wouldn't be on the road in those conditions. We did a Lake Superior Circle Tour early last month and it seemed many provincial parks were getting ready to shut things down. Waterton Lakes & Glacier sure were shutting down by mid-Sept on a trip a year ago. So factor commercial campgrounds into your thoughts.

Water in a lot of places might be turned off in campground loops. There frequently is a central location to fill your fresh water tank. I've seen dump station rinse water not available late in the season. You'll be most interested in having an electric plug-in -- the furnace is about the biggest amp draw of anything in your Airstream. I'll set the overnight thermostat to about 50 F so that the motor is not on all the time if I'm boondocking .... and I appreciate a little peace & quiet. It's a challenge running the furnace 2 nights or more on battery power alone. And it takes multiple hundreds of miles on the road for your tow vehicle's alternator to recharge a drained battery.

Keep us posted!

[RMB]

Hi from Vancouver! We have just done a loop around Northern BC and another on Vancouver Island. The Provincial and National campgrounds are essentially deserted and half price to boot. The commercial campgrouds are happy for the business. Some parks close, its true but we have never been wihtout a place for the night. Bring along an electric heater to help share the load with the furnace. I never worry about power because we travel with a Honda 2000 portable generator in the back of the pickup.

Snow and ice? Well, its a reality in our country of course but having lived and driven in the arctic for many years I dont worry about it and am comforatble driving in those conditions. I have driven Edmonton/ Yellowknife at least 30 times in winter. Snow is not a big issue for driving just keep it slow and dont make and quick changes. When it sleets and rains and ice covers the highways, we put on a movie and get a bottle of wine. ;-) But if you live in Edmonton, you know all this!

In a nut shell, do it! Its a nice season.

[CanoeStream]

I remember a mid-autumn thread someone posted early in the evening from high up in the Rockies. It was too late for them to move to a lower altitude, a storm was blowing in, and the forecast was for temperatures approaching -20 C by the next morning. This is only to say -- given any wind, I am not sure that the furnace can keep everything warm enough in such harsh conditions. The furnace does duct some air below the floor that is routed around the tanks. Not sure how much that can be trusted in harsh conditions.

Do a little homework about winterizing on the spot to cover any doubts. Browse through our winterizing subforum. I might be tempted to have only the RV antifreeze and accessories in the back of my truck -- relying on a service station to assist me with their air compressor.

[lpatkins]

Wow are you brave! Only one question why would you want too? Motels seem like alot less hassel. Good luck to you, if you need a place to park look me up.

[RMB]

Originally Posted by lpatkins

Wow are you brave! Only one question why would you want too? Motels seem like alot less hassel. Good luck to you, if you need a place to park look me up.

Ditto here