We planned on being in SC or one of the other southern states by this time, but life threw a monkey wrench in to the works and so we are still here, freezing off our behinds.
We are aware that the cold temperatures extend further south than normal, but at least they warm up above freezing during the day, more so then where we are in WV.
Wintering in frozen West Virginia. |
Satellite dome swept off so we can watch Dish Network. |
One thing I had to do was buy an Extend-A-Stay tee to hook up an external propane tank so that we would not have to break camp when we ran out of propane with the on board tank.
I got it installed fine, but still need to support the regulator by screwing it down so the valves will not break while traveling down the road.
Extend-A-Stay tee installed to the on board propane tank. |
With the Extend-A-Stay valve, I can rotate propane tanks and not have to take the RV to get more propane. Currently I am using two 30 pound tanks.
30 pound propane tank hooked up to Extend-A-Stay tee. |
I supplement with electric space heaters, which this RV park does not have a problem with, but they do not heat the basement of the RV, so you really need to use your propane heaters to do that and if the temperature gets really low, you have to supplement that heat with electric too or at least I do.
My two 30 pound propane tanks used to heat the RV. |
Also since the sewer line does not have a perfect elevation from the RV to the sewer, every time I drain either the black or grey tanks, you have to make sure you get all the liquid out of the line so that it does not freeze up. If it does freeze then it will either bust your line or not let you drain your tanks or both.
Electric heater to keep everything from freezing up when temps get into single digits. |
Filling up the fresh water storage tank the lazy way. |
Filling up the fresh water tank. |
Beautiful hills of West Virginia. |
Ice cycles on the RV. |
Ice and snow building up on slide covers. |
Kenny, the owner of the park, came to our aid when he found out we were frozen up, which we really appreciate! He has offered us heaters, tools, and skirting material to help us out. He is another great person, like so many other park owners we have met in our travels.
I will probably put some type of skirting around the RV to keep the cold air from blowing underneath, which should help some too, but just have not done it as of yet.
When we bought the RV we always said that we would winter in warm climates and summer in cool climates, but life does not always cooperate with your plans and sometimes seems to work against them.
We were already going through a rough time with a death in the family and now we get to have more grief with the cold temperatures. I guess that is just the way it is and that it could be much, much worse, so we will take what we have.
Even though we have to adjust and it may seem like we are struggling with the cold, we still love our RV lifestyle and do not plan on quitting it any time soon. Once you learn how to prep for the extreme temperatures, that is one more problem beat and then you can concentrate on something else be it good or bad.
It is all what you make of it, so make it good!
Please pray for us and our family during this time of struggle while we pray for God to bless you.
Thanks!
Don, Misty, and Kids...
I am sorry to hear that you have gotten stuck in such bitterly cold weather. We also are going through a lot of propane lately. Thankfully, we are not as North as you are, but it is still pretty chilly here. Not sure if you have a Good Sam's card or not, but you can save money on propane, fuel, camp sites, etc. We use ours as Camping world's and get ours for $1.99 on Tues. & Wed. Here is Good Sam's website if you are interested in finding out more about their program and where you can use it. http://www.goodsamclub.com/whyjoin.aspx
ReplyDeleteHope this info can help save you some money and I am also sorry to hear about your loss, I will pray for your family.
Wendy,
DeleteThanks for the information and prayers. We are Good Sam's members and we do try to take advantage of any and all discounts. Currently we purchase our propane from a local hardware store that does not give a Good Sam's discount, but they are the cheapest in our area.
God bless and thanks again!
Don, Misty, and Kids...
LivelyRV
Oh my, Im so shock to see you amidst the snow and freezing temps. I pray that the kids are doing fine despite being homebound these days. I can not imagine what you are going through there in the cold.
ReplyDeleteI pray that you will be comforted and strengthened during this very tough time.
-MonaLiza
MonaLiza,
DeleteThanks for the prayers and concern!
We are doing fine and as long as it does not get into the single digits, we keep the water from freezing and such. The worse part is the cost of propane to keep warm, but as long as we do not run out, I can keep the RV more than warm enough.
We have taken advantage of the ice to play on the creek some which you can check out at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201282036323025&set=vb.1535768286&type=2&theater if you are interested.
We are not 100% sure when we will leave, but probably around the end of Feb, we hope.
Thanks again and God bless!
Don