Winter camping in Tab (after winterizing)

jules2go

Anyone with tips that are specific to winter camping in a 2020 Tab 320s, or just any general tips for camping in winter? I'm not necessarily looking for winterizing tips as there is a lot on this in other posts. I'm putting together a "winter camping checklist". Temps where I'll be camping likely will be below freezing (at least at night) but probably above 20. Not sure I'll be out there when it's any colder, at least not for this winter. TIA.  

pthomas745

Some threads here: 

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk011J2ZXtS1fzoPuyt9chJmR0t95yQ:1605150545761&ei=UaesX-iKLoa-0PEPqq8B&q=camping+after+winterizing+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&oq=camping+after+winterizing+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzoECAAQR1DdDVjQR2CoTmgAcAJ4AIABXIgB9xaSAQI0MZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXrIAQTAAQE&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwio99zgg_zsAhUGHzQIHapXAAAQ4dUDCAw&uact=5

And some more:

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk0377jMGZ9u6cwFsweH6pvlWWrpplA:1605150556556&ei=XKesX_TFIZLh-gSFqY-gAQ&q=+winter+camping+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&oq=+winter+camping+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzoECAAQR1CN5gFY658CYKGnAmgAcAJ4AYABfIgBzhaSAQQ0MC4xmAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdpesgBCMABAQ&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwj04-_lg_zsAhWSsJ4KHYXUAxQQ4dUDCAw&uact=5

jules2go

@pthomas745 Thank you!

CandJB

I also want to be able to do some short trip winter camping after I've winterized. I'm a total noob to RV camping and won't be picking up my 2023 320 Boondock until next week. But I've been searching the forum (great forum) and reading a downloaded manual.

I've seen posts that indicate I can use the Alde heater after winterizing as log as I don't reintroduce water into the system anywhere. However, the T@B Owners Manual states in the first time use section of the Alde heater, "Confirm there is no RV antifreeze in the Alde® Domestic Water Tank".

Since the winterizing instructions, as I understand them, will put antifreeze throughout the water lines, this sounds like I won't be able to use the heater after winterization.

Am I missing something and I will be able to use the heater?

 If not, I guess I'm still better off than tent camping :-)

Sharon_is_SAM

@CandJB - by winterizing via the Nautilus, the valves to the Alde are closed and the Alde is bypassed by the Antifreeze, so no antifreeze will reach the Alde.  Antifreeze will be throughout the plumbing lines and you can’t run water, but you can still use the Alde to heat the cabin as it will be free of antifreeze.  So, the glycol within the Alde that is heated and circulated to provide cabin heat is separate from the water contained in the Alde (which will be water free after draining prior to Winterizing).  

WayneW

As @Sharon_is_SAM said, the Alde will work fine without water.  

Are you going to have an electrical hookup?  Electrical power is probably the biggest concern.  Solar isn't going to keep up unless you are only camping for a few days.  A good thing is that the fridge doesn't have to run very much, but you typically use the lights a lot more due to the length of the day. 

A nice rug is a must.  The floor gets cold.  Ventilation can also be an issue.  Even in cold temps, keep the front window cracked and the fan cracked to keep some air flowing.  If you don't you'll end up with a lot of condensation.  

You will probably spend more time in the trailer.  Take good books, card/board games, cribbage, or my favorite, a banjo.  However, it does drive my wife crazy.

CandJB

The places I'm considering now all have electric hook ups. I'd only be staying 2-3 days, more than likely. I was thinking some warm house shoes might work rather than a rug.

I don't have a banjo, but I am learning to play a dulcimer. However, I've been thinking about taking up harmonica since it would take less space and can be just as annoying...

My maiden trip will be Monday as soon as I pick up the T@B. The closest campground has only Class AAA sites and I plan on trying out every feature I can think of in order to check everything out. I also plan to winterize right before heading back home. I'm thinking for the rest of the winter, I'll plan trips around the milder days/nights, and leave the T@B winterized until next Spring.

bjn2

We did an overnighter in our winterized 320. We ran the Alde on propane. It wasn't really cold, but the Alde ran a few times through the night and barely dented battery power. In propane mode, the Alde primarily needs power to run the pump to circulate glycol. I've upgraded to a 100AH LiFePo battery. The solar would easily keep up with the Alde's power needs if the skies are clear (and the battery isn't freezing). If it's cold out, we'll keep food in a cooler outside or in the vehicle rather than run the fridge. 

ColleenD2

We LOVE winter camping. So far we have camped in -4° and another time in 9” of snow for 9 days. We camp more in the cold than we do in the summer. It was fun to hunker down in that snow storm. We always have power and access to a campground toilet. We have rugs on the floor that are thick, washable and rubber backed. They help a lot. I like to wear thick Ugg socks just for fun too. We turn the Alde down to 50 at night and pile on the blankets because I love to sleep cold. We do keep the front window in open lock. We like to bring movies and games and books, spending time in the camper. This past long weekend, we used our crockpot with liners. We don’t wash any dishes, we bag them up and take them home. Lastly, since we don’t have water, I bought a plastic gallon tea container with a spigot that we use for washing our hands outside of the camper and also carry baby wipes. Best of all, we usually have the campground to ourselves.

markc12v30

Do I need to winterize if I am camping for several days in 23 degree weather with heating on in the unit?

bergger

Yes I would winterize the unit and not use the water system in 23 degree weather.  The Alde heat will not protect the tanks, lines or valves under the floor of the trailer.  If you've drained the water system and do not plan on using it you may be ok without winterizing.  But it is a risk.  There may be enough water in say the dump valve or a low point drain etc. that freezes and causes something to crack.  It really only takes a couple of minutes to winterize with antifreeze so I would just go ahead and do that and not risk any damage. 

Sharon_is_SAM

You can still use the toilet and flush with antifreeze.

Homebodyatheart

I have a 2017 320S and experienced snow on my first long trip, March ‘22, in northern Nevada. I was winterized ( because I live in snow country) and my Alde wasn’t working (chased the necessary part from Eastern Washington to Las Vegas) but always carry a small space heater/fan. I planned my route to always have power and was fine. Anyway, I put no liquids down the sink, just a bit more antifreeze if needed, and used the toilet, flushing with antifreeze. Once I made it to Arizona I was able to empty my black tank and use water hookups again. Planning and flexibility is everything, and you can do it! Enjoy your journey!