ScottyGS

I threw a fireplace tool with a 90 degree bend on the end in the basement years ago. Hooks the milk crates I store stuff in pretty good and use it for the campfires too. Won't go without it and am paranoid about leaving it at a campsite.

Having a grand old time reading all the posts. No need for controversy. Not even seeking advice... although I always appreciate the comments and alternate views from the brain trust. This was just one strategy for keeping the pipes from freezing in some very particular circumstances. I thought to share it in case someone was in similar circumstances and would benefit. I do have one observation for everyone that read this post and took a look at the picture I attached. NOT ONE OF YOU! ... Not one... Not even me and I took the picture... Noticed what was lurking outside the window of the trailer. Look again! Scotty

Hey John, Thanks for the comments. Yes.. I did forget some hatches.. will remedy that on colder nights. And, yes 100% of the time is a big ask. But, I monitor things pretty closely and adjust accordingly. The garage even though it's not heated usually stays above freezing. Last night it was right at that number but only for an hour or two. Can't run the heater because it's indoors. And hopefully the power stays on but if not I will have to haul the trailer out and fire up the furnace.... then make a fire in the wood stove to keep the house warm. If I am away I would winterize, and may wind up doing just that when we get back from our trip in mid January. This seemed like the best alternative for short periods and is serving me pretty well. At least it seem to be manageable so far. Thanks for the suggestions.. no matter how well we think we plan.. there is always something. At least the garage is in my back yard so easy to get to if something unplanned for happens. Scotty

Thanks JD ... I used to do the compressed air method. Might go back to it. I set the furnace to 45 if the trailer will be out below freezing but in the garage it's not an option. Happy Camping!

We have a large unheated garage that we store our trailer in. We are in the WNC mountains about 2200 feet asl. It can get cold here in the winter and we have had a week of night time temps ranging from 13 to 35 degrees. Previously I have winterized and that was fine. But.. we are planning a late December into January trip so I did not winterize. So, here is my strategy for your consideration if you find yourself in similar circumstances. Outside temps dropped to 13 degrees by morning. The garage temps are usually 15-20 degrees warmer. A Sensor Push was placed close to the pipes that go to the outside faucet. All hatches were open and a Delonghi oil filled heater, set to 50 degrees was placed in the camper. See photos. In the morning this was the result. Outside Air Temp = 13 degrees. Inside Garage Temp = 33 degrees. Inside camper = 55 degrees. In the hatch where the outside faucets are = about 42 degrees. So, I am thinking this is a pretty good plan going forward and may not winterize again ... Unless I have to be away from home. If the trailer was stored outside and the inside temp was still holding 42 degrees vs. 13 outside... hmmm... don't know if that would work. It's going to be about the same temp tonight so I've already set the heater temp up. BTW... the Sensor Push is pretty awesome. Provides a lot of comfort knowing what happened temp wise inside the trailer. Happy Camping, Scotty

Quick update.... All the numbers previously posted were my best guesstimates. I went to the dump to get a quick weight on the truck after the cap and slide were added and found that they were pretty damn good guesstimates. A Cap (6.5' bed) and slide added about 450 pounds to the overall weight. We took off some weight by removing storage boxes and changing out the running boards. Total payload is about 1500 lbs with full fuel. After me, wife, dog, and tongue weight we have about 500 lbs for gear. All in all still pretty happy with the performance. We'll have a short trip south after the Holidaze so we can see how she handles all in. Scotty

If you just want to get a weight on your Tow Vehicle you can go to your local dump and use their scales for free. Cat will give you front and rear axle and trailer.... very useful. I'm pretty sure they charge about $15 for a weight and $5 for a re-weigh on the same day. So, yes.. very useful to have. They have an app for your phone too. Scotty

I know this has been discussed on the forum but not sure if anyone has done this or if it can be done. Been thinking about the water inlets and the outdoor shower controls. Is there a way to put a shut off valve to the lines going to them? Would it be practical? I am thinking that by shutting off water to the points going out of the trailer and draining it would eliminate those parts of the plumbing system from freeze damage. The rest of it would be kept warm either by the furnace (while camping) or by running a heater inside the trailer with the hatches open (while stored) We have a garage that rarely gets below freezing in winter but it could if outside temps really dropped. Then I would just run the heater over night. TIA, Scotty

Oh....that guy...

Sorry to quote myself but I did re-watch this movie. Very funny... stands the test of time and shows what genius's Lucy and Desi were. Forgot about the whole "rocks" thing and Donna and I were laughing hard at that part. It was funny hearing the "tech" guy explain the brakes using magnets and shook my head realizing that we have the exact same brakes that they did in 1953. Before I was born for crying out loud! The movie is available free on TUBI. You'll have to watch some ads but not too bad. If you have not seen this movie... or not seen in it a while I strongly recommend "The Long Long Trailer" with Desi and Lucy. Scotty

Buddy Heater Jr. and a small ceramic heater (like the Vornado). I carry both as back up if it's going to be cold... like almost freezing cold. The ceramic for when we are plugged in and want to save a bit on propane. The Buddy Jr. for when we are not plugged in and the on board furnace craps out. You will only have to spend one really cold night with a non working furnace before making sure you have a back up plan. Scotty

You were one of the first... probably THE first... to have your trailer ceramic coated. I remember talking to Colin and he said you watched him and the crew the whole time they did the job. I told him that if you were willing to refer them... there was no better endorsement they could have. Well worth it... Now I have to find a detail shop to wash my trailer after each trip. Scotty

Can't recommend CGI and ceramic coating your Oliver enough. I store indoors and they did mine 2 years ago and it looks like new. I am thinking if you cover or store inside you will see at least 5 years before a re-coat is needed. I just washed my trailer yesterday. It had been out doors and was filthy. The dirt just wiped away. Much easier washing (especially those damn bugs) when you have a ceramic coating. So...... while washing the trailer I was thinking. Everyone thinks waxing their trailer is going to be this great Zen-Like experience. Like... you're going to be the next Karate Kid... Wax on.. wax off Daniel-san. Or, at least satisfying when you see the results. Bulls*&$. It's a pain in the A$$. After ten trips up that damn ladder you'll think 3k for ceramic coating is a bargain. Speaking of washing. CGI will recommend special soap to use that will help your coating last.... And there is a spray that can be used after washing that helps as well. Good Luck! Scotty

It works fine. Been on for years. Our original seal around the edge of the propane cover departed this earth after only a year or so. (2016 LE2) It was a pretty flimsy plastic strip. The only problem now might be finding it in white. I did an Amazon search and there are some white edge seals (non trim lok) but only black from Trim Lok. You could measure the thickness and find one that you think will work and if it doesn't look good when it arrives send it back. Amazon is pretty good that way. Good Luck Scotty

I thought it would be cool to mount a Star Link Mini in there. **** My Bad.... I misunderstood OP's post. Thought Claudia was talking about the Winegard Satellite TV antenna. See Picture. Now if we someone other than me... can figure out how to get a Star Link Mini in there... we're golden. Back to my first un-edited post. Full disclosure.... I have not seriously explored actually doing that, nor am I certain that it would even be possible. Just wanted to put the idea out there in case someone more mechanically talented than me would steal the idea and write up a post with pictures, circles, arrows, and a description of exactly how this is accomplished. Then maybe I could think about it some more. Good Luck on the removal... Don't forget to take pictures. Scotty