Steve,
Is there a particular rig you are asking about?
Is there a particular rig you are asking about?
Trailer LIfe Question
Did not want to highjack the thread selling the 2010 Travel Trailer, so started this new one....anyone have experience with these types of units in the "extreme" areas? Not totally extreme, but mean like up in the White Mtns or PHX type of climates? looking long term living for a short term period--if that makes sense. Thinking of taking a roaming type job where you support parks and must have your own camper. And thinking something like this might be an option. I have to think that they are NOT well insulated for cold but would not take much to keep them warm? Same with cool in the summer time. Thinking something small so easy to pull and set up, heat and cool less of an issue. Thanks for any input--
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Kinda just throwing it out there--any recommendations?Steve,
Is there a particular rig you are asking about?
Gpa might be able to answer about extreme winter
Buy Lots of fans and a warm sleeping bag, Problems solved. I know you got a generator, buy a small window air unit for cool, most trailers have heaters, but eat your batterys, but you also got solar, so really no problem I see. Other then you got to have tow vehicle powerful enough to pull it in AZ everchanging roadways.
kinda my initial thought as well....been looking at these opportunities to travel as you want, work at some RV Parks for free space and spare money....nothing big....easy to put fans around and be cool (my major concern)--not to worried about cold so much, except if I am not thinking about something...Buy Lots of fans and a warm sleeping bag, Problems solved. I know you got a generator, buy a small window air unit for cool, most trailers have heaters, but eat your batterys, but you also got solar, so really no problem I see. Other then you got to have tow vehicle powerful enough to pull it in AZ everchanging roadways.
Frozen pipes is a concern. Run a propane heater. Most sites should have a hookup for host. Lifepo4 batteries beats lead acid but cost more up front. They will last longer and run longer.
I have a 30' Gulfstream Independence I keep in Minnesota (land of extremes).
I spend six weeks or so during fall/winter.
With the bedroom in the back, I keep that about 60 degrees for a week with a Buddy running off a 40lb tank.
I also have a double wide 15 degree sleeping quilt that is awesome.
Warm weather is actually trickier- especially 90s and 90 percent humidity. I've been thinking about solar and a window a/c unit but they draw so much juice. For the month or so I spend in the summer, right now I just use a big box fan and have it blow right on me.
I spend six weeks or so during fall/winter.
With the bedroom in the back, I keep that about 60 degrees for a week with a Buddy running off a 40lb tank.
I also have a double wide 15 degree sleeping quilt that is awesome.
Warm weather is actually trickier- especially 90s and 90 percent humidity. I've been thinking about solar and a window a/c unit but they draw so much juice. For the month or so I spend in the summer, right now I just use a big box fan and have it blow right on me.
thanks all!!
Steve , most if all of that type of service, such as a campground host, has a season. Mostly closed in the winter months, up north anyway. Seasons probably vary some but I would say late October is probably about it so cold weather won’t be as much of a concern. If that is what you are thinking of doing, you’ll have a spot with service, sewer and water\ electric. So running the genny shouldn’t be an issue either. The last concern is how far in advance you have to volunteer to get a spot. Otherwise seems like a good gig for a retiree. Id be up for it in my later years.
Become an Arizona State Parks volunteer! | Arizona State Parks (azstateparks.com)
Become a Volunteer - Volunteer With Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Steve, you'd be fine even in your little rig. My wife and I camp every year in our pop-up in below freezing temps. With hook-ups at AZ State Parks we have heated mattresses and take along a small ceramic space heater, no need to use propane. In the summer months we have an AC unit on the pop-up. For most of our trips we zip together two 20 degree flannel bags, if I'm solo fishing or hunting I bring along a 0 degree mummy bag. It's all about preparation with good gear, and even if you didn't have hook-ups you've got the generator, bring along extra fuel and propane and you'll be just fine. Most sites have water hook-up at the very minimum, we keep our plumbing connection from freezing with a solar light string, it provides just enough warmth.
Become a Volunteer - Volunteer With Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Steve, you'd be fine even in your little rig. My wife and I camp every year in our pop-up in below freezing temps. With hook-ups at AZ State Parks we have heated mattresses and take along a small ceramic space heater, no need to use propane. In the summer months we have an AC unit on the pop-up. For most of our trips we zip together two 20 degree flannel bags, if I'm solo fishing or hunting I bring along a 0 degree mummy bag. It's all about preparation with good gear, and even if you didn't have hook-ups you've got the generator, bring along extra fuel and propane and you'll be just fine. Most sites have water hook-up at the very minimum, we keep our plumbing connection from freezing with a solar light string, it provides just enough warmth.
it does seem like a great gig for sure!! You are right about the services, maybe not much to be concerned about then. Many do seem to have a "season" but there seems to be a few year round opportunities. I am seeing lots of IMMEDIATE needs due to people cancelling. Maybe not this season, but getting info for next...Steve , most if all of that type of service, such as a campground host, has a season. Mostly closed in the winter months, up north anyway. Seasons probably vary some but I would say late October is probably about it so cold weather won’t be as much of a concern. If that is what you are thinking of doing, you’ll have a spot with service, sewer and water\ electric. So running the genny shouldn’t be an issue either. The last concern is how far in advance you have to volunteer to get a spot. Otherwise seems like a good gig for a retiree. Id be up for it in my later years.
Thanks
thanks!!Become an Arizona State Parks volunteer! | Arizona State Parks (azstateparks.com)
Become a Volunteer - Volunteer With Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Steve, you'd be fine even in your little rig. My wife and I camp every year in our pop-up in below freezing temps. With hook-ups at AZ State Parks we have heated mattresses and take along a small ceramic space heater, no need to use propane. In the summer months we have an AC unit on the pop-up. For most of our trips we zip together two 20 degree flannel bags, if I'm solo fishing or hunting I bring along a 0 degree mummy bag. It's all about preparation with good gear, and even if you didn't have hook-ups you've got the generator, bring along extra fuel and propane and you'll be just fine. Most sites have water hook-up at the very minimum, we keep our plumbing connection from freezing with a solar light string, it provides just enough warmth.
My experience here around Flagstaff and in the San Juan's in CO. Trailers aren't insulated well, they are hot boxes in the summer and ice boxes in the winter.Did not want to highjack the thread selling the 2010 Travel Trailer, so started this new one....anyone have experience with these types of units in the "extreme" areas? Not totally extreme, but mean like up in the White Mtns or PHX type of climates? looking long term living for a short term period--if that makes sense. Thinking of taking a roaming type job where you support parks and must have your own camper. And thinking something like this might be an option. I have to think that they are NOT well insulated for cold but would not take much to keep them warm? Same with cool in the summer time. Thinking something small so easy to pull and set up, heat and cool less of an issue. Thanks for any input--
You want a "4 season" trailer. Heating pads on the tanks, better insulation all around.
Using a window AC seems to work much much better than the roof mounted ones. You want exhaust fans on any hatches. A Mr Heater Buddy heater will more than keep the place warm in the winter.
Like other have said though, lot depends on the setup. If you have hookups, you're golden.
Lithium or otherwise sealed batteries are the way to go. You will want to convert belly space to house them. Get them inside and off the tongue. Make sure they still have venting. But this will keep them warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Greatly extend overall life and charge cycles.
You'll want blocks to park on, and covers for the tires.
Depending on the size of your rig and location, if you can rig up sun sails over it, they are well worth the price of admission.
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