Shoulder Season Camping

[NuthatchBC]

In an effort to have one last "kick at the can", we're planning to head north to do some canoeing and take in the fall colours (mostly yellow) in northern BC. I've been checking the weather forecasts and have noticed that the night time temps are hovering around the freezing mark. This has me wondering if we should drain the fresh water tank and just use bottled water. Day time temps are in the 13-15C (50-60F) range so maybe that's warm enough to hold off any freezing overnight? Anyone done any shoulder camping that could provide some advice from experience?

Doug

[cpaharley2008]

We camped last Halloween when it dropped below freezing, no problems with the water in the fresh tank, we had the foam underneath. Later on, at Christmas, after draining the fresh tank and winterizing we camped down to 15 degrees with electric hookups only, again no problems.

[NuthatchBC]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

We camped last Halloween when it dropped below freezing, no problems with the water in the fresh tank, we had the foam underneath. Later on, at Christmas, after draining the fresh tank and winterizing we camped down to 15 degrees with electric hookups only, again no problems.

We don't have the underside foam. I'm really only concerned about the piping from the fresh tank to the trailer. Those runs are pretty short so maybe they wouldn't freeze readily. Everything else is inside so no worries there. Just trying to err on the side of caution.

Doug

[padlin]

When in doubt and there are bathrooms available, I dry camp.

I did recently read about one of the members using a water jug hooked up to the winterizing T.

[steve dunham]

We have a camping trip planned for mid October .In our area most campgrounds start shutting down after Labor Day and after Oct 1st the water systems have been shut down and
winterized . The bathrooms and showers are also shutdown and locked
We do not use the plumbing system in our trailer when camping in the shoulder season . We use the pit toilets in the parks and haul water in jugs and dump our gray water in the pit toilets or use it to extinguish our camp fires .
Our method may be inconvenient but to me it’s far better than damaging the plumbing in our trailer and creating a bunch of unnecessary repairs.

[yardsale]

Shouldn't have any problems if temps rise to the 50's during the day. Should be beautiful!

[Loren & Cathy]

We have the heat pads but never have used them. One time it was briefly in the upper 20s but wit the insulation, no problem. You’ll be fine and enjoy. Loren.

[PleinAirCedar]

We are thinking of camping in late October in Colorado at about 8000' (2438 meters). It could snow but probably not much and the temps would be near freezing or a bit below at night and maybe slightly above during the day. We DO NOT have foam underneath. Any suggestions as to if the water holding tank and piping will be alright? We are not going to use the washroom, either shower or toilet. Thanks so very much.

[padlin]

if you are not using the bathroom, just go dry. it's really not a big deal.