Winter check list

[gbaglo]

Next time I put the trailer away for the winter I will top up the propane tanks.
Power went out today at noon and didn't come back until 5pm. No heat in the house, so I turned on the furnace in the trailer. Luckily the trailer is always plugged in to shore power so the battery was fully charged.
After three hours, the trailer had reached 70 degrees. Shortly after that, I ran out of propane. I'm not entirely sure what the situation is ( maybe a tank was turned off ) but it was dark and raining ( or snowing ), so I gave up for tonight.
Went into the house and heard the furnace fan start up. Power is back.
But, if the power were out for several days, I'd be cursing myself for not getting those tanks filled.

[sclifrickson]

Plus, if you keep them topped up you’re always ready to bugout for both impromptu fun trips *and* the Zombie Apocalypse 🧟*♂️

[santacruzer]

After being through two emergencies where electrical power was off for extended periods (floods in '82 and earthquake in '89), I'm totally "Type A" about keeping auto gas tanks at least half full, and plenty of propane on hand...not to mention a back-up generator. I didn't have a trailer then, but now it would serve as a good refuge. Never hurts to be prepared.

[Iowa Dave]

Hi Glenn
Glad to hear you were not severely affected by the power outatage. I patronize a hardware store that will fill propane tanks and only charge for what I get. The guys there really seem to want to step outside for a little fresh air especially on a decent day. So whenever I return from a couple weeks on the road I get my tanks topped off and that’s the last thing I do in the fall when I winterize. With my gas grill and a couple camp stoves I have some extra tanks around too. I will say that although I have a generator I don’t use it often and it gets a little neglected. Emergency preparedness was one of our best liked merit badges in Scouts. The boys liked the opportunity to show their resourcefulness and stay comfortable and well fed in unexpected situations. Living in the country and being fortunate to have plenty of storage in the house and outbuildings certainly gives me peace of mind coming into the winter. Hoping you and Leslie and your family have a nice Christmas and a great 2018.
Iowa Dave and Rita