If you can survive the bitter sub-zero temperatures of Wyoming while living in a camper in the winter, most anywhere else by comparison may seem to be a cakewalk. You may wonder why any sane person would choose to rough it in a camper, travel trailer or RV during these extreme living conditions. The answer is simple. Under certain circumstances, there may not be any other viable option.
Here’s where the true Wyoming winter story begins. My daughter and her little family recently sold their home in order to pay off debt, make a fresh start and acquire a bit more land and space for their animals.
Home prices were insanely high and limited making it impossible to find a replacement home of choice. They did not feel comfortable with boarding their animals, some of which are aging and insecure.
Living in a camper in the winter was their best option
With the circumstances at hand, they elected to purchase vacant land and planned a modest home build. After considering other options, this was the best and only choice for them. They would first construct an insulated garage-shop which they heated and were able to house some of the animals. With the security of being just a few feet away from their fur-babies on their own property, temporary living in a camper in the winter or rather an 18 foot travel trailer seemed doable.
Prepping for the bitter freeze to come
Right around mid October, I knew what was about to hit. I could feel the bitter bite in the air. We planned a trip to the local hardware store and purchased an extra large industrial strength tarp and plumber’s tape. We laid it out on the ground, cut it into 6 foot wide strips and taped it around the entire trailer at a height of approximately 3 feet high, making sure to keep all exhaust and vents exposed and leaving 3 feet of slack on the ground.
Next, we had 18 small straw bails delivered and placed them around the entire perimeter, laying them on top of the bottom slack of the makeshift tarp-skirting. We did this for two reasons:
- Straw bails are heavy and keep everything in place.
- Straw bails are very dense making them great for insulating and preventing freeze of the underbelly while living in a camper in the winter months.
Note that this option may not be allowable in an RV Park or Campground. Be sure to check with the property manager as to what is allowed and follow their specific rules and regulations regarding skirting.
(Warning! Straw bails are very dry and flammable. We placed them on top of the tarp to help shield from any heater that would be placed under the trailer. I am not promoting this solution. I am merely conveying our experience and the solutions we chose. Use at your own risk and discretion).
Other solutions to problems when living in a camper in the winter
Here is a list of other problems you may encounter while camping during the winter months and solutions we found to be helpful:
While your camper or trailer is skirted and immobile
Electrical Supply
It is imperative that you have an adequate electrical supply to plug into – typically 30 or 50 amps. Check your manual for electrical requirements. Ours required 30 amps. We had the local electric company install a temporary power pole and outlet on the property.
Water Supply
Water is another absolute necessity. If you don’t plan on staying at an RV park or campsite, how are you planning to fill your water tank or hook up a water source? We made trips into our local town’s water dock and transported barrels of water back to our trailer until our water well was drilled and ready for hook up. Keep in mind however, whatever can’t be filled will remain in the barrel, will freeze and bust. Water well heads must also be wrapped and insulated to prevent the pipe from cracking.
Propane Supply
You will need propane to operate your forced air heater, water heater and gas stove. Locate your nearest hardware store like Murdocks or Ace Hardware. Fill both tanks and alternate as needed. DO NOT LET THE PROPANE RUN OUT. Your water heater must always be kept on even on a low setting to prevent freezing and your central heat will be needed to prevent freezing of the underbelly.
Sewage/Black Water Pumping
Since your camper or trailer home will be stationary, you will need to plan on how to dump your sewage or black water tank. If you will be located on private land, you will need to contact a local sanitation company to come pump your tank periodically. Some septic contractors will tell you that sewage will not freeze. To be on the safe side, we flushed antifreeze down the toilet periodically, about every two weeks.
Additional Issues you will encounter living in a camper in the winter
Moisture and condensation: The interior walls will sweat profusely!. We got a dehumidifier that solved most of this issue.
Refrigerator malfunction: Unfortunately the exterior vent from the refrigerator should not be blocked. The outside freezing temperatures will result in the coolant becoming frozen and inoperable. We found a fix (but not a solution). To fix the refrigerator, we removed it from it’s space and turned it upside down until it thawed. Once thawed, we placed it back in it’s space.
Door and windows will freeze shut: The windows are not so much of a problem as you will likely not want to open them in freezing temps. You will need to use your door. We kept a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol near the door and would spay around the edges to melt the frost. BE SURE TO KEEP ANY FLAMMABLE LIQUID IN A SAFE PLACE AWAY FROM ANY POTENTIAL HEAT OR FLAME.
A Final Word
Living in a camper in the winter is no doubt difficult, however it can be done. We feel it was a great experience of a lifetime and made us appreciate everyday conveniences all the more. Look ahead and keep your eye on the prize, no matter what it may be!
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