Winter Camping

crocha617 · 10-20-2011, 05:24 PM

I have a 2004 Jayco Eagle 305 BHS 5th wheel and I just signed up for a winter camping package at Normandy Farms in Foxboro - It runs Nov. 1st - April 1st with unlimited camping & use of their facilities on the weekends. My question is should I get some type of cover for it for the winter? I'm worried about snow and ice damming up and water infiltration etc... I can close the slide-out when I'm not using it but I don't know if I can get a cover that has zippers in the correct locations of the slide-out that would allow me to cover it while using it.
Does anyone have this same camper and know of a cover that will do what I need?

**norty1** · 10-20-2011, 07:00 PM

Never heard of one that you could camp in when it was installed.

clutch · 10-20-2011, 09:35 PM

Slide toppers might be a good idea for winter camping. I would carry a ladder long enough to clear off snow from the slides at the least.

Rustic Eagle · 10-20-2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crocha617

snip.....My question is should I get some type of cover for it for the winter?.....snip

IMO I wouldn't put a cover over your 5th wheel, even if it did allow for opening the slide(s). Since you will be using it during the winter months I would be more worried about a cover creating major condensation issues. Also, your vent pipes would be restricted as well as your furnace vent on the sidewall.

Bob

3'senough · 10-21-2011, 08:18 AM

There's a thread going in the motorhomes section on this cover topic if you want to read and follow it. As far as covers go I had one on my last TT and it did little to actually protect the unit. In fact it ripped within 3 months and will do more damage from scratching and moisture build up as Eagle mentioned above. If your intent is to camp in the unit with the cover on you could be risking your lives. If CO built up without anyplace to go or the cover fell over the furnace vent a fire could start. Give the unit a good coat of wax to fight the UV rays.
As far as winter camping goes my hats off to you for wanting to do it through the winter. These rigs take about 4-6 hours to get the chill out of their bones before it feels comfortable enough to relax in. You will go though some major propane usage in doing so.
One thing you might experience in doing so is that let's say that there is snow on your unit. If you go in and heat your unit up that snow on the roof is going to melt. If it all does not melt once you depart you could have a re-freeze and that is when the damage could start to happen (daming, icicles)as the ice expands in crevices it finds if you have any. Also you will not have use of any water amenities in your unit due to winterization requirements. Your unit could and most likely run out of propane in a weeks time between the hot water heater and heating the unit leaving it prone to freeze up and major damage.

I don't mean to rain on your parade it's just my observation and some things I would caution to look out for. We do however get those thaw periods which would make the experience enjoyable and without issue. Last winter was too long...

Myles6543 · 10-21-2011, 02:01 PM

Hello 617,
Sounds awesome to me. All of the cautions listed above are great ones. I'm not sure what your slideout is like, but mine has an awning over it. There is no way it could withstand any snow build-up what so ever. I'm sure there is a way to remove it, but no clue how. Still it sounds like an adventure that should prove to be a great learning experience. Most people go south for the winter, my hat is off to you.

clutch · 10-21-2011, 03:36 PM

I have a like new cover that fit our 32' Montana. Still in the bag.

clutch · 10-21-2011, 03:38 PM

I have a like new cover that fit our 32' Montana. Still in the bag. I heard to many negative things to use it. It will go to Craigs List when we get home.

crocha617 · 10-22-2011, 05:52 AM

I've seen those negative things as well about covers. I guess I'll try without it. I probably won't stay in it at all once the weather gets ugly. I live very close and just wanted to be able to go over from time to time and use their indoor pool and fitness club and maybe watch a Patriots game once in a while. If we have some mild weekends w/o alot of snow maybe I'll crash their. My spot is right near the shower and Bathroom facilities so I won't need the water running. It's a pretty great place they have about 200 people so far signed up for the winter deal.

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