Granted, it’s not frigid in Texas, but the temperatures lately have been under freezing. Would could bundle up and break out the tent but the freezing temps make it unwise to take the travel trailer out. Why? Well, just like your house, the trailer has water pipes and water tanks. Unlike a house, a most trailers don’t have a lot of insulation overall (there are some exceptions) so there is a big risk of freezing and breaking pipes and fittings. So, what are the winter options for RV campers?
Go South – if you’re a full-time or semi full-time RVer you can just go way south for the winter. California, South Texas, Southern Florida are definitely places where it is usually warm enough to be camping this time of year. Many of us are still tied down with those pesky day jobs though, so when the first freeze is coming, the RV is winterized, the cover is put on, and it takes a long winter nap.
Travel locally – this is something we have been trying to do more of this winter. There are always those things you never go see in your own town or region. Go see them now. Make a day trip of it. You’re out, seeing new things and sleeping in your bed at home at night. This is also a good time to visit relatives. We have some in weekend visit range. In the summer we are so busy exploring new places we don’t usually make a stop there. And, while pulling the trailer, the going is slower. So, now we can hop in the car, zoom to their house and spend a nice weekend visiting and seeing their local sights.
Lace up your boots – go hiking in your local state or city park, or try out geocaching. Geocaching can actually be a little bit easier this time of year (if there’s no snow) because there are fewer leaves to hide the cache when you do get close. If you’re in Texas, try out the Texas Geocache Challenge.We all seem to need a little more fitness this time of year anyway.
Fix it – if you have gear that needs to be repaired, spend some weekends now doing it, so you are ready that first weekend it feels like camping weather again. If you don’t know how to fix it, look for instructional videos on You Tube or check your local library for books on the topic. Also, if you have been wanted to add a small bookshelf, change the door handle or do some other type of upgrade to your RV now might be a good time to do it too.
Plan – if you can never go to the campground or state park you want to because it is always booked, get online or call and make some reservations now. Put it on your cell phone calendar or other calendar with an alert to remind you a week before so you don’t forget. Having that reminder a week before will also give you time to cancel the reservation without penalty in most cases. If you’re planning a longer vacation somewhere, start looking for resources. Send for the state travel information guide, see what books are available at the library and start checking the used bookstore. By planning now you should have plenty of time to gather the information you need. Some people get out the seed catalogs – we can get out the travel guides!
