Patrick,

I did very little I think in the way of special preparation, but I did these few things:

Windows: because this is an Argosy and I have wrap around windows at both ends, and all the windows are single glazed. I sealed them with a clear plastic film held to the inside skin with adhesive and then stretched them using a hair dryer. Other wise I would have had severe heat lose but
beautiful paintings by Jack Frost.

Water: I purchased a warming wire for keeping pipes from freezing and ran it along my plastic water hose from the well where the camp water faucet is located at the bottom below the frost line and right up to and into the trailer itself terminating on the water pressure regulator - the wire draws about 2 amps and is controlled by a thermostat. The hose is then wrapped in foam plastic that is pre formed to fit a 1" pipe, but leaving the thermostat exposed and the whole ugly thing is then completely wrapped in duck tape with the exception of the thermostat which should contrary to manufactures instructions be facing outward into the weather.

Holding Tanks - gray & black water: As this is a trailer built by Airstream my tanks are heated via flexible conduits warmed by the furnace. The outlet hoses were protected from the ice and snow and people stumbling by with economical lengths of 4" PVC sewer pipes. I kept my valves closed and dumped the tanks in the accepted way black first followed by gray. I had no problems with the tanks or the sewer lines freezing.

Because the underbelly of the Argosy is sealed and somewhat aerodynamic I did not put skirting material around the bottom, (which is the common practice here) and just let nature and the design build a protecting wall of snow around the perimeter. This effectively kept down frigid drafts from super cooling the bottom.

I also added two electric ceramic heaters to supplement my complaining but valiant furnace. I needed the extra insurance in case the furnace actually died. Basically I ran at low heat the electric heater in the rear, where the furnace thermostat is located, just to balance the output from the furnace, so that it wasn't running non-stop - my propane bill went down and my hydro bill went up!

Oh, yeah I rented a huge propane bomb, something in the mega range of 300 liters and this was serviced by a tanker truck on an automatic and regular basis. Because of this arrangement I purchased my propane at the industrial bulk price.

That's all I had to do, and I donut think it was any big deal. Mind you I did experience the thrill of seeing my interior thermometer visibly moving down at an alarming velocity on the coldest night. but it steadied
at a balmy 55º F. and stayed there, the next morning I added the other electric heater, only as a precaution of course.

John Brooke
from the Tin Tent, 1976 Argosy 28, Ontario Canada

Patrick B Kirkpatrick wrote:

> John,
>
> Well then, you are literal living proof that it is do-able. Could you
> share some tips on how you prepared for wintering? I assume if you had
> little or no problems, you must be a seasoned camper!
>
> What type of support, if any, did the campground provide?
>
> One way or the other, I'm sure you are ready for "the thaw" eh?
>
> Best,
>
> Patrick