Re: [A/S] Winter Living

[Lewis A. Lindner <lindner.1@xxxxxxx>]

This is one of those relative questions that has no absolute answer -- it all depends 
upon what you demand.  There are list members who have spent entire winters in their 
a/s's both in Canada and in Iowa -- the only more strigent test would be the Dakotas or 
Wyoming!  The list owner (Hunter) has experience in single digit temperatures, and 
my own (central Ohio) over the past three years has been in about the same range.  

>Can you live in them in the winter when the temperature gets below freezing?  

Yes.

>Can you maintain a decent inside temperature...

Certainly.  However, that is not quite automatic.  In the first place, an unmodified a/s is 
very "leaky".  The a/c, refrigerator, deteriorated seals, and the bathroom are points of 
considerable air intrusion, while thin metal vents and single panes of class permit lots 
of conductance.   Consequently, propane consumption at below-freezing 
temperatures becomes rather attention-getting (and un-green).  But this is easily 
remedied by sealing these areas with a single layer of plastic film.  Some people also 
will object that 1.5 in of fiberglass is rather marginal insulation for below-freezing 
temps, but this really is much less of a contributor -- the plastic film is enough to do 
the trick, at least until the outside temperature drops below zero.

The other issue is that the interiors of especially the '70's a/s's have lots of exposed 
aluminum.  This FEELS cold because it is such a good conductor of heat and the 
body radiates to it so well.  But here again the "fix" is simple: cover it with upholstery 
(say, carpet) up to at least the waistline (as in the newer models).  

With these two modifications, people remain quite comfortable.  

>do you still have to worry about water freezing in the tanks or lines?

Always -- not in the tanks (the furnace circulates air around them) or the lines inside 
the coach, but in the exterior fittings and any hoses connecting to them.  Here the 
traditional remedy is electrical heating tapes and leaving the water dripping.  But these 
are hassles for people who move frequently -- they often just drain their water 
systems and live off of bottled water.

Winter a/s living is not for everyone -- and certainly one of the principle attractions of 
your aluminum hermitage is that you can move it where the temperature is most  
congenial for you, all year around.  But be assured some people do choose to live in 
them in the snow.  I'm sure other list members will have other experiences to 
contribute.

               -- Lew #4239
'72 Safari
bicycle