You did a great job!!! We have a 35ft heartland pioneer and did the foam board all the way around, ran us $200-250 for the board and tape. This is not as easy as it looks when you are making cuts and trying to close all gaps. For us we taped along the edge/little under the belly. We also put a work lamp (it gives off a lot of heat) under our RV to help keep under us warm since our under belly is not very insulated at all. For the drains, we keep ours hooked up as well and the hole needed to open/close the drains we cut a little “door” in the foam and only taped one side like a door and the wind hasn’t knocked it opened. We use the same meters too. We had to get a large dehumidifier though because the condensation is so much on the windows, (outside would be 20-24 and inside would be 65-68 (propane furnace) we’ve even had issues with condensation in some places like where the bed meets the front wall, closets.
Thank you for the feedback! Yes the condensation is no joke in winter time. I did a followup vid to this and show how crazy the condensation got. I have several dehumidifiers and they can't keep up when it's that cold. I just started noticing the condensation issue on the bed on wall recently. I have just been pulling the bed out from the wall when we get up in am. If you have any other suggestions for that one much appreciated!
We have been living fulltime in a rv for over 5 years now . Lowest temps we have delt with was -11 so far . Keep your water with a constant drip when it freezes just like in a house .
They need to replace the propane tank. You need to know how much propane you have and it's the propane companies responsibility to fix this. At least in my state.
It's a smaller company and they have been great to deal with so I'm not gunna fuss about it too much. They said they would come replace it. They even topped off my propane at no charge because of the gauge issue.
Did the same with a camper we owned except also had 3/4" plywood on top of the insulation. We had a milk house heater underneath. Was a 1989 Skyline Nomad and was propane heated. Did great for what it was at -45 in North Dakota. The biggest issue we had was the condensation in the inside. Stay safe, warm, and have a great winter.
Sweet! I have a 78 Skyline Nomad! Actually, I have a brand new RV built up from a bare trailer and then wrapped in the tin from a 78 Nomad. Unexpected cold snap this year is supposed to take it down to like 2F and I don't have time to wrap it. I know the R30 I put under the floor keeps my toes comfy down to about 15F and all the plumbing is on the heated side of the wall, so I'm just worrying about comfort and a few extra degrees at this point. But I have GOT to get a heated hose, because while the pipes are safe, that hose can freeze and then no harm no foul but also NO WATER!
Use Velcro strips. The pieces of Velcro on your camper will be permanent and when you park for a long time, you just attach the skirting. Make it easier for you.
🤯 phenomenal tip! It's like once I'm parked somewhere and skirted I don't wanna move till winter is over! Love this idea, thanks for watching and sharing 💜💜💜
Your cold-weather set up looks pretty good. Two things I would add Bales of Straw going around your skirt. That would help out tremendous with more warmth & wind abuse. Also get ahold of your gas company have them put a splitter on propane bottle. Run a hose directly to a full-size outdoor gas grill. Electric heater underneath on cold nights great idea.
So just a silly bit of advice when applying tape to literally anything if you use a heatgun or a Torch to warm the adhesive before you apply. Tape works a 1000 times better again. A dumb life hack, but it works. I've done this while taping a torrential downpour. Even the crappiest tape works better.
One thing off grid living, buy a heavy insulated tarp. Lay it down back onto it , then do ur skirting. Really helps. I have a 8x24, then I have a 30x50 trap. I use the 30x50 as a base , then 8x24 insulated, then pull the bottom tarp up the side and tape it.
I have been experimenting off grid for a year now, my trailer is a 2 season 28ft and externally insulated with reflectix, half done the 2nd layer today, last year a low of -27F -33C and my primary heater was a 350w omni heater plus 40 mins of my 1500w. My basement with no heat was a low of 33.6F. Now you have a good idea of what I have the new upgrade could work well for you, my entire underside is airtight, this year I added a under rug heater , I put it on some flooring over the reflectix bottom, The Rug buddy is 170w 4kwh , with just the 170w heater it was 23F -5C for 10 hours, the basement was 64.4F 18C , bedroom was 68F 20C , Try tuck tape repair tape, clear and nothing pealed even on the roof after a year of -33 to 40C. If you want to try reflectix I already came up with a plan to bypass the insulated floor with no mods.
If you want to know how full the big gas cylinder is just pour a kettle full of boiling water 💦over it the liquid gas inside will pull the heat out of the water and you will get a wet line showing the actual level of the liquid gas inside the cylinder
For me having the smallest camper I’d feel comfortable in is important . Saves on propane , electric , maintenance effort and costs etc . I have a 21’ v-nose but could live with less being that I’m on my own senior disabled . It can get in the 20sF overnight here but haven’t had problems with cold long as I keep a trickle flowing out the tap . No skirting but the camper floor is foam insulated plus I’ve got a backup propane heater case the main fails . Summer heat is more an issue here so I have a backup ac as well . Nice work putting up that skirting 👍
I think with our horrific economy a LOT of us are living in campers on friends or families property, it's fun but a sad thing that our economy crashed so hard. Think before you vote, we don't want war mongers anymore...and we need the housing market to get back to normal....it's way way out of control now. Anyway, off topic, Great video thank you and we LOVE Oso!!
Im a Pinter that does a lot of exteriors. You might be able to find some white exterior tape. The “exterior” part is what matters. UV resistant and is designed too stick amazing outside even after it gets wet but still peals away nice. It’s not cheap tho. I use it in yellow colour. 👍
Thank you for the video and putting us at ease. We are in Macon Mo and needing to spend the winter here due to medical reasons, you have helped put our mind at ease knowing that it can be done. Now I need to find a local propane company to cone set us up a tank and get the supplies to skirt out TT.
Great video, lots of info. All just really practical advise and experience based stuff. Love it. I'm in Missouri too, so yeah, we get some wicked winds.
you are wonderful! i can learn a lot from you, im on my way to buying and living in a box truck, this rent in louisville kentucky is killing me, im very impressed in your RIG i will keep following you THANKYOU!
I was hopping for good beginner tips but as someone who live in texas. I see this video only for cold climates tips and that’s something I just don’t have to worry about.
the reason i choose a box truck to live inside cause its size its bigger than a one bedroom apartment and i can HIDE in any city and its stealth looks like a regular commercial license vehicle and i will keep the license plate as a commercial vehicle, i subscribed cause i like how both of you are making it happen surviving in this f**k up america, im 58 yrs old and i never thought i would see this 55 million homeless people in america so sad to say.
Oh nice, you will be just fine. I was far more stressed about it then I should of been. Just do some prep work now and you'll be set. Just make sure skirting is buttoned up keep that heat pumping! You got this!
Nice video, you done a good job, I subscribed. Don’t worry too much about the freeze up. If it’s insulated underneath, and you keep the furnace on, even if it’s turned way low, as long as it kicks on, you generally won’t have a problem. I’ve done this for years. I enjoy some of the tips people are giving. You’ve got this!
@@WanderingDryad-we6sy you’re so welcome. It can’t hurt skirting it anyway. I’ve never done it, always had a heated, insulated underbelly and never had any problems. I’ve been through several very hard freezes but never any major issues. You’ll be fine. Keep up the good videos. Thank you.
In my opinion, I would have installed J-channel all the way around the bottom and intalled skirting as needed. No tape to mess up the trailer. Then when you want to move, remove the skirt, move the trialer, reinstall the skirt, good to go.
I've just purchased a used fifth wheel and will be putting it on some land out in the country. I came upon your channel doing a little research on what full time permanent RV living will be like. So much to learn. I enjoyed this video. You have a nice easy presentation. I'll be checking out some more of your videos. I'll be moving from a 4 bedroom house to a 36' trailer. Although in the past I have rented a travel trailer, I know almost nothing about trailer living. Your idea of putting gravel around the bottom of your insulation to cut down on drafts is something I hadn't heard before. I'll definitely try that.
That's awesome good luck to you! I've def done plenty of trial and error. Working on a video now of my most recent error. Been in the negatives for past 2 weeks and I've slacked off on some things this winter. More to come thanks for the support!
Thank you for posting this! My husband and I are looking to move into an RV untill we can get a house. Unfortunately we’re in the northeast so I’m very nervous about living in it during the winter… we’re going to be stationary and I couldn’t really find any videos showing someone’s set up that actually works. I honestly could care less what it looks like if it keep me warm I’m good. Getting an RV is way cheaper vs rent. But thank you thank you!! Any other tips you have for camping in the cold please post! You literally saved our day!😁
That's so sweet thank you for the support! I def cannot know what it is like that far north. I plan on putting out a video of something I encountered this past winter at -10 nothing major. We have been in the middle of our move finally! I have 2 and a half yrs under my belt in that camper so I have as much knowledge of midwest winter to encourage you forward. I just haven't had the time to edit and get it out atm. Once I'm settled I plan on putting more out. Then onto our next chapter of barndo living. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.
The propane company should replace the entire tank. They get old. I’ve heard of some propane tank connections freezing up, would it be good to wrap it all? It’s good to have a little ventilation under your trailer. It looks great 👍
Thank you! Yeah it was their last one, they said as soon as another one came available they would replace this one. So far no freezing connection issues.
There is a plastics squeegee that helps secure the tape much better than by hand. Go to the HVAC shop and ask if they have some?? Installers use them to heat the tape and secure it. It heats up with friction. As you apply light pressure to the tape it kinda “hears the adhesive to secure it best.
I added 2 diesel heaters to my rv,that has add a second heat source and I set them to about around 65f to 68f.i can run my diesel heater on low and get about 10 hour to a gallon of diesel.
Have you thought about buying some spray paint (rattle cans) for those skirting panels? It would really make those shiny insulated panels almost completely disappear. 😉
The cold is my biggest thing with this. Well my 2nd biggest thing. I live in a very cold winter climate and want to make sure I'm not constantly running out of propane, but finding parking is like a slap in the face. Everyone is crying broke and say they could use an extra couple hundred a month, but not a single person would let me rent space from them, so I'm at the point where I'll have to hit crown land and push the trailer with my back every 3 weeks to be compliant.
I feel you, winter with enough propane has not been bad. I've been very fortunate with having family close to let me rent a spot. But have rented montly at a couple parks as well just depends on the options in your area.
so our rv is going to stay on the property so its kind of permanent while we build our house but we put this same skirting on then i got a bunch of pallets and broke them down and covered that all the way around for looks but let me tell you summer was cooler in the rv and last winter was much warmer in the rv
Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. I’ve been in my 5th wheel since June 2014. I live at my mom’s to help her. She’s 92. My 5th wheel is parked halfway under a rv cover because the three slides and height didn’t work. I was able to get some T-111 siding I cut up and used for skirting. I use heat tape around my water line to keep it from freezing. I had to change my toilet as a bracket broke and the second time it filled the underbelly and pulled it down. I still need to have the permanent repair done on it but it is setting back up for now. A friend helped me install an extension trench to the shop’s septic tank hookup. We installed pvc pipe in the new trench and pvc pipe from the trailer to the corner of the shop where we ended the trench/pipe. My grey water tanks traps don’t work so they are always hooked in to the system so when I flush the black tank I need to fill it with water and do an extra flush for a clean out. My bedroom floor was always cold so I insulated the ceiling in the basement as well as the pipes in there. My unit is a 2003 so things have gradually gone bad and I’m broke taking care of mom. It means things like the furnace going out calls for two to three little heaters carefully placed and monitored. One is plugged into a heavy duty extension cord that is plugged directly into the shop. I avoid blowing fuses that way. The fridge quit working so I have an electric fridge where the dining table would be. I do save on propane usage since I primarily use it for cooking on my stove top. The water heater is on electric with propane backup. I have a washer hookup for a combo machine in my bedroom closet. They are ridiculously expensive so I do my laundry at my moms house. A huge thing for the rv is to install plastic window coverings on the inside of my “house”. I use HVAC tape but do have to keep pressing it down against the wall occasionally. It makes a big difference. I like the use of insulation you’ve done for skirting. It looks like you have the shiny on one side kind. You might try foam board with a covering of plastic next time. It shouldn’t fall apart as easily as the white beaded side of the foil covered type. And dumping grey water on the ground will eventually start stinking. Can you make a dry well with a fifty gallon drum and River rock?
Sounds like you have a solid set up. It definitely does help to be more stationary through the winter months. We are debating on when we need to throw skirting on again for this coming winter. I'm holding out as long as I can.
I understand that. Gotta factor in how much it costs to park it somewhere. Don't know your area but that can make a big difference on if it's worth it or not.
I'll tell ya Zip tape is the stickyest tape you will find it's used in constructrion when installing new windows Lowes and Home depot has it , just a thought good luck .
I will give you all a tip that you’ll love and thank me for….. the best insulation to use is ………. Kao wool …… it doesn’t burn…. And the heat and cold doesn’t go through it…… it’s the insulation used in melting metal in the furnaces ….. if you can melt metal but it doesn’t catch fire …. Do you think it will keep the heat in and cold out or cold in and heat out …. Yep … you’re welcome….
Would you recommend wrapping the hoses in insulation? I have mine parked next to a connex to help prevent wind chill but this will be my first winter in a 3 season so I'm trying to do anything and everything to prep it for the colder months
Thanks so much for making this detailed video. I also live in Missouri and am planning to buy my first RV in 2024 to full time at the end of 2024. Super helpful information. New subscriber here!
I'm a Missourian living in Iowa and very much considering buying and RV to live in full time. I can't seem to decide on the location I want to live permanently in. But I figure I'm trying to get closer to my family in the KC area as well. Trying to find places to park an RV.
@@malloriebuckler6441 moved from Iowa, mom has a lakehouse in missouri, and I I'm in GA going through the same process ! I posted something on facebook in a few different community neighborhood groups and got really lucky with some of the responses. Secured a discrete location closeby with water and electricty for $400 a month. . Just a thought to consider since rv campgrounds aren't always the cheapest !! Ya have to open to people coming back and scrutinizing you of course. Good luck
Try some Gorilla tape next time. That stuff STICKS. Like, even when you want it to come off, it won't, (until you get out the Goo-Gone, anyway, LOL). Cold weather tips from a Minnesota girl whose spent many winters in crappy old trailer houses...Wrap heat tape around all your plumbing. It costs almost nothing in electricity to run it non-stop all winter, but makes a huge difference to prevent frozen pipes. If you use some of that insulation board to box around any exposed tanks or drain pipes/hoses, a simple 40 or 60 watt tungsten light-bulb (NOT LED) inside the box will generate enough heat to keep them from freezing most days (if it's -40F, it won't be enough, but you can always switch to a 100w bulb instead for those days, or even have two light bulbs in there to double the heat). Be wary of running a space heater under your trailer because of condensation. There needs to be airflow/ventilation to prevent condensation build up. Like you, I wouldn't want to deal with that black tank any more than I had to, especially in the winter. I'd probably use a bag-lined bucket and kitty-litter in the winter and just haul it away with the garbage. The last thing you need is frozen waste in your black tank.
Great advise we are working to hunker down again this winter. This is my 3rd winter in it and I'm trying to get a little better every year. I will def be refining my methods again. Survived the -7 last year 🤞
I just moved from Texas to Missouri a few months ago I live in a fifth wheel on my daughter's property. I am freaking out a little bit about the winter's here in Missouri. Worried more about my water freezing than anything. I have 2 pit bulls that keep me warm. I may change my tune on that once winter really hits.
Awesome video! My only critique, to save you and viewers money, instead of 2 x 4s use decent landscaping or tent spikes. Other than that for money saving, perfect video! Thanks!
Actually, one more thing. Since you're saving money on the 2 x 4s, you could get Flex Tape. It's expensive, but I live in Northwest Montana in a 5th wheel. Flex Tape is incredible.
Great video. I may wind up living in a 4 season one in a few years and I need to know these things. So helpful and I will subscribe so I know how things are going with you.
That's awesome! I highly recommend it, the most liberating thing I've done. Appreciate the support so much! When you take that leap I'd be happy to answer any questions I can, still going to be putting out content along the way!
Wandering Dryad Thank you so much. I'm taking care of my 86 year old mom and she's getting pretty frail. Her health isn't very good but after she passes, which I hope isn't for a good long while yet, her house is sold and bills paid off what's left over gets split with my brother. That money has to buy me a roof over my head and help me to pay my bills along with social security. It's looking pretty bleak and has been really stressful.
I'm not sure, I really wouldn't see the need in that. The skirting does the job just fine. My skirting all blew away in storm last year and I went to hay bales instead. So far the styrofoam keeps it warmer underneath
What are you draining your gray and black waters into? Is that a DIY septic? Also, I see your close to a building or house? Do you use their electricity or run exclusively off propane? How much propane cost do you average per month?
Draining into a legitimate septic system. Power is running from the house. Staying at my sister's place and pay rent until our house is built. Worked out well.
Awesome video. 🙏🙏 Im going to have to move to a friend's house but there's not enough room inside. Im moving there to help support my buddy's wife while he's in prison so she doesn't loose the property and i either have to convert the garage to a living space or live in a camper outside. Those are really the only two options other than buying a shed and insulating it. Do you have any ideas other than what I mentioned?
You are attempting to winter in a 3 season stick and tin camper, that’s about the bravest thing I’ve ever heard of! No wonder you need a 300 gallon canister of propane! LOL! Great video, excellent skirting job, nicely done! Might I suggest a used Azdel sided trailer? They have more than twice the R values than a stick and tin camper like yours. ❤😊
@@WanderingDryad-we6sy - Good for you! ❤️ My experience in a rented stick and tin did not go well, LOL! Cold, heater ran a lot, ran out of propane over the weekend (2x20), battery was near death, had to charge with the truck, and driving to the reunion in the rain we had water inside everywhere. So… color me jaded. 🙃
@Erin Thor oh wow that sounds rough. I will say I have been extremely happy with this particular camper. I'll just tip my hat to grand design then and consider myself lucky.
@@WanderingDryad-we6sy - Grand Design is one of my favorites, after visiting several RV shows early 2022 I found their quality way above other manufacturers. They clearly care about what goes out the door, and I assume about value to their customers. If you ever do think about upgrading/trading in, consider one with Azdel siding and 4 season warranty. 😎❤️
Maybe double sided tape on the inside of insulation then stick to RV they try outdoor tape as reinforcement, might be a good idea to fill your little propane tanks as backups just in case. Rv looks great!
Interesting. Did you do a video during the cold snap when it got the lowest and what the temps inside got to? Are your windows double-paned? Thanks for this vid.
very nice trailer and lot and how you got it set up, i see your in process of making the trim and everything, should look very exelant later on, let me know if theres any lots that do 5th wheels, like beast 5th wheels
Im at this moment. Been traveling up to Wyoming. Underbelly is like yours heated so they say and enclosed. I put up this clear plastic on windows to keep some cold out. I got light foamy reflexive type stuff for some other windows and my gawd....tape!! Stuff makes me MAD. Have not used propane yet and almost in Omaha right now. I got two fireplaces and space heaters when need be. I dont use blk tank and always dump grey tanks to travel. First the dealership was going to add stuff to winterize my rig but then they didnt. Glad. Cause i would of wasted it all. Im not sure what my future holds. Im extremely poor. Went to move and i thought my portion of the inheritance was coming in. Well nothing has yet. My fate is sealed up in the "when". I had liked rhe E.Z. snap skirting made for trailers. But yeah....who knows
I'm curious as to why you aren't using an HVAC quality duct tape? It will withstand wind snow rain name it and for removal Goo BGone or a similar product. I'm new to you and I'm West of you. Lived in Palm Springs so trust I know stupid winds of 60-80. Looks brilliant.
Do you own or rent your propane tank? You mentioned you were in Missouri, I'm in NE Arkansas. No propane companies around me will rent the 420 lb ASME and they won't rent me a 250 gallon if its hooked upto my RV. Of course I can BUY a 420 lb $875 plus regulator, hoses etc. Just wondering what your experience was related to propane.
Hell yeah thank you for this! I know alot bout homes but it's like campers are different in a lot of ways. I've got straw along my bottom as well as I see in the comments. But looking for something better looking and you nailed it. For the water lines I've got the heated tap and I'm wanting to say 3 inch foam because I actually ran my hot and cold from my place to my dad's lol. It began when the propane wouldn't heat the water good enough lol. I do have a question though if you have a problem with stink bugs and a solution?
I used hay my 1st winter because I didn't secure foam board well enough and wind storm took me out. Ppl worried about mice but my cat took care of that. Stinkbugs I have not had an issue with. The ladybugs got crazy but I make sure to spray around the outside specially around the support stabilizers where anything can climb up and my basement area. I'm going with thinner foam board this year it's easier to work with.
are you using a plastic applicator squeegy to apply the foil tape? from the look of the tape it doesnt look like it. That tape sticks to anything properly applied
