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Topic ClosedCan Pod be set up for use in winter

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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Can Pod be set up for use in winter
    Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 11:34am
Was wondering if there are any mods etc that could be done so one could use the Pod during the winter months?
JohnOuch
John Kris "Lady Sarah" our Golden
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 12:03pm
Make sure that the POD is winterized and just dry camp all winter. The heater works great or if you have electric near by use a small electric heater.
   Happy Camping, Goose
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 12:06pm
Understand doing that . I guess I should have been clearer. Is there anything that one can do ( mods  etc)to a Pod to fully utilize all the systems camping in the colder winter months?
John
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 12:15pm
I thought that might be what you wanted to know, you would have to enclose the tanks and/or use tank heaters to make that work. I looked at enclosing the bottom of the POD last year like a lot of larger trailers have done but decided against it, wanted to do it more for the aerodynamic reasons than keeping the tanks warm. Goose
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 3:16pm
Yes it could be done.. But only if you were going to use it full time would it even be near worth it to bother. The thing is, even with tank heaters and insulation, hose heaters etc.. immediately when you get back from camping, or even before a long pull from a CG, you would need to re-winterize, so everything doesn't freeze while unhooked.

Dry camping is the answer. Stay at parks that have year 'round bath houses.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 4:14pm

I third dry camping in winter.  Several of us do a winter campout every January and we go to a campground with a heated bathroom.  I keep a dishpan in the sink and jugs of water in the pod, throwing any water I collect in the bushes.  I keep a gallon of RV antifreeze in the bathroom to flush if needed in the middle of the night but otherwise use the heated bathhouse most of the time.

The pods sit so low even with the risers that you would risk ripping off any enclosure you make for the tanks.  Any enclosure would need to be heated 24/7 until you winterized, as noted above.  You could run a generator while on the road but that adds a new set of problems - where to mount, an enclosure for it that would still vent well but protect from rain while on the road, etc.

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 5:16pm
Ok I get the message DRY CAMP. Now to convince the DW that it is doable and not that bad. She loves her morning shower..so camps with heated bathrooms.
Thanks again for all the comments/advice. We plan, hopefully to get a Pod in early 2014...had a 182G a few years back ( long story why we got out of RVing but now that we have downsized our home and taken all the maintenance etc out of the equation) . RVing is back on the never ending "bucket list"  We are looking at the 178 and possibly the new 179.
Thanks again for all the comments.
John
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2013 at 9:02pm
Nothing really to add, but we take the pod out about as much in winter as anytime.  One of the best things, to my mind, about the pod is the shower and I miss that a lot in winter.  We go to the Smokies a lot and stay in the NP campgrounds.  No shower, the bathrooms aren't heated, no hookups at all.  But we used to tent camp, and the pod is almost infinitely better in terms of winter comfort. 

We're headed soon to a SC beach state park with hot showers and water and electricity hookups.  Plus it's not cold enough there, usually, to worry about freezing.  So there's that too.  If you don't want to dry camp you can always head south.  Hey -- I just noticed you're in SC.  Even in TN, other than in the mountains, there is a lot of time in the winter when you can get by with water in the system.  You need to be prepared to winterize quickly.  I carry a couple of gallons of antifreeze for the toilet, as Doug suggested, and in case it gets too cold while we're out or we need it for the trip back.

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Dec 2013 at 9:49am
Tars,
I'm in NC. Do you mind if I ask which SC beach campground you're referring to?

Thanks
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Dec 2013 at 9:54am
Hunting Island State Park. 

TT
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