luvztheoutdoorz1
Lincoln, NE
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Joined: 03/21/2006
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So the family is planning a trip over Christmas vacation and was wondering whether or not to use the 26DS. Is there anything about handling over winter roads that would make this difficult? Normally, there are no handling issues. With the size crowd that wants to go, this would sure be more convenient. Any advice would be appreciated.
Linda
Scout, 6 year old Husky/Shepherd
2011 Jayco Greyhawk 26DS
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Dennis M M
Geneva, IL; Tucson, AZ
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You've got sleeping and eating quarters with you so when the conditions deteriorate pull over and wait it out. Main roads are cleared pretty quickly these days so there is no real benefit to trying to push it when the roads are snow covered.
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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luvztheoutdoorz1 - To answer your question on road handling, just slow down.
A few years back we headed to Las Vegas for Christmas. Spent our first night at a campground on the NorthEastern edge of Denver. Plugged into shore power, used an electric space heater to keep warm. Got down to 7 above with a strong wind blowing light snow. Dropped $5 into the campground office mailbox for the electricity we used. We did get frost on the inside of the windows that the Chevy chassis quickly defrosted in the morning. We have a fairly small space to heat.
We took along heavy coats, feather comforters, and extra blankets.
Our waste tanks and fresh water tank were empty and we had a gallon of water in the fridge for drinking. Also carried a jug of windshield washer fluid for flushing the toilet.
The next morning warning signs on I-70 West had flashing signs for trucks to "chain up". We merely slowed down and proceeded with caution (egg between the ball of the foot and the accelerator pedal). Actually, had much better traction than expected.
Definitely the way to travel in the winter - felt safer than if we were driving a car. We expected that the generator would start and keep the battery charged for running the furnace fan, we had food, we had a bathroom, and we had a place to sleep.
The black tank may have had minor slush, but not enough liquid to freeze hard and hurt the tank.
Our next night was spent just West of Grand Junction, CO (much warmer). Vegas was a warm 60 degrees. Returned through New Mexico and Kansas.
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Gene
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luvztheoutdoorz1
Lincoln, NE
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Thanks for all of your inputs. Our alternative is taking 2-4WD vehicles. My son suggested the motorhome and sounds like it is a viable plan.
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Horse Doctor
Cedar Creek, TX
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We used to make a regular snow camping trip in the Jemez mountains of New Mexico. I always felt we had good traction on the snow covered roads due to the weight of the vehicle. It's definitely the way to go.
Michael and Mona Greenlee + TJ the wonder dog
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crasster
Dallas
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Just hunker down when needed, stay warm, and the main roads should all be free and clear soon. That's the general experience anyway! Bring hot chocolate with you because its fun when you get snowed in!
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.
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GrumpyandGrandma
CIncinnati, OH
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The biggest question is from "where to where".
Grandma in front of her retirement home..
She lets Grumpy drive!!
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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Just thought of a couple other things to add. Used "handy wipes" for keeping hands clean. Always have them anyway for black tank emptying. Took showers at our destination and also a couple times at truck stops (not a bad deal - something like $4.00 for both of us).
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mwebber78
New England
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We went from Michigan to Maine at the end of January. I've discovered a few things: newer Class C's are well insulated and can be used for dry winter camping, and a Class C (becuase of sheer mass) handles darn well in light snow on roads.
Love ours, and it handles well. I wouldn't hesitate to use it in the winter under the right conditions. One thing to note, if there is any salt be sure to powerwash the frame and coach after.
2013 Jayco Eagle 334RBTS
Disclaimer for the daft: Don't confuse my opinion with facts.
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luvztheoutdoorz1
Lincoln, NE
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GrumpyandGrandma wrote:The biggest question is from "where to where".
Nebraska to Michigan. Once there we are staying with family.
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