For RTT users....extreme cold?

[JWP58]

What do you do when its extremely cold? Just use a good sleeping bag? Do you use a heater in the changing room (if you have one)?


Im trying to decide between a RTT, pop up camper, or teardrop camper. I'll use it mainly on extended hunting trips which have the potential to be very cold (ya wyoming gets cold apparently).

I think the RTT would not only be the best for my wallet, but also the most easiest to use since it would be on my truck (very compact).

 

[BillTex]

If you're considering other options...why not a TC?
They can be 4-season, very comfy, and certainly convenient.

Bill

 

[dblosch]

To answer your question directly, I made an enclosure to house a small catalytic heater. I don't run it all night, but it takes the chill of nicely. The same thing can be accomplished with the changing room, maybe with a larger heater. I went this route because I don't want to use the changing room every time i go out. In this picture I was still working on the length. I don't have any completed pictures, but you get the idea...



I know Bill (hilldweller) used to use a heater in his changing room, too... http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/87613-Cooper-Creek-GA?p=1214174#post1214174

To ramble a bit...

Using an RTT hasn't turned out to be quite what I imagined. In cold, or wet conditions, some of the things I overlooked are exasperated. For instance, moving from sunny San Diego, CA to Georgia, I picked up an RTT specifically so that i could stay out of the mud when a camping trip turned rainy. However, I didn't think about my shoes, wet jackets, etc. There's no vestibule to speak of, so how do you keep the inside of the tent clean, and keep your shoes dry and warm? That said, I've adapted and I've come to realize the RTT is just another "arrow in the quiver." Certain trips require certain gear. An RTT isn't a one size fits all fix. YMMV

:wavey:
Dan

 

[elmo_4_vt]

When I used my Eezi-Awn in the cold, we just used multiple blankets and sleeping bags for layers. The mattress did a pretty good job of keep us insulated from below, and with the way mine was mounted to the trailer, there was no air movement beneath the sleeping area. That said, the lowest we used ours about about 16F and the tent material was pretty stiff the next morning while we were putting it away even though it had climbed to around 29F... If it was much colder than this, I would be worried about the PVC material being damaged during the closing or opening process. You might want to think about the tear or something similar. Something with hard sides will certainly be better for heating. My camper will raise 10-15 above ambient just from us (3 people plus a dog) sleeping inside if we keep everything closed up.

Don

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[kletzenklueffer]

Something that has dawned on me lately for cold weather camping is an electric blanket. What I worked out in my mind is a timer that cut it on every 15-30 minutes for 5 minutes or so. combined with a sleeping bag, it should make for some warm nights.

Here's one with less around 85 watt draw

http://www.electricblanket.net/p-14-perfect-fit-safe-low-voltage-electric-blanket.aspx

a 12 volt one
http://www.electricblanket.net/p-34-electrowarmth-rv-or-truck-heated-bed-warmer.aspx

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I heat my mattress with 12volts

 

[Deleted member 48574]

I have a pair of these in my RTT for me and the lady. We are usually quite warm.

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&section=1185&section2=1259&ID=9503

(They are very expensive at that link; I did not pay that much for them)

Also, in our Tepui, those bags stay up there just fine despite being 40 lbs total extra weight. It's a bit tight in closing up the RTT but it works.

Cheers
Craig

 

[Finlay]

The few nights I have been in my RTT below freezing, I had a some blankets top and bottom, and a dog. They're like portable dogfood powered space heaters.

For colder nights, I would recommend two or even three dogs. Go with shorthaired types, though. They like to sleep under the covers and radiate well.


View attachment 107641

 

[JWP58]

Good looking Vizsla. Good news, I have two Brittanys that will be with me on my hunting trips.

 

[ColoDisco]

I have a 87 Starcraft Pop up and a CVT mt Shasta with annex. I can say the pop up with a mr heater set to low all night will keep it very comfortable. Last time we went out in the pop up it got down to 25 degrees at 11,000 feet, inside it was tshirt and shorts weather. I have not had the CVT out in very cold (below 32 degrees) yet but at 40 we did not need more than a few blankets. One thing I will mention is with the annex it looks to be very easy to add a mr heater, withe the low oxygen shut off I would bet it is safe, just make sure it is not pointing towards the fabric.

I also agree with the dog idea! We have 2 Min Pins, arguably the best short haired portable heater!

 

[Finlay]

Good looking Vizsla. Good news, I have two Brittanys that will be with me on my hunting trips.

Thanks! There is no better dog.

As long as your feet are warm, you will survive whatever temps you find yourself in. The brits will do fine. They're a great dog and loads of fun. Some of my favorite childhood memories are hunting trips with me sleeping beneath pile of brits and spaniels and shorthairs.

 

[JWP58]

Ok, so its looking like i'll try a RTT out.

I've got a 3wk epic bird hunting roadtrip in the works for next yr, so time to start pinching pennies.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Thanks! There is no better dog.

As long as your feet are warm, you will survive whatever temps you find yourself in. The brits will do fine. They're a great dog and loads of fun. Some of my favorite childhood memories are hunting trips with me sleeping beneath pile of brits and spaniels and shorthairs.

Agreed, that's why we have 2 Vizsla mixes, the older(13 years) is a Vizsla/Lab and the younger(2 years) is a Vizsla/Blue Heeler. We actually refuse to have a purebred. They love to sleep under the covers! But the younger dog is the only one who is allowed to sleep with us lately, the older one snores way too loudly.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Spent many nights in a RTT sub-freezing (and sub-zero temps). Layered cloths and a good bag, no different than on the ground. I've done the tent heater and I think its a great option for many, I've spent more time as of recent investing in better sleeping gear.

 

[toymaster]

^^^^ Gotta' agree with Kurt on this one.

.... wyoming gets cold apparently.

You sure 'bout that??