And we're off...

[dunjuz_van]

...and freezing! Two degrees just outside STL right now @4:39AM, and I got to tell ya, I'm sitting inside the truck stop with almost every jacket I own on right now, and wondering how many pairs of socks I could get pulled over my feet!
Did I mention its two (2) degrees outside?
Wow, I almost can't believe I did this one to myself, intentionally. What the heck was I thinking?
I know what I was thinking. I was thinking living on ssi was going to be a little rough unless I figure out a way to live. Cheap.
$700 for a basically abandoned 76 Ford coachman, $800 to get it 'running', another $300 for a 'buddy' heater, some propane bottles, and a good sleeping bag, and along comes the coldest snap we've had around these parts for some time.
Its all good, and I'm loving it! Next winter I'm headed south.
Anyway, hello everybody. I'm Don, or Dun, if you like, and I'm here to announce I'm here for the long haul, at least as long as I'm able. 62 swept up on me a little quicker than I thought it would ;p and I definitely look forward to using this space to complain about it! [/b]

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Don! Headed south to where? Inquiring minds need to know! 2 degrees is rough! It won't be long before you're lazing around in some balmy weather and havingtodecide whether or not to use the AC.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!

 

[akrvbob]

My deepest sympathy for the cold, that's miserable!! Next year come to Arizona where we are having perfect weather while the rest of the country shivers in the snow!

Bob

 

[dunjuz_van]

Hello back, everyone. Thanks for the 'warm' thoughts. Still in the chill over here in STL, but its day time and the temps all the way up to 26. Woohoo!

 

[dunjuz_van]

This is a pretty busy board. I'm enjoying reading everyone's thoughts. I've had to return as Camper Don, so, we'll go with that!
Having to move the mh tomorrow. I guess this truck stop does have a policy. Lol. I've been here since Sept...

 

[SoulRaven]

If you've got a camp stove, either get a heat diffuser, a clay flower pot, or a stepping stone, and use it over a stove burner for heat. Most stove burners are 10-12k BTU heat, and can keep you warmer than a buddy heater.

 

[NWShortyFord]

But a buddy heater is safe as I understand it since the catylitic design does not produce massive amounts of carbon monoxide like a stove. I do agree that a stove can be great in the cold, I have two 35,000 btu burners in my van and use them for heat sometimes, but you gotta be really careful.

 

[SoulRaven]

But a buddy heater is safe as I understand it since the catylitic design does not produce massive amounts of carbon monoxide like a stove.  I do agree that a stove can be great in the cold, I have two 35,000 btu burners in my van and use them for heat sometimes, but you gotta be really careful.

I'm not so sure about that, when I tried a buddy heater, it would set off my CO detector within about 20 minutes, and using my stove I've never had that problem.


I can't seem to find any definitive answers online about catalytic heaters and carbon monoxide.  Some sites say they produce less, some say they produce more, and still others say it makes no difference, so I guess it's anybodies guess.  The main ones touting their safety is the manufacturers and sales outlets, and I'm not sure how far they can be trusted.

An ounce of prevention in the form of adequate ventilation is a safer bet when using any type of fueled heater indoors.

Wow, 35k BTU burners!  Mine are only 12k BTU.

 

[jimindenver]

2 degrees? Talk about jumping in feet first. At least you wont have to wonder if you can handle it.

I look forward to your adventures.

 

[dunjuz_van]

Waiting for the TT inside the truckstop. Supposed to be here at 9am. I made the first mistake of thinking if I disconnected the batt, shed start up when the time came. I think its on too much of an incline, or the fuel has water in it, or the fuel pump is gone. Either way, it turns over real well.
I opted to go with my dedicated mechanic over the mobile mech from craigslist, because I know him, and I'm still pretty close to his shop. Hoping he'll let me camp at the shop for a day or two, if necessary.
Got to be honest, guys, I'm a little anxious about the next few days. I haven't really had much luck finding a place to park, and those campgrounds can eat through a ssi check pretty quick!
P.S. the buddy heater works pretty good if you hug it and keep the window cracked. I'm still excited about the adventure, just feeling a little unsure this morning...

 

[Wabbit]

Waiting for the TT inside the truckstop. Supposed to be here at 9am. I made the first mistake of thinking if I disconnected the batt, shed start up when the time came. I think its on too much of an incline, or the fuel has water in it, or the fuel pump is gone. Either way, it turns over real well.
I opted to go with my dedicated mechanic over the mobile mech from craigslist, because I know him, and I'm still pretty close to his shop. Hoping he'll let me camp at the shop for a day or two, if necessary.
Got to be honest, guys, I'm a little anxious about the next few days. I haven't really had much luck finding a place to park, and those campgrounds can eat through a ssi check pretty quick!
P.S. the buddy heater works pretty good if you hug it and keep the window cracked. I'm still excited about the adventure, just feeling a little unsure this morning...

I hope things work out for you CamperDon. Sounds like you jumped in with both feet and at a run! Have you thought about heading west? Best of luck to you!

 

[dunjuz_van]

Hey Bryan, hi, if the camper is mechanically up to it, I'd like, eventually, to get back to Colo. Where I grew up and all my ancestors bones are. At least, the recent ones. I don't know why I think mine need to end up in the same pile, but what the heck?
I always seem to be jumping into or out of one mess, or another. Not complaining, mind you, wouldn't change a thing. Lol. OK, seriously, if I had it to do all over again I probably would have bought more lottery tickets!

 

[Rugster]

Wait, you've been camping in a truck stop for three months? Was it a huge truck stop? And good luck with getting back on the road!

 

[sassypickins]

Welcome Camper Don and good luck finding a place to overnight safely.

 

[dunjuz_van]

Pretty good size, yes. Apparently one of the bigger ones according to the conversations I've had, and I actually stayed over 4 mos.
Gone now, I'm sitting in front of the mech shop, and its snowing. At least I'm plugged in here and his WiFi signal reaches out to the camper.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I don't know how you guys manage the cold weather in a camper or van my hat goes off to you, good luck with the shop work ................and the cold bbrrr

 

[dunjuz_van]

Turns out it is the fuel pump. Semi-costly mistake. I don't know another way to get it fixed right now though. I'll tell ya what, though, even with paying $150 to have it towed over, I'm still only down half as much if I'd been paying rent the last six months, and I'm having a wonderful time.
My only regret from the truck stop was that the trees didn't lose their leaves fast enough for me to be able to watch the train go by out the front window. I did get to see the top of the arch out the side window, and that was pretty cool.

 

[Chancebond]

2 degrees is rough!

Ever been to Alaska, where im from?! We constantly get -20 to -35 degrees!

 

[dunjuz_van]

Hopefully, not in a camper at those temps. I'm gonna need a lot more plastic!
Woke up to good news this am. Shop owner needs security, at least till the end of spring! This was actually 'best case scenario' in my mind. I guess I was just a little afraid to hope for too much.