The first snowfall of the season came to Southern Ontario this week. We all knew it was coming but still it always seems to arrive too soon. I am not a big fan of snow and living in an Class B RV has not improved that thought. Not that it can be all bad of course. Snow brightens the brownish grey ground with a sparkling white. It can be pretty and for those that like to play in the snow, very fun. I am not one of those. Lol. Come along as I share my experience with Winter, Snow and RV Life.
My first winter camping was done in my Roadtrek. I went to Silent Lake Provincial Park near Peterborough Ontario. It was beautiful as the snow sparkled in the sunlight. Walking the groomed paths and roadways created an exuberant feeling as you breathed in the crisp air while taking in the beauty of the snow covered forest.
When you are trying to move and boondock when it is snowing, well that is another story all together. This is my 5th winter in my camper van. I have been snowed into places a couple of times. Including a campground once. I was staying at Pinery Provincial Park. It started to snow and kept snowing. In the morning when I looked out there was no longer a roadway, just snow. I stepped out and it was knee high in some places. Oh boy! Lol. I carry a small shovel just for those occasions.
One of my biggest issues with snow is the amount of snow on top of the van. My Roadtrek is 9 feet 3 inches high. Clearing the snow on top is impossible for me to do. I am always afraid that it will come off and hit another car. So far I have been able to get the majority of snow off with no incidents.
Normally when I know a large snowfall is coming I will go to my daughters or a friend’s and hunker down. That way I know if I have to dig out at least I will have help.
This time I enlisted my Son-in-law and my grandsons help to get her uncovered.
Although having that much snow on the van means a lot of work to uncover her, it also provides insulation in the van. It is easy to keep it warm on the inside. I wonder if that is what it is like to live in an igloo? Maybe but I think I will stick to my Class B.
Another problem that will arise is condensation along the rubber door jams. With the heat inside, and the cold layered snow on the outside it will create a layer of water on the door jams. If the temperature dips that water becomes ice. I have had to break out of my van a couple of times. It is only in certain conditions this will happen. If I know the conditions are right I will take a finger full of olive oil and apply it to the rubber in the door jams. It does not keep the ice from forming but it does help keep the ice from attaching to the rubber.
Ice will also form on the roof and sides of the van. Again, it is from the heat inside and the cold outside. If I can get it hot enough on the inside and we get a nice sunny day I can melt the under layer of ice and it will slide right off.
Snow can be a hinder but also a beauty. Living in Ontario I try to remind myself that every season has its fun side. Four months to go until running water. In the meantime I can remind myself of the beauty as I am shoveling out.
Thanks for coming along on my Chipmunk Adventure.
See you next week
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