Winter storage where it's cold and snowy?

[GearHd6]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, obviously.
My wife and I recently took a trip out west, mostly tent camping and saw a ton of FWC's on the road out there! Once we got home we did a good amount of research on them. We're actually thinking about ordering one in the next few weeks. The issue I'm having right now is, there's a good chance it'll get delivered in the middle of winter. I guess my question is, is it okay for it to sit outside in New England winters? Ideally I'd rather have it delivered at the end of March or so but I really don't want to push back ordering just in case there's a delay somewhere along the way.

Thanks!

 

[Durango1]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, obviously.
My wife and I recently took a trip out west, mostly tent camping and saw a ton of FWC's on the road out there! Once we got home we did a good amount of research on them. We're actually thinking about ordering one in the next few weeks. The issue I'm having right now is, there's a good chance it'll get delivered in the middle of winter. I guess my question is, is it okay for it to sit outside in New England winters? Ideally I'd rather have it delivered at the end of March or so but I really don't want to push back ordering just in case there's a delay somewhere along the way.

Thanks!

You will be fine. Over the last 11 years I've stored my 3 successive FWC's (yes, it is an obsession) outside in a Colorado winter with zero damage or leaks. Once the snow gets about 12" deep on the roof I take a roof rake and (gently given the skylights and solar panel) pull it off. DONE!

 

[GearHd6]

You will be fine. Over the last 11 years I've stored my 3 successive FWC's (yes, it is an obsession) outside in a Colorado winter with zero damage or leaks. Once the snow gets about 12" deep on the roof I take a roof rake and (gently given the skylights and solar panel) pull it off. DONE!

Thank you so much for the quick response! That makes me feel much better! I'm hoping within a year or two I'll have a place to store it inside.

 

[pvstoy]

Congratulations getting a new camper. As Durango1 mentioned it is fine to be outside. You're going to use it in the winter months also. Since early 90's we have owned 3 FWC and one the current one purchased from Durango1. It is fine.

Watch the winterize video's that FWC has on their web page and when you get the camper practice doing it . There maybe water in the system and not removed after factor testing the system. Also cold impacts battery so solar and or house current to maintain charge to the battery.

 

[blutaco]

Our Eagle camper lives outside in Western MA. Winterizing includes: 1) drain water then put in about a gallon of RV antifreeze, run pump to fill lines and trap with antifreeze, 2) made steel plates that screw into threaded inserts to cover each of the 4 tie down access holes so mice cannot enter, 3) bag and protect power connector, 4) put saw horses under camper and lower to have them take some load and stabilize so 4 corner posts not working alone, and 5) store with a downward slope toward front to help rain, snow melt drain off. Power switch is off. It has been fine for years.

 

[veryactivelife]

Congratulations getting a new camper. As Durango1 mentioned it is fine to be outside. You're going to use it in the winter months also. Since early 90's we have owned 3 FWC and one the current one purchased from Durango1. It is fine.

Watch the winterize video's that FWC has on their web page and when you get the camper practice doing it . There maybe water in the system and not removed after factor testing the system. Also cold impacts battery so solar and or house current to maintain charge to the battery.

 

[veryactivelife]

This is the same advice I would give. Also best not to let a lot of snow buildup on the roof. Happy trails.

Dean

 

[GearHd6]

Thank you everyone for the replies! We're heading to an open house to check them out so we know what configuration we'd like.

 

[GearHd6]

I didn't see anyone mention it in the other replies but are you just leaving the top down the whole time or are you popping the top up every now and then? Or is that worse for the soft sides to be flexed like that when cold. Thanks again.