This week’s question of the week was two fold; “First, are you planning to go truck camping this winter? And second, when you’re not truck camping, what do you do to get through the long, cold, and dark days of winter at home?”
“We probably use our camper just as much in the winter as in the summer. Most of the time is spent snow skiing at local resorts. We are lucky enough to be able to camp in the parking lot at out local resorts and many others have areas to park and camp. With some easy insulation, I have been in five degree weather with no problems and I always go with water in the tanks.” – Ken Lindhorst, 1998 Dodge 3500, 2002 Arctic Fox 1150
“I’m not sure if I am going truck camping this winter. We hope to make a swing down through North Carolina and South Carolina this winter but it’s not defined yet. A lot will depend upon the depth of snow to dig the camper out of its spot on the edge of the woods. We do snow blow around it and roof rake the cover just in case. Lots of time will be spent with DeLorme mapping software planning and plotting the next big adventure in the spring. We have yet to go to Newfoundland or Labrador or even camping into way northern Maine. I keep a list of all the places other truck campers mention so lots to chose from and dream about. ” – Anne and Joe Brown, 2014 Ford F-450, 2011 Chalet 116DSR
“We visit some of the very nice Florida state parks along the gulf coast of the Florida pan-handle. The pan-handle of Florida is not as crowded as southern Florida in the winter and it’s a fairly easy drive from our home in Tennessee. In December I participate in a vintage sports car race at Savannah, Georgia. Things always seem sort of busy in the holiday months of November and December. It seems we also have lots of yard work to get done. In January we get all the doctor appointments out of the way so we can start traveling in February. ” – Buzz Merchlewitz, 1998 Dodge Ram 2500, 2007 Four Wheel Grandby
“I bought my Arctic Fox to be able to go ice fishing since it functions well below zero with respect to water, heat and ability to stay warm when on the road. Ice fishing places are Idaho, Montana, Utah and if I am able to make it, Minnesota. My truck is a four wheel drive dully, I have chains for all wheels, a 10,000 pound winch on front, and a tank heater for the engine which will run off separate dual batteries with a converter from 12 VDC to 115 VAC for those cold starts of my diesel. I am also planning of where I am going to ice fishing and updating or repairing my rods and reels for ice fishing.” – Clifford Cizan, 2010, Dodge Ram 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 1150
“We use our truck camper for ski camping. It’s great getting first tracks! Hike, snowshoe, ski, ski, ski!” – Bill Tex, 2006 Chevy, 2013 Eagle Cap 850
“I get through the winter by planning my next season’s camping trips. I do repairs and upgrades to my equipment and plan, plan, plan.” – Gary Pavone, 1995 Ford F350, 2001 Lance 810
“We are heading north to Wisconsin to see grandkids and then planning to visit the Grand Canyon. We ski in northern New Mexico, and don’t take the camper since we have a house up there which is a lot roomier. My wife is a wood carver and works on several projects at a time, while I tinker in the woodworking shop making things for the grandkids. To relax we sit in the hot tub with a glass of wine or a beer and watch the night sky.” – Terry Berg, 2013 GMC Sierra 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 992
“I’m not sure if I am going truck camping this winter. If we do go somewhere, it will be someplace south of Tennessee such as Florida. However, if there is another disaster someplace that needs us, we will be there. When not truck camping I try to trout fish at least four days per week. If I’m not on one of our rivers here in Tennessee, you will find me in Arkansas on the little Red. Also, during the winter trout stocking here in Tennessee, I try to show up with extra rod and reels to teach young and old on how to fish and catch trout while using our lure, the Trout Magnet and to hand out samples. Just because it is winter time is no time to slow down. I forgot. I am going Steel Head fishing with some guides who want to use our lures.” – Ed Krech, 2006 Dodge 3500, 2011 Northern Lite 8-11
“I plan on a few trips. A friend says to use his camp spot in the upper field where he has a camp ring. Also a trip to Pigeon Forge is in the works to stay in a campground that is open year around. I keep the camper on the truck most of the time in the yard plugged in, and winterized. I have a cube heater that keeps it warm before I winterize it. Mostly I work, and after work I usually have a fire in the fire place and watch TV. I visit my Camper and dream of places Id like to go in the spring and summer. I surf the net and read Truck Camper Magazine.” – Jeff Hagberg, 2002 Ford F250, 2006 Travel Lite 800 SBX
“We usually make an annual trip to Anza Borrego State Park in the late winter. Great camping opportunities; both in a campground (full hook-up or no hookups) and boondocking opportunities. We are considering a trip to Big Bend National Park also. I am a volunteer at Joshua Tree National Park so I spend three days a week there and always try to get some good hiking in somewhere in the park.” – David Neumann, 2010 Tundra 4WD, Adventurer 80GS
“My wife and I go to the North Coast (Northern California), and to our favorite ski resort in the Sierras that still allows camping. We live in California, therefore we are in no place to complain about a “long, cold, and dark winter”, especially on this forum.” – Kevin Eliseo, 2006 Ford F-350, 2006 Lance 1055
“Yes, we are going truck camping this winter. We are going to Allegheny National Forest to go ATV riding, hunting, fishing, hiking, and dry camping. It’s the best time of year; no bugs and few to no people. If you don’t camp in winter, you’re missing time for a camp fire! Wish I was camping.” – Eric and Linda Anderson, 2001 Dodge 3500, 1998 Shadow Cruiser
“Every February we go south to Arizona from British Columbia, trailering our motorcycle. We move around, staying at state parks and clover leafing, which means taking one to three day trips out to see the local sights. We generally stay out for six or seven weeks. This is a great way to combine our two loves, motorcycle touring and using our camper! We have winter sports which occupy our time, and we enjoy getting together with friends to both re-live the fun of last year’s activities, and throw around some ideas about what we might get up to in the coming year. ” – Terry Teeft, 2003 GMC Sierra 2500, 2013 Wolf Creek 850
“We will be going to places near our home that are packed during the summer. We go to a ghost town during the off season. We went to many places like that last year and had the whole place to ourselves. We also will be heading up to the ski resorts to do some camping and skiing. I also think about my next trip and plan yet another truck camper rally.” – Rich Bain, 1999 Chevy C3500, 2010 Adventurer 810WS
“My wife uses the truck camper when she works on a local ski hill every weekend. We ski, read, listen to a lot of music and hike a lot.” – James B., 2006 Ford F150, 1994 Okanagan 8ft
“I’m not sure if I am going truck camping this winter. In Phoenix, Arizona, what cold? Well low 40s maybe, but in the USAF stationed in Michigan below zero was the norm.” – Joe Pospicil, 2007 Ford F250, 2000 Lance 920
“Where I come from (New Zealand) it is hot around Christmas time and the height of the holiday season. Last holiday my wife and I took out our two children on a camping tour of the USA and Canada in a Dodge Ram with a Lance camper on the tail. We were expecting cold and snow but certainly not the thirty below temperatures we encountered on the trip. Despite these extremes we had a great time and enjoyed ourselves so much that we left the truck in Ontario and plan to do a few return trips before bringing it home to a warmer climate.” – Evan Fray
“Yes, I am going truck camping this winter. I will go to the Adirondacks to snowmobile, snowmobile, snowmobile, work, drum, and anticipate snowmobiling.” – Kurt Cassidy, 2007 Dodge 3500, 2007 Northstar 10.5 Igloo
“We travel from New York to Arizona slow and steady, which usually takes six or seven days if we do not stop. We may see some friends along the way but get to Quartzite by New Years Day. There is plenty or nothing to do. You can strike up a good conversation with anybody or read a book. There are RV shows, flea markets, RC plane fields, casinos, movies, hiking, and rock hounding. We go truck camping the washes and back country. The weather is cool at night and warm and dry in the afternoon with no bugs. Usually staying two months is good and we start back and stop at Hobby Lobby for the better half. The grind starts back up to ferry the grandkids to all their activities and of course Sunday dinners. It is a great life.” – David Weinstein, 1999 3500 Dodge Ram, 2005 Arctic Fox 1150
“We are not winter campers because we cannot handle the cold dampness of night and mornings in Wisconsin. The truck camper is a little too confining when it is 40 degrees or lower. Winter activities for us in south central Wisconsin are working on the last years photos and camcorder recordings in Photoshop, researching next summers camping plans and destinations, and playing PS3 games. We also visit family and friends, take small trips, hunt geese, deer and small game, target shoot in basement, ice fish local lakes. I clean and lubricate fishing reels in preparation for April fishing. We dream about camping on the gulf coast in February, which has not happened yet. I work on home repairs and remodeling, which there is no time for in nice weather and work on the to do lists. I work several days a week for extra spending money. My spouse just retired this last sumner. I blow snow. We get plenty of snow in south central Wisconsin; average 45” and one year had 102”. We shop for stuff we need and stuff we hope to use. We watch movies, read, and sit and talk.” – Tom Bender, 2011 Ford F250, 2009 Sun Valley Apache Chief 8.65 WS
“We are going to Key West and enjoying the nice weather for a few weeks. Then we will take a few short trips to the mountains for some winter hiking trips. We go backpacking and cycling. Beer and campfires in the backyard are always in order for the winter time.” – Chris Adams, 2010 Ford F250, 2012 Camplite 8.5
“I’m not sure if we are going truck camping this winter. We are planning to go to Florida in January, but we are not sure. We like to relocate to Florida. My wife, Sara, and I keep the wood stove going strong, and keep up with Truck Camper Magazine news and make plans for spring camping.” – Fernando Nogueira, 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500, 2013 Lance 1050s
“My wife and I will be skiing in Colorado most weekends and staying in our camper. Last year the low temperature while truck camping was -18F! We will be hiking and skiing closer to home in Colorado!” – Geoff and Ron Irons, 2011 GMC Sierra 2500, 2012 Hallmark Ute
“So far, we have three plans for camping this winter. We want to camp in the Sierras. During the day, we’ll snowshoe. If we camp at Grover Hot Springs State Park, we’ll soak in the hot springs in the evening. We also plan to camp at one of the California state parks near the coast in Mendocino County. During the day, we’ll hike and explore the small towns. We will take at least one trip to Marin RV Park in Greenbrae, California. The Larkspur Ferry is less than a mile from the park so we’ll take the ferry to San Francisco and spend the day seeing the sights. We live in coastal Northern California so it doesn’t get that cold. We spend a lot of time working in our vegetable garden. When the weather makes staying inside the best option, we will work on our never-ending home remodel projects. We plan to take a long truck camping trip in 2014 so we’ll spend time planning that. ” – Karen Clark, 2013 Ford F350, 2013 Hallmark K2
“Yes, we are going truck camping this winter to the North, South, East and West. We camp twelve months out of the year. We go sailing dressed like bears.” – Jake and Sylvie Mathis, 1994 Dodge Ram, 1994 Northern Lite 9Q
“We will be leaving Maine in late November and heading south and west any place warmer then Maine. Some stops along the way will be in Georgia, Padre Island National Seashore, Big Bend National Park, Death Valley National Park and anywhere in between. We will return sometime in March. We live near Acadia National Park and the outside activities are endless. We also have a very active senior group with a Senior College. We will go on hikes, attend luncheons and for the really cold days have a wood fire and a good book.” – Don and Sue Graf, 2008 Ford F350, 2013 Arctic Fox 865
“Yes, we are going truck camping this winter. We are going to Minnesota and Wisconsin for three day snowmobile weekends. We will also ice fish, snowshoe and snowmobile. We will also be going to the Texas area for two weeks.” – Rag, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 1990 Sportsman 8ft
“No, I am not going truck camping this winter. I will stare out the frosted glass and dream about my next truck camper, a 2014 Four Wheel Grandby, on my 2013 Silverado 3500 single rear wheel, regular cab truck. Oh, the places and the mods. Hopefully it will happen this spring. It’s tough being a truck camper guy without a truck camper. It will certainly help me through the winter.” – Dan Taffuri, 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500
“Yes, I am going truck camping this winter to southern Arizona and southern California. I will go bicycling; rails to trails and mountain biking and motorcycling on mostly forest service roads. I will be staying warm as I do wood working projects.” – Russell Erbe, 2013 GMC Sierra 3500, 2012 Lance 992
“After 40 winters in Alaska, it is time to try a snowbird trip. I will have to drive 3000+ miles to pick up my new camper and then south. Hopefully I go far enough south to catch sunburn. Having never done this sort of thing before, I have no idea what I am doing or where I am going.” – Jim Catlin, 2004 Toyota Tacoma, Phoenix popup (presently being built)
“No, I am not going truck camping this winter. Eat, watch TV, sleep, repeat!” – Jim and Patti Duarte, 2008 Ford F250 Super Duty, 2002 Lance 845
“When not camping, I dedicate all my time to photography. I have just published my first photo book and am now working on my second book.” – Howard Burke, 1982 Ford F350, 1992 Palomino
“We go to Florida in our 2011 Heartland Big Country fiver.” – Ronald Day, 2008 Chevy HD2500, 2005 Sunlite 865
“I live in my truck camper full time. I am currently in South Carolina and will stay here camp hosting at Edisto Beach State Park until the end of the year. Then I will take three months to explore my way to Southern California. I am always truck camping!” – Maggie Karam, 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, 2002 Lance 1130
“Since we live in southern California we are close to nice areas like Quartzsite, Arizona, Yuma, Arizona and the central and southern coasts of California. We go to the Rincon and camp on the beach between Ventura and Santa Barbara. We also go to San Onofre, near Camp Pendelton. Then we go up to Napa and wine taste. It’s never below freezing in these places, except Quartzsite where it can get down to the mid 20s. We always dry camp. We don’t have to winterize as we’re always using our camper and it doesn’t get below freezing. We play tennis four times a week since we’re retired. Yes, it’s a good life, but someone has to do it.” – Jim Cornwell, 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD, 2012 Lance 1191
“No, I am not going truck camping this winter. I duck hunt and ice fish” – Robert Hicks, 2008 Chevy Silverado 3500HD, 2011 Lance 992
“Yes, I am going truck camping this winter. We take an annual late winter trip to Yellowstone and Chico Hot Springs. We are still deciding where to go for Thanksgiving. Our camper needs a few modifications, and our house needs many modifications. The dog needs daily walks at the dogpark, lake, or river.” – Bonnie Pascucci, 2011 Chevy K3500, 2012 Adventurer 86FB
“I hope to go fly fishing, however I have a backlog of work since I broke my wrist. Recovery is slow. I did go camping twice for two weeks each time this summer. We have harvest pecans in December, and then prepare the garden for spring planting. I read about five books a week and I have an old 2000 Jeep to repair. I also have about 1400 square feet of workshop to clean, organize, and drywall. I play with our two Corgi-Jack Russel terriers that are 18 months old.” – Harry Palmer, 2008 Dodge 2500, 2008 Lance 915
“We go on various Sierra Nevada California snowshoeing trips, Klamath Falls, Oregon, and a bird festival in January. I play guitar and sing. Oh wait, that’s what we do when we’re in the camper too.” – Rob Harris, 2007 Chevy 2500HD, 2012 Northern Lite 8-11 Sportsman
“Our camper lives under cover on a heavy-duty purpose-built dolly during the winter months. Though we winterize it, I keep a small electric heater going constantly at around 50 degrees. I have a notion that maybe it minimizes heating/cooling stress on interior and eliminates any condensation. But we miss it so much that occasionally we go down, turn up the heat, and enjoy a beverage and snack and maybe a movie or some quiet time in our hibernating turtle-shell! It sounds silly, I guess, but that’s the truth!” – John and Marylou Wells, 2011 Chevy 3500, 2012 Chalet Ascent S100F
“I am going truck camping this winter along the Buffalo river in Arkansas to fish, canoe, and camp. I also hunt, daydream, and watch football.” – Rodger Greene, 2004 GMC 2500HD, 2012 Travel Lite 700
“I’m already out right now. We were in Yukon and Alaska two weeks ago, and as I type right now we are in Leadville Colorado. We’re travling with our five month old. I read the off-road and adventure section of the Truck Camper Magazine website and wait for the next issue of Overland Journal magazine to arrive in the mail! Both are such great sources of inspiration for future adventures.” – Chris Reichert, 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 2003 Palomino Bronco 600
“We’re lucky. We live in California. We can go to Death Valley or camp on the beach in both northern and southern California.” – Ted Berger, 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, 2001 Northstar
“We usually go south for a month or so to Texas, Louisiana, or Arizona, but this year we are staying home to work on re-modeling the house.” – John Bull, 2004 Dodge 3500, 2004 Lance 920
“We just got back from a 3500 mile trip to Maine with the 10.6. It goes into the storage building and the Spacekap goes on for the winter. We use it for cross-country skiing and supporting dog sled races with Amateur Radio. We always have a warm, cozy place on the road. We cross-country ski, snowshoe, plow and shovel snow and just get out and have fun. My other hobby is cutting firewood for the wood stove so we enjoy that too. Nothing beats coming in from a fun day outside and hugging a wood stove! If you can’t be truck camping you should be dreaming about it!” – Dave Miller, 2012 Ford F350, 2002 Bigfoot 10.6E and Spacekap 8′ Classic
“I am going truck camping this winter mostly in the our home state of Illinois. I may go into Missouri. There are lots of home projects, and work in my metal working shop. I spend a lot of time surfing the net and I’m on You Tube looking for places to go and see in better weather. ” – Bill and Renee Dalton, 2001 Dodge 2500, 1999 Lance 845
“If we do go camping this winter we would probably go to the White Mountains in New Hampshire for snowshoeing. There is also the possibility of Florida but that’s a lot longer drive! We enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing. We can do this right from home but it is always nice to try a new place. That’s where the camper would come in.” – Janet Bromley, 2007 Chevy 2500, 2010 Eagle Cap 850
“I left Alaska October 1st for the west coast and then went to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Death Valley. Then I’ll go to Arizona, New Mexico, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas. Then I’ll go to Half Moon Bay in March and then take the ferry back to Alaska March 28th. There are not many crowds yet. I’m expecting more in Florida.” – Richard Elmquist, 2008 Ford F450, 2008 Host Everest
“I am going to Arizona, maybe into eastern California. I have gone the last two years all over Arizona, taking my ATV and using all the free camping or the dispersed, BLM. I have a lot of friends and a few relatives that I camp in front of their houses for a couple of days. I rode the ATV 800 miles last year, and saw some beautiful country. You really don’t see see the desert if you don’t get out in the back country. I was surprised that it still gets cold in Arizona in the winter. When the sun goes down it can and will get gold. The furnace ran every night for two and a half months last year. I had a Lance 1131 and this year bought Arctic Fox. It gives me a little more room when my wife comes down. She spent a month and flew home for five weeks and came back for the last month.” – Frank Niehus, 2007 Ford F350, 2007 Arctic Fox 1150
“Well it is almost winter. We are going to Acadia here in Maine. It is open all year, but when the snow comes you can’t drive your camper in. If you’re real hardy, tent camp. So we are hoping for no snow the weekend of the 15th. Well here in Maine winter is not as bad as it is made out to be. There is lots to do and enjoy. We snowshoe and I work in our woods cutting firewood and trees for my small sawmill.” – Jim and Genie Dailey, 2002 GMC 2500HD, 1992 Shadow Crusier Pop Up
“My wife came up with a plan to pass those dark and gloomy days and nights of winter. We have decided to buy a new Ford 350 and a new Arctic Fox 990. We settled on this combination because of the ease of seeing sites we could not get to via a motor home. We are ready to get out of dodge. We decided to save the money and buy what we want!” – Tom Basey, 2013 Ford 350, 2013 or 2014 Arctic Fox 990
“Of course. We live in California and the beaches and deserts are beautiful in winter. We also build a good fire in the wood stove.” – Hope Ryan, 2006 GMC Sierra 3500, 2012 FWC Hawk self contained
