RVing with Snowmobiles in the Mountains

[izzni]

I have this pipe dream of living near the mountains so that I can snowmobile in the mountains every weekend. I'm a software engineer though, and software engineers aren't that in demand in the mountains. Furthermore I like Minnesota, and I don't want to move.

What I think I'd like to do is live out west for a month or so during the winter and work from home, which as a software engineer is very feasible. I want to bring my dog with though, which precludes most rentals.

This has led me to consider spending a month RVing out west during the winter. Basically spending the weekdays in a city like Laramie, and the weekends in places like Centennial in the snowies. To try this out I'm thinking about renting a RV for a week from Cruise Ameria, driving out and back over 3 or 4 days while working during the day, and sledding over a 3 or 4 day weekend.

So the question I have is what are people's experience trying this?

 

[justinkredible56]

This is the EXACT thing I was thinking of doing for a career/spending my life. In this field of work you can work from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. I wanted to live in the middle of nowhere and work on my computer then ride whenever I wanted to....Sounds like your going to be living the dream buddy! Let me know how it works out for ya!

 

[Chaos]

Yoh Izzni, it doesn't sound like a bad idea at first, especially since I am nearing retirement!!!

Then I start thinking about the issues you would have to negotiate. When was the last time you ever heard of anyone putting on snow-chains on a motorhome to get over the passes in Colorado? When was the last time you heard of a motorhome acticely being used in -40 degree temperatures in the rockies? Can you imagine that Shi*ter hose hanging out there frozen hard as a rock... How many RV's with snowmobile trailer accessible spots are there during the winter; not considering WalMart of course Not to mention a place to plug in.... You can only carry so much propane for 24x7 use.

I'm sure I'm forgetting 50 or 60 other things but what the heck, go for it and let us know how it works out.

Good luck.

Chaos

 

[Leardriver]

Full timing in an RV would have some logistical challenges. As mentioned, it's pretty tough to have water in the tanks, whether fresh, gray, or black.

It would be easier to rent an apartment real close to where you wanted to play.

 

[wyomax]

I have a 36 ft trailer that has 3 slide out that I leave at one of the lodges on the Big Horns. The lodge has wireless internet and I have full power all the time . The lodge has shower houses so all I have to do is haul water for drinking and dishes. I go up on Friday night and come down Sunday afternoon. I havent missed a weekend up there in almost a year. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

 

[Burtonbreck]

Buy yourself an Earthroamer and pull a trailer full of sleds and head west.

 

[brahm]

double post.

 

[brahm]

I have this pipe dream of living near the mountains so that I can snowmobile in the mountains every weekend. I'm a software engineer though, and software engineers aren't that in demand in the mountains. Furthermore I like Minnesota, and I don't want to move.

What I think I'd like to do is live out west for a month or so during the winter and work from home, which as a software engineer is very feasible. I want to bring my dog with though, which precludes most rentals.

This has led me to consider spending a month RVing out west during the winter. Basically spending the weekdays in a city like Laramie, and the weekends in places like Centennial in the snowies. To try this out I'm thinking about renting a RV for a week from Cruise Ameria, driving out and back over 3 or 4 days while working during the day, and sledding over a 3 or 4 day weekend.

So the question I have is what are people's experience trying this?

I'm a software engineer to. I got a job at a ski resort doing web dev. I can ride every weekend, and even to work in the mornings if I like. I also take cough *sick* powder days when needed . The jobs are out of there. Check all the big resorts towns.

 

[TahoeMuk]

ditto

Heck yes! buy the newest, warmest insulated RV you can possibly afford - I've been in the mountains with a dead RV and frozen tanks and that is nothing you want to deal with when you should be sledding

 

[kamper]

There are lots of campgrounds open in the winter...a little heat tape on your water line and only dump your holding tanks when they are full. Your good to go. Most of the campgrounds that are open do have bath houses so if you don't want to hook up the water you can use the facilities. As long as you buy a newer RV you won't have problems with freezing lines and tanks as the better rigs are very well insulated. As far as propane goes the large tank that is in the motor homes or the 2 tanks that come with trailers would last the average rig about 3 weeks during the winter season....hot water, cooking and heat. I say go for it.

 

[JSCC]

Do you mean like this? This is in the Sierra Madres....
I should have taken a pic last year at the Fairview Shootout. Blizzard conditions.....but it was too cold outside! Nice and toasty in the Motorhome though!

 

[IDA rather b sledding]

My buddy and I use our PU campers. We normally haul water in jugs instead of using our systems, mainly so we don't have to drain them. We use the bathroom, just pour some water in to flush. It is nice to not have to drive to town after a day of riding. Not my idea, my uncle in CO has done this for years.

 

[renegadefred]

I live in Quebec Canada and me and my wife had enjoyed winter camping with a Bigfoot truck camper for 2 winters. The one we had did'nt had the insulated tanks so we brought water in jugs and flusing toilet with windshield washer. We woke up in -30C wheater with no problem, having a honda 1500W generator, and gas and propane in the trailer. Not a set-up for winterlong everyday living but we had a blast for a week long holiday. If we ever go west on a long trip and want to bring ours sleds, I would buy another one for sure. With a 4x4 pick-up, no problem on the road and we could park every where. We sold it because we bought a house in a resort on the Mountain in northern Quebec were we ride our Summit.

 

[GarlandM8]

I do the same with 4x4 and camper. Much easier in bad weather and tight areas we tend to get at trailheads. On a longer trip you stay in it for a few days, then do the motel thing for a night or two. Once at the staging area, set up the fire barrell and a BBQ and ride all weekend long.
They're not a spacious as a motorhome and anything over 2 people gets cramped, and the insulation is pretty thin (at least in the lighter models like mine), but it has a heater! Also use the water jug idea to keep from freezing up a tank.

 

[Spike38]

We do the truck camper thing. We have a Alaskan and with some trial and error it works out good. We have it insulated well and use insulation covers on the windows. Also having a enclosed trailer gives you some room to change and store some stuff. Have use the water jugs as it is a pain using the water system. Outside shower option in out even on warm days.
One last thing if you find the little women a touch cranky after a few days get a room it is the best money you will ever spend. Heck she is questioning her sanity just going with you winter camping

 

[Fireman35]

That is a great idea. we have seen plenty of rvs in the green rock parking in wy. I have checked on this cause i have a 35ft Coachman and this thing the bomb for cruising in, the dealer said they would mount heat pads on the holding tanks for gray and black water. the fresh water tank is under the bed inside the rv so its good to go as long as yo ukeep the heat on. we may do it one of these trips out yet. go do it man youll be my hero

 

[NorthMNSledder]

I've been looking at winter camping also and there are quite a few RV's now that are designed for winter camping with larger propane tanks and are designed for colder weather (even down to -60 below). Your idea would be a cool one if you work out all the cold weather camping details.

Good luck!!

 

[snengineer]

Great times....not sure how practical this would be long term though, perfect for overnighters!

 

[tudizzle]

Diesel Pusher pulling a full size truck with a sled deck.....if your going to do it do it right. Most RV's have a winterized option with heated holding tanks and extra insulation to prevent lines from freezing.

Home base where it is convenient...then have the truck for those deep days and to get into smaller lots.

 

[TREEKNOCKER]

Sled camp

We love camping when were out sledding went from a wall tent to a converted school bus, they make a great weekend getaway.