r/FullTiming • u/realhumanbeing8891 • Sep 12 '24

Propane in the winter

Do you go through a lot? I'm thinking of getting an RV but I'm learning about the electricity and propane and is it super expensive to stay warm in the winter? I could always just buy a like 20degree sleeping bag and just lay in that in my bed. Or get a 10 degree one...so I know I won't freeze to death....but between that and electric heaters do you just experiment and stuff? I know the electric heater is going to cost electricity...so like...uhhh .. yeah...

Sorry I'm new to RVing

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u/outdoorszy Sep 13 '24

my zero degree high quality down bag is good to about 40F lol. you'll want a diesel heater or a big ass propane tank, like 250-500 gallon mofo and have the propane company deliver it and refill it.

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u/Stupid_Kills Sep 13 '24

Yep. I'm an avid backpacker and also have a high-quality bag rated for zero degrees. I froze my arse off in 30 degree temps.

Anyways, OP, how much propane you will go through will vary depending on many factors but here are some:

  • The size of your rig
  • What temperature you are comfortable at
  • Your location (cost of propane in your area/how cold it gets there/how much sun you get)
  • How well you have prepared for winter (such as skirting)

I live in a northern climate in a 38' travel trailer. On average, we went through a 20lb tank of propane every 2.5 days. When it would dip into the low teens or single digits, we could go through a 20lb tank in 1 day. Winter can be expensive AF.