Snowbirding in 2020

[Jerry_P]

Hi, we are considering chasing the Canada Geese and tug the 5th-wheel south and enjoy warmer climates next winter. It will be winterized until we hit consistently plus-side temps so we will probably use motels along the route from Nova Scotia to Florida. Outside of the obvious concerns over snow storms and other definitely "off season" issues, does anyone have any tips to offer? I'm sure there are others who have made this trek at this time of year and I'd really like to hear of your experiences. Thanks in advance.

Jerry

[olfarmer]

Tripalot wrote:

joebedford wrote:

pawatt wrote:
If you are truly chasing Canadian Geese they leave in October.

Actually there were many CANADA geese at our home in Canada in late November in 2018.

We live in southern Ontario and the geese are so lazy they don't bother migrating anymore. I bet last week in the frigid temperatures, they wished they had!

What do the geese do for water? We live in NC Iowa and there were thousands of geese until all of the ponds and rivers froze solid and I haven't seen a goose since!

[dcason]

We use Santee state park in South Carolina to put some water in tanks, dump if needed, trash, etc. Coming from New York most of the time we don't get to carry water (although we do have an internal tank and arctic package). We carry jugs of water to use, antifreeze to use to flush toilet until we get past freezing temps, prepared meals or eat out somewhere. Aside from Santee we don't pay to stay overnight and just use rest areas.
Donna in NY

[cwit]

Jones town KOA in Pennsylvania. Stop there every year in Dec. falling waters West Virginia. Another good overnight. Start with water in South Carolina. Oh I put 4 gals of rv anti freeze in black tank and buy enough bottle water for 2 nights. Most camp stores sell water and supplies you need.

[Jerry_P]

Well after countless hours researching RV parks, hotels, state parks.........and many many convo's with my co-pilot all about the subject... we've decided to make next years' winter escape a recce. We'll head south to a rental property in an area we are interested in and spend some time doing day trips to those RV parks that may have caught our eye. Figure we'll set up the 2021 trip on the spot when we find the best fit for us. The tips and hints shared by you good folks have really helped us make these decisions. Thanks again.

[magicbus]

rockhillmanor wrote:
Make some calls to CG's on your intended route. Many will be open with electric and sewer. They just shut off the water. So you CAN stay at cg's on the way down. They keep the water on in the bath houses to shower. I come down from Wisconsin and use the CGs

Same here coming from New England and we never have s problem finding a place to plug in.

Dave

[spud1957]

Airdaile wrote:

rockhillmanor wrote:
Not all cg's completely shut down

Yes, here are at least 2 in the northeast along I-95 that do not.

Aces High

South Philly KOA

If you are doing the I84 and I81 route.

Tri State RV Park, Matamoras PA

Jonestown KOA, Jonestown PA

Wytheville KOA, Wytheville VA

From there you can get to Florida via I77, I26 to I95.

If you are doing some motels.

Best Western I95 Coldbrook ME. Next to Dysarts Truck Stop/Restuarant. Lots of parking for the truck and RV.

Sleep Inn, I81 Carlisle South PA. Truck/RV parking at the rear. Next to Cracker Barrel.

[Beverley_Ken]

Just watch the long range weather forecasts for the area that you will be travelling through. Snow, high winds etc. and temperature. We have always used the antifreeze in toilet etc, no water until far enough south for warm temps, usually after the second night. The last trip we stayed in an "open" KOA in Ohio, but it was a mere parking spot with electricity. The morning temp was -29F, we used a lot of propane and electric heaters and just barely comfortable. On after thought we should have stayed in a motel.

We are comfortable in the RV at 0F, but would definitely stay in a motel at -29f.


Ken

[Fizz]

That reminds me.

Last September I posted about the huge flocks of geese heading south at least a month early.
Should I worry I thought... you betcha.
It's been a cold miserable winter.
This week started cold then it rained then it froze then it rained again. Cars that parked on the streets overnight were actually frozen tight in huge puddles.

[Tripalot]

joebedford wrote:

pawatt wrote:
If you are truly chasing Canadian Geese they leave in October.

Actually there were many CANADA geese at our home in Canada in late November in 2018.

We live in southern Ontario and the geese are so lazy they don't bother migrating anymore. I bet last week in the frigid temperatures, they wished they had!

[Jerry_P]

Hey thanks for the fast input everyone. I really appreciate the info.

[John_Joey]

Don’t rule out casinos. Easy on/off, along most main routes, always well marked, normally huge parking lots that are well lite, secured, and patrolled. Their hotels are fairly priced or extremely affordable. 7 by 24 food venue so no need to explore.

You can boondock at them, some will even have hookups, others will have a hotel with a nice warm room, HBO, unlimited hot water, free breakfast, and a wake up call so you can jump in your rig and hit the road early an refresh. No fuss, no muss. Small price in the grand scheme of things.

[Airdaile]

rockhillmanor wrote:
Not all cg's completely shut down

Yes, here are at least 2 in the northeast along I-95 that do not.

Aces High

South Philly KOA

[rockhillmanor]

Not all cg's completely shut dowm

[rockhillmanor]

Make some calls to CG's on your intended route. Many will be open with electric and sewer. They just shut off the water. So you CAN stay at cg's on the way down. They keep the water on in the bath houses to shower. I come down from Wisconsin and use the CGs