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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Beachfinn on September 18, 2016, 12:07:32 PM

Title: Where to winter ?
Post by: Beachfinn on September 18, 2016, 12:07:32 PM
Currently in CO. Springs, however it will be getting cold here soon ( and snow ).
Any suggestions where to head for winter? Preferably where I can work on the bus and stay in it, when I have down time...

Thanks !
Sami
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on September 18, 2016, 01:13:21 PM
                  SOUTH!!!!.>>>Dan
Title: Re:
Post by: Van on September 18, 2016, 01:42:55 PM
Put the "Dam Rally on your itinerary and follow the crowd towards Quartzsite for the rally and then on to Yuma. That should hold ya til spring .

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Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: dtcerrato on September 18, 2016, 02:23:44 PM
Us guys in FL don't think about where else we could be in winter. But I hafta telya it was great being in Alaska this summer, only problem is we came back too early!.
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Beachfinn on September 18, 2016, 02:25:33 PM
Hmmm a rally,,, do they have the "roughest" bus award  ??? ;D

Thanks, I'll look into those. And yes, south west was in my mind. I lived in FL beaches 15 years, so that's kind of done...
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: oltrunt on September 18, 2016, 04:17:07 PM
"Hmmm a rally,,, do they have the "roughest" bus award?"

Yes, but it is always presented to Gary Hatt--no matter how nice his bus might be.

Some of the rest of us are lucky enough to get a "I participated" award if we behave ourselves, or so I'm told!?!

Plan to attend if you can.  It is a fun rally and the location is spectacular.

Jack

                                   
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: TomC on September 19, 2016, 02:11:03 AM
First time I went to a Bus Conversion rally was in 1995 in Laughlin, NV at the Riverside resort. My bed and plumbing was in and so was the bathroom-nothing else. I strapped down the Norcold chest freezer, took the microwave, coffee maker, and an electric hot plate. The 3-roof tops were in and so was the 10kw genset. For sitting, I had a lawn chair. Original paint, rattly transit windows. I had a blast! Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: chessie4905 on September 19, 2016, 10:59:21 AM
Pharr, Texas was where my father used to winter in his coach. Don't know how it is there now though.
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Scott & Heather on September 19, 2016, 07:43:56 PM
we've wintered in Arizona Texas and florida and my favorite by far is Florida. Arizona gets bouts of cold so does Texas. Florida almost never does


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Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on September 19, 2016, 08:19:17 PM
A couple of years ago we wintered in Florida, at one point we were about 40 miles or so south of Frostproof......they lied, we got frost!   
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Bill B /bus on September 19, 2016, 08:27:51 PM
We have wintered in Florida, Texas Rio Grande Valley, Arizona/California. We vote for Texas. Nicer people than
Florida. Less expensive than about anywhere than BLM land. Including groceries.  Do the Dam Rally and then head for Texas.

Bill
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: RJ on September 19, 2016, 08:36:42 PM
Sami -

My plan is to attend the Dam Rally, head to my son's in Colorado Springs for Thanksgiving, then meander down to Arcadia, FL for the 17th Annual bus rally New Year's weekend. 

After that, head back west for the Quartzsite rally in January, then head back to Fresno to tie up loose ends.

But that's just me. . .

;)
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Scott & Heather on September 20, 2016, 05:04:50 AM
I'll second that Texas has the nicest people in the world. Everywhere else seems grumpy in comparison. But sheesh, that can get some weather. The worst weather I've seen in my life I saw in Texas while we were there for a year and a half. Our daughter was born there so we will always have a heart for the state


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Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: luvrbus on September 20, 2016, 05:57:47 AM
You winter in Texas you never go north of the Houston area,when we lived in Conroe in the winter I could start my drive in ice and rain by the time I reached Pasadena it would be in the 60's.I love AZ in the winter but July and Aug sucks, I tried Florida and never cared for it myself
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Beachfinn on September 20, 2016, 09:26:36 AM
I wintered in DFW area last year. I do property restoration and between tornadoes and hail (wrecked two rental trucks with hail) I dont see myself heading there anytime soon :)
FL is quite a haul from here and i just drove through there few months ago. I think AZ/NV/CA sound pretty good.
Thats us in Moab last week...

Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Lin on September 20, 2016, 09:28:54 AM
Yuma is a big snowbird destination.  The population there at least doubles for the winter months.  The southwest in general has lots of places.  You could also look at some of the high desert areas that get a drop cooler than the low deserts but are still quite comfortable.  They will generally be less crowded. I do not know how prices compare, but places like Desert Hot Springs, which is low desert near Palm Springs could be reasonable too.
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: luvrbus on September 20, 2016, 09:30:39 AM
Here in the west (AZ) you don't have all the bugs to contend with like Florida and Texas
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on September 20, 2016, 10:21:00 AM
  Thats because bugs need moisture to live!!>Dan
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Scott & Heather on September 20, 2016, 12:25:18 PM
No joke about Texas hail. Wow.


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Title: Re: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Seangie on September 23, 2016, 10:18:57 PM
Quote from: Scott Bennett on September 20, 2016, 12:25:18 PM
No joke about Texas hail. Wow.


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Seriously.  Had we not moved our cars minutes before we would both have a different story.  That was just crazy.

But don't kid yourself.  Late Feb and Early March you can see some incredible spring weather in FL.  I've seen more tornadoes in FL than I've seen in Texas.

I vote for Texas. But each city is its own country there in TX. My vote is for the San Antonio area.  Specifically north of there.  Its relatively close to lots of beautiful scenery in hill country.  Neat little towns surrounding like Fredricksburg and Gruene. 

Check out Texas 281 in Bulverde.  325 a month plus electric.  They'll take good care of you there and don't mind you working as long as you clean up daily, keep it on the DL and don't leave piles of tools and parts lying around.

If you do end up there tell them the Turtles sent you.

-Sean



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Title: Re: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: DoubleEagle on September 24, 2016, 09:04:31 AM
Quote from: Seangie on September 23, 2016, 10:18:57 PM

Check out Texas 281 in Bulverde.  325 a month plus electric.  They'll take good care of you there and don't mind you working as long as you clean up daily, keep it on the DL and don't leave piles of tools and parts lying around.


281 looks pleasant alright, but I noticed that on their rate page the RV's needed to be 15 years old or newer. That would not work well with virtually all bus conversions, or is there a secret bus conversion exemption?
Title: Re: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: luvrbus on September 24, 2016, 10:34:08 AM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on September 24, 2016, 09:04:31 AM
281 looks pleasant alright, but I noticed that on their rate page the RV's needed to be 15 years old or newer. That would not work well with virtually all bus conversions, or is there a secret bus conversion exemption?

Walter, I been around and around with FMCA over the years about the camp ground rules FMCA was started with bus conversion now they are all for the 10 year old rule it helps sell new motor homes for their advertisers.
FWIW I have never been turn away from any camp ground in my Eagle and they were told it was a 1974 model.I think they just use that rule to keep out a few lol and some need to be kept out   
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: DoubleEagle on September 24, 2016, 12:43:58 PM
It looks like I was right, there is an exemption for sharp looking converted Eagles, and maybe some others.  ;D
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Cary and Don on September 24, 2016, 01:26:11 PM
We stopped in San Antonio the end of March for a few days when we bought the Eagle. That is a must see city. You don't even need a car. We stayed at the KOA because it was the cheapest we found. It was a fantastic place, not what you hear about KOA. Half the license plates were Canadian.

Don and Cary
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: luvrbus on September 24, 2016, 01:34:13 PM
Texas weather is not bad unless you are north of Conroe and far west Texas I grew up on the Gulf Coast the humidity sucks in the summer time but is not bad in the winter months it is a lot better than the Oregon coast by a bunch in the winter 
Title: Re: Re: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Seangie on September 24, 2016, 01:41:42 PM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on September 24, 2016, 09:04:31 AM281 looks pleasant alright, but I noticed that on their rate page the RV's needed to be 15 years old or newer. That would not work well with virtually all bus conversions, or is there a secret bus conversion exemption?
Totally don't pay attention to that rule.

I think its on the website to keep the motorhomes that are falling apart away.  There are quite a few older motorhomes in there.  Our Eagle is a 1984 and it don't look new.  They never even asked.

If someone does give you a hard time about it, its because they are new employees just ask to talk to Luke the owner and tell him the Shanks sent you.  But I highly doubt it would even get to that.  Luke is a great Christian guy and very fair.  Its a really nice park.

-Sean
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Scott & Heather on September 24, 2016, 07:48:36 PM
^ been there visiting the shanks and yes it's a nice park with wonderful people. A community kind of.


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Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Beachfinn on October 12, 2016, 05:25:17 PM
Well...
So got a break from work as, Matthew was barreling up the coast and got a confirmation of a big job aboard large cruise liner slated to start in month. So to Colorado Springs and quick decision to head down to AZ. Close to Tucson on a truck stop, with a confirmed storage spot (have to get that always first because of work). On the way here 35 miles from I-10 on double laner with almost no shoulder had my "where the F is throttle issue" again (see other thread). Thankfully after going through fittings (or luck again) got the baby going again. However this means a trip to WW Williams, in conjunction of replacing both windshields, before heading deeper west. Also have to hunt down an air leak, as I air down to 60 in half hour ( probably rear leveling valve issue).

That said, every campground around seems to have 01 or newer rule, (and we are little rough looking). So boondocking it is, for close future. Anybody know of spots? I'll park the coach tomorrow and do some Jeep reconnaissance, but any tips would be appreciated..

Sami
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: daddysgirl on October 14, 2016, 12:11:19 PM
Just before dad got sick, he and I were planning the re-designing of everything under the interior floor with the goal being winter-proof anywhere.
Now that I'm actually working on the bus, that is one of the projects that I am the most excited about.

Just a thought. Unless your planning renovations, not much help...but a good idea anyway. My dad was never short of good ideas.
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Beachfinn on October 14, 2016, 08:23:05 PM
i've got 450' of pex layed under floor for webasto / Engine radiant heat, (i like heat). Just not hooked up yet and anyways id like to stay in warmer climates. I travel ALOT for work (~300 days last year) and can't always have the bus with me...

To the topic : 32.156758,-111.115551
well known free spot outside Tucson, but surprisingly few people. Here till work calls, though moving to Quartzsite soon.
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: lvmci on October 16, 2016, 07:01:53 AM
Hi Beachfinn, where in Tucson? What is it called and located? lvmci...
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: lostagain on October 16, 2016, 07:37:13 AM
http://wheelingit.us/2013/03/01/boondocking-site-review-snyder-hill-blm-tucson-az/ (http://wheelingit.us/2013/03/01/boondocking-site-review-snyder-hill-blm-tucson-az/)

JC
Title: Re: Where to winter ?
Post by: Beachfinn on October 16, 2016, 07:04:58 PM
Yep, JC got it right, there's nobody here right now. Which is excellent, getting a lot work done on the interior and exterior. Just took next week off to work on the bus, anybody is welcome for happy hour  ;D

Sami