Camper

What is a camper?

A camper is a type of recreational vehicle (RV) designed for travel, camping, and temporary living. Campers offer the comforts of home while on the road 🏕🚌.

How to winterize a camper?

Here are the basic steps:

💧Drain the water system.

Empty the fresh water tank, gray water tank, black water tank, and the water heater. This stops the water from freezing and breaking the pipes.
💨🩸 Blow out or add antifreeze.
Use air pressure to blow out leftover water in the pipes. Another option – put antifreeze in the water lines to keep them from freezing.
🌡️ Protect the water heater.
Either drain the water heater completely or bypass it to avoid filling it with antifreeze.
🪟 Seal windows and vents.
Look for any gaps or leaks around the windows, doors, and vents. Seal them to keep cold air and moisture out.
🍏 Remove perishable items.
Take out any food or items that could go bad or attract pests while the camper is stored.
🔌 Disconnect the battery.
If storing the camper for the winter, disconnect the battery to stop it from draining. Store the battery in a warm place if you can.

How to keep mice out of a camper?

🐁 Here are som tips to keep mice out of a camper:

🕳️ Seal all entry points: Inspect your camper for gaps, holes, or cracks, and seal them with caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam to block access points.
🍔 Keep food sealed: Store all food in airtight containers and keep your camper clean. Avoid leaving crumbs or food scraps that might attract mice 🐭.
🌱 Use natural repellents: Place peppermint oil, mothballs, or dryer sheets in cupboards, drawers, and other areas to deter mice with their strong smell.
🪤 Set traps: Place traps near suspected entry points or areas where mice might hide to catch any that enter your camper.
🌀 Use electronic repellents: Ultrasonic devices can help repel mice 🐹 using high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant for rodents but harmless to humans.
🍪 Remove attractants: Avoid storing pet food, birdseed, or other potential attractants inside the camper.
⚪ Use Mothballs or Dryer Sheets: These strong-smelling items can be placed in storage areas to repel mice.

How much does a camper weigh?

The weight of a camper varies greatly depending on its type, size, and features:

Pop-up Campers: Usually weigh between 1,000 to 3,000 pounds.
Travel Trailers: Typically weigh between 3,000 to 8,000 pounds, though larger models can be heavier.
Fifth Wheels: Range from 7,000 to 20,000 pounds, depending on size and amenities.
Teardrop Trailers: Small and lightweight, usually weighing between 500 to 2,000 pounds.
Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans): Weigh between 6,000 to 9,000 pounds.
Class C Motorhomes: Typically weigh between 10,000 to 15,000 pounds.
Class A Motorhomes: The heaviest, ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 pounds or more.

⚖️🚌 The weight of a camper affects towing requirements, fuel efficiency, and parking considerations, so it’s important to know your vehicle’s towing capacity before purchasing a camper.

How long can someone live in a camper on my property?

The length of time someone can live in a camper on your property depends on local zoning laws, permits, and regulations, which can vary widely:

👉 Permits and Zoning Laws: Many areas allow short-term stays in campers, but long-term or permanent living often requires special permissions. Some places may have restrictions that limit stays to 30 days or less unless a permit is obtained.
👉 Utilities and Safety Requirements: Access to basic utilities like water, electricity, and sewer is usually required. The camper should also meet local health and safety standards, including proper waste management and heating/cooling solutions.
👉 HOA Rules: If your property is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), check their specific rules, as many HOAs restrict or prohibit living in campers for extended periods.
👉 Local Regulations: Always consult your city or county zoning office to ensure compliance with local laws. Some areas may completely ban living in a camper on residential property, while others may allow it with conditions.