It seemed to happen overnight but fall is here and with the regions first hard freeze looming it was a perfect time to test the limits of my 2025 Escape 21C. This is not a four season camper by any means but with its two external tanks having 12v heating pads and the entire underbelly being spray foamed it is more than capable of some cold weather camping.
The first night of the weekend wasn’t going to be as cold so I took the opportunity to enjoy a fiery sunset and watch the sky. I was inspired to have a campfire but I only had a single bundle of store bought wood which meant I had about two hours of warmth before heading inside. I had prepared a meal in the crockpot and was happy to be inside with the propane furnace, dinner ready, and show to watch.
Speaking of dinner, I’m always looking for low effort, high reward meals and one I’m making a lot while camping now that it’s getting cold are slow cooker stews. I should be clear, mostly I just pour things in the slow cooker. My current favorite is a couple cans of Pacific brand Poblano Pepper and Corn Chowder, a couple red potatoes cubed, some frozen pepper mix….add the pot and set to low for 6-8h or high for 4-6. Boom done. Smells good all day and no effort when I’m finally ready to eat. I should also note the crockpot in my camper is 2 quart so meals for 1-2 max.
A few other examples of what I’m making a lot right now…
- Example 1: A lighter soup with a couple boxes of veggie broth, a container of Kroger pre cut mirepoix, and frozen spinach.
- Example 2: A fake minestrone with two cans tomato soup, a can of white beans, a can of diced tomatoes, and some gluten free pasta for the last 5 minutes.
The possibilities are endless and if you have adequate power it’s a very satisfying camping meal option.
The next day was as cold as predicted. Lows this weekend hit the 20’s Fahrenheit and I spent minimal time spent outside. I did go on a quick trail run but it was slightly impromptu and I didn’t have the right clothes so 40 minutes and I was frozen and done. The view however was amazing as the trees have lost a lot of their foliage so you could see the lake nearly the entire time.
I spent the evening watching some YouTube and again being very grateful for the propane furnace. I have an extra digital thermometer so I stuck it down in the bench seat near the water pump and accumulator and found that temps were more than adequate. A check around bed saw outside temps at 21° F, internal temps 70° F and under the bench seat hovered around 60° F.
I started the next day with beautiful lakeside views, coffee, and….condensation. After researching winter camping all week I was prepared for this eventuality and a quick wipe down and some airflow had things drying out fast. I took advantage of the frigid temps outside and slowed down inside. I worked on recording some music and writing. I also took a nap.
A lot of folks saw the aurora borealis this weekend, I wasn’t so lucky but mostly because I didn’t know. If you’re avoiding the news it can be hard to find these kinds of things out. I was bummed but the sky still impressed. This last night’s sunset was spectacular as ever. I made another favorite dinner of mine, ground beef (Impossible) with peppers and onions and rice.
It was a great weekend and I was happy no major issues popped up while testing the cold weather limits of the camper. I am excited to see what other trips come up this winter.
That’s all for now.
Zach
Everyday Adventure 
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