Listener Question:

This Hot Dog Vendor Radio show listener called into ask about storing a cart overnight in an non-insulated building with no electricity and below freezing temperatures.  I hadn't been asked this one before so I did some research and here's what I came up with.

Northern Vendors

What would you suggest?  Ideally he could store his cart in an insulated/heated building but it's not available.  Do you have any ideas for this vendor under his current situation.

Hard Freeze

When we get a hard freeze, we rush to cover our plants and shrubbery with blankets.  It seems that the ground freezes last and by covering our plants, the ground heat keeps them from burning from frost.  I wonder if just covering his cart in blankets while in storage would help?

What I found

I have seen water pipe heaters and warmers, but with no electricity available, I needed to find a DC powered source.  This way if he chooses, he can add a 12v battery and be able to heat his lines and tank all night long.  This will create some additional work, like taking the battery home and charging it.  I sure hope one of you smarty pants vendors have a better suggestion.

You can view some here:  Water Pipe Heaters

Redneck Method

This may not be the most cost effective, depending on how many cold nights there are.  Duct tape and some of those handy hand warmers.  They would definitely last all night but you would have to replace them each time.