Feel that chill in the air? Winter is on its way. RVing in winter weather can be a great experience if you’re prepared. As a full-time RVer, camping in places like Arizona or Texas can still expose you to sub-freezing temperatures. So, how do you prepare your RV for cold weather camping?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to transform your RV into a winter sanctuary.
Plan your Winter RV Trip
Many RV parks and campgrounds will close completely for the winter season, and some campgrounds will close off certain sections during winter. So, when planning your trip, make sure you pick a park that’s open year-round.
Avoid staying in areas that are consistently below zero. Save that trip to Minnesota for the summer.
If you camp in an area where it’s just a chilly 50 degrees during the day, nighttime temperatures can easily dip below freezing, so this is still considered winter camping. Even if you’re in Arizona or Texas, at higher elevations, temps can reach to the low 20’s.
Prevent Your RV Pipes from Freezing
If the campground hasn’t already done so, add some insulation to the pipes at the water faucet.
Use a heated water hose. Even better, fill up your fresh-water tank and put the hose away at night. This will eliminate the problem of water freezing in the hose. Fill up your water tank as needed and use it as your water source.
If you have full hookups, use a heated sewer hose sleeve to prevent waste water freezing in the hose which can cause cracks. If you don’t have a hose heater, keep your gray tank valve closed. Trickling water can collect in the sewer hose, freeze, and possibly crack not just the hose, but the tank pipes.
Use your tank heaters. Many RVs, especially those rated for four seasons, have tank heaters installed to prevent tank water from freezing. Turning those on will not only prevent the water in your tanks from freezing, but it will help keep the underside of your RV a little warmer.
Another trick is to place low voltage utility lamps under your RV, or inside the compartment where your tanks are located. This will safely provide just enough warmth to prevent freezing.
Use a skirt around the bottom of the RV to avoid draft. There are a number of different products you can use to do this ranging from foam board insulation to customized skirts that snap in place, to inflatable tubes that tuck under the RV. Skirting your RV is somewhat time consuming but it’s worth it if you plan to stay more than a couple of weeks.
Keeping Your RV Interior Warm During Winter
Drafts are a fact of life in an RV. Here are some tricks to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
- To prevent air drafts under the slide out, use pipe insulation and tuck it under the floor to fill that gap. You might have to slice it to fit properly. Towles or blankets will also work in a pinch.
- Some more expensive RVs come with double pane windows, but most don’t. So, install reflective insulation on your windows to keep the warm air in. Keep in mind that closing off all your windows can be a bit depressing. If this is going to bother you, leave a couple windows uncovered during the day so you can keep your sanity.
- If you live in a motorhome, you can prevent drafts from coming in from under the dash. Use blankets to create a barrier.
- If you live in a Class C, close off front cab area with heavy curtains to keep the cold air in the cab and away from living spaces. If you use the cab space as part of your living space, Place a layer of reflective insulation on the windshield.
Use an electric space heater to supplement your propane furnace. This will help lower your propane usage. You can also use a portable propane space heater as a back-up to your furnace or to provide extra heat on colder days. Another great portable option is the electric oil filled radiator. While there is some controversy to using these space heaters, they are safe for RV use as long as you follow safety precautions. Propane gives off carbon monoxide and moisture. So, you should always open a couple of vents or crack a couple windows open to provide ventilation. And, keep your space heater away from flammable objects like furniture or blankets.
Another benefit of using your propane furnace is that the heating ducts can help keep your water lines warmer. Often the ducts and water lines run alongside each other and in the same compartments.
Controlling Moisture in Your RV During Winter
During winter, condensation will build up inside your RV. The outside air is much colder than the inside of the RV. This temperature difference causes the warm, moist air inside the RV to condense on the cooler surfaces, like windows, walls, and ceiling. Over time, this can cause damage to walls and produce mold.
Other normal activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing, release moisture into the air. In a confined space like an RV, this added moisture has nowhere to go and condenses.
To help reduce condensation, increase ventilation by opening vents, cracking windows, or using fans. Use dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. If you see condensation building up on your windows and walls, wipe it down to prevent any damage.
Conclusion
Congratulations, winter warrior! You’re now armed with the knowledge to transform your RV into a cozy winter retreat. By following these winterizing tips, you’ll be ready to embrace the wonders of winter camping without sacrificing comfort or safety. Remember, proper preparation is key to enjoying those breathtaking snowy vistas and crackling campfires. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make some unforgettable winter memories in your newly winterized home-on-wheels.
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