In warmer months, crisscrossing the country in your RV consists of cruising down highways and rolling into warm, sunny campsites. During the cold winter months, it means chilly nights, roaring campfires, and snowy roadways. Whichever season you prefer, it’s well agreed upon that traveling and camping becomes more dangerous in winter. To help keep you safe, we put together this guide to RVing in the coldest parts of the year.
Insulate the inside
If you can, the best ways to professionally insulate your RV are foam board flooring and RV skirting to prevent cold air and wind from coming up through the bottom of your camper. For more homemade protection, reflective insulation foils that can be cut to size are an affordable option. You can also hang heavy drapes over the windows to keep the warm air in and the chilly nights out. Lastly, double check all seals, caulking and weather stripping to make sure there’s no cracks for the cold to seep in
Protect your plumbing
As you travel north and temperatures dip night, your RV’s plumbing is at risk. You can help protect your plumbing from freezing by using heat tape on pipes and hoses, as well as adding a small amount of antifreeze to holding tanks. It’s also safer to stick to your internal freshwater tanks, so you can store your hoses inside away from the cold.
Keep it sunny
While small heaters and forced air systems may be the most obvious ways to keep warm, you can also take advantage of the natural heat. The sun can be a great asset when it comes to keeping comfortable. It’s best to park your RV in a sunny spot so that the sun can warm your camper on its own.
Dehumidify
Using propane to keep your RV warm can increase condensation buildup inside, especially on your windows This can cause mold and other damage to the interior. To help keep the air dry, use either an electric dehumidifier or DampRid style hanging dehumidifiers.
Localize the heat
Keeping the heat running all night can get uncomfortable, when the air becomes too warm and stifling. You can fight the need to keep your camper’s heater running all night by purchasing a space heater or electric blanket. They can help keep you warm without constant overhead heat. Of course, both can be hazardous so make sure to research the most fire-safe options before you buy.
Update your emergency kit
Outside of your emergency basics – first-aid kit, water, gas, etc. – there are a few extras you should add in winter. Store extra warm hats and socks, blankets, waterproof gloves, snow boots, a snow shovel and tire chains. Keeping these supplies on hand will be helpful for different types of snowy predicaments you may find yourself in while camping.
We get it, no one wants to postpone their RV adventures because of some cold weather. Sometimes it’s necessary to relax and hit the open road. Some places are even best to visit in winter! Whatever your reason for traveling this time of year, we want to make sure you stay safe by following these tips for RVing in the winter.
