RV winter camping – what you need to know
The weather is cold and the days are short, but it doesn’t mean you should enjoy your holidays indoors or even abroad in the tropical sun. RV winter camping is just as fun as RV’ing in the summer. Here are some basic tips for living in your camper in the winter holiday season.
First things first. Can you live in a camper in the winter?
Yes, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy some fun living in a camper in the winter. Read on for more information on how to winterize your RV for holiday.
Prep your RV for winter
Before you hit the winter roads, you will need to winterize your RV. Most RVs can handle the tough climes of the winter, but there are things you should do when considering how to prepare for a winter RV road trip.
Ensure that your winter camper is well insulated, so you can stay cosy in your home away from home. Check the window sills and access all areas to keep cold drafts out. Empty your water tanks before your trip.
Add about a quart of antifreeze to each tank to protect the dump valves from freezing. Also, test and clean out your furnace to remove all dirt and debris before you set off.
Heated water hose installation
Freezing temperatures can cause many issues for RVs, so install a heated hose to prevent pipes from bursting. Your RV’s plumbing is more fragile and exposed than the plumbing in your house, so they can crack easily under ice pressure. This may lead to leaking pipes, water damage and even mold, which can cause health problems for humans and pets.
Use heat tape to wrap your pipes and protect them from the harsh weather. Heat tape plugs into an electrical outlet with a heat cable to keep them warm.
Consider stocking up with extra propane tanks
Propane tanks are the choice of fuel among RV’ers, so it’s important to make sure your propane is running smoothly when the temperature drops along with the propane pressure.
As a result, you will need to fill your tank more frequently to keep the pressure up, so one solution is to make sure it stays warm by using gas delivery systems to optimise the amount of propane being moved and/or source extra propane tanks to stock up on during the journey.
You can also buy a small space heater for your propane. Space heaters are safe for indoor use too.
Keep the water out
I don’t mean go thirsty during your trip – a dry RV is a happy RV. One of the most important winter RV camping must-haves is a dehumidifier to prevent mold on the walls. Don’t forget that heat and confined spaces lead to humidity and condensation, so ensure you keep the wet out. Also, apply antifreeze to the pipes, as mentioned above, to prevent burst water pipes too. Use a water pump to help force most of the water out of the system and then turn it off before no water causes damages to the pipes.
Holiday where there is natural sun
Try to seek a destination with as much exposure to the sun as possible. The heat of the sun’s rays will warm up your RV during the day and so you can give your propane heater a bit of a break. Some great places include grabbing a day trip to La Gomera from Tenerife or visiting Torre Del Conde. which in English translates to the Count’s Tower. These places don’t just have tropical sun, but they are within driving distance and have tons of things you can do even in the winter.
Cover your RV screen door with thin plastic
A great way to ‘winterise’ your RV is by adding a thin layer of plastic, so you can keep your RV door open during the day to let the sun rays in, but keep the plastic screen door closed to keep the cold out.
How to keep a trailer or RV warm in winter months
The best way to keep warm while you’re RV’ing in the winter is to get moving! Layer up with jumpers and jackets, so you can use less of your heat source as possible and minimise heat loss. However, if you’re still cold, then exercising is the best way to get the blood pumping. All the basic exercises work here, i.e. star jumps, sit-ups, push-ups and running on the spot. You’ll soon turn your heater off because you’ll be sweating! If, against all odds, you will still need a heater, then I’d recommend getting a Lasko, which doesn’t impede your exercising!
Driving tips for winter RV camping
Even if you’re camping with toddlers or on your own, the most important rule about how to RV in the winter is to just enjoy yourself any time of the year. If you follow the simple guidelines above, then you can spend your time during your holiday enjoying the sights with your loved ones. Some of the most beautiful views will be on the way to your destination, so keep your eyes open and enjoy a nice cosy holiday with your family and your RV this winter.
And when you’re done, store your RV with stabilising jacks until you’re ready to take the RV out again, no matter the weather! I can find the rest of the best tips for winter RV camping on Google, so make sure you do your research before you head off.
FAQ
Can I use my RV in the winter?
Other questions asked were:
- How can I use my RV in the winter?
Yes you can but cold winter RV living requires some planning ahead. Most RV’s are designed to take cold weather so make sure you’re up to date with RV technology and follow the tips above for comfy winter RV living.
What’s the problem with winter camping?
Other questions asked were:
- How do you survive winter camping?
- Is camping during winter a good idea?
- Would anyone go on a winter camping trip?
“Winter camping puts you at a much higher risk for hypothermia and frostbite, serious medical conditions that can sneak up if you’re not careful about your body temperature.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/winter-camping-advice-gear-experts/2020/11/05/5a1aa48c-1ae9-11eb-befb-8864259bd2d8_story.html
Why does the AC give off cold air and then warm for some time and then again cold?
“If your A/C flip-flops from hot to cold and back again, your expansion valve could be failing. The expansion valve removes pressure from liquid refrigerant to allow expansion from a liquid to a vapor state in the evaporator. If the valve is blocked, the refrigerant flow could be restricted or could be too unrestricted.”
https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/car-air-conditioner-blows-cold-then-warm/
Can you sleep in an RV in the winter?
Winter living in a travel trailer can be comfortable and warm, even when it’s really cold. Just make sure your RV is heated properly and follow the tips above to prevent any undue damage.
How do I keep my RV warm in the winter?
Other questions asked were:
- How can one survive winter in an RV?
- How to keep a camper warm in the winter?
- How difficult is it to live in RV recreational vehicle in an exceptionally cold weather climate for an extended period?
Insulate Your RV Floors.
Insulate Windows And Doors. Replace Caulking & Stripping. Apply Window Shrink Insulation. …
Opt For A Smaller RV.
Install RV Skirting.
Prepare Your Pipes & Tanks.
Use Solar Panels.
Use Blinds, Curtains, And Carpets.
Sleep On An Electric Blanket.”
https://camperfaqs.com/how-to-keep-a-camper-warm-in-the-winter
How cold is too cold for RV camping?
“Extremely cold temperatures (anything that approaches -20°F to -30°F or lower) can cause serious damage to your RV. You run the risk of pipes freezing for sure, but you also run the risk of your engine simply not starting – or even turning over.”
https://crazytroll.no/how-cold-is-too-cold-for-an-rv/
How cold does it have to be for RV pipes to freeze?
Other questions asked were:
- How to keep RV pipes from freezing while camping
“However, it’s important to remember that when the RV pipes are exposed to the elements without any heat or insulation, they’ll begin to freeze at temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Anyone who’s planning on RV winter camping should take whatever precautions are available to avoid this from occurring.”
https://prideportabletoilets.com/2021/03/how-to-keep-rv-pipes-from-freezing-while-camping/
Best RV for winter camping?
“Jayco Redhawk 26XD. …
Forest River Arctic Wolf. …
Heartland Big Horn. …
Keystone Raptor. …
Heartland LM Lafayette. …
Forest River Rockwood Windjammer 3008W. …
Northern Lite Boreal 23FB. …
https://rvblogger.com/blog/best-extreme-cold-weather-campers/
I want to consider living fulltime in an RV in winter. Is that possible?
Other questions asked were:
- Can you live in a RV in the winter?
- What is it like living in an RV in the winter?
Living in a travel trailer during winter, “…is not only possible; it’s rewarding and, with the right kit and preparation, completely comfortable too. In this post, we’ll walk you through our top tips for living in a camper in the winter, from insulation tips to keeping warm and dry.”
https://mowgli-adventures.com/living-in-a-camper-in-the-winter/
What is cold weather camping?
Cold weather camping is when temperatures drop and the weather is deemed too cold for amateur campers. With RV winter camping
How to stay safe while cold weather camping
Dress in Layers. …
Get Out of Sweaty Clothes (Pack an Extra Baselayer) …
Two Sleeping Pads are Better Than One. …
Layer Up a Sleeping Bag + Quilt. …
Put a Hot Water Bottle in Your Core Region (Not at Your Toes) …
Wear a Balaclava to Bed. …
Vent Your Tent. …
Eat & Drink—A Lot.”
https://www.msrgear.com/blog/9-tips-for-staying-warm-while-winter-camping/
Best RV skirting for winter?
RV winter skirting can offer peace of mind that your plumbing system will survive freezing temperatures. Take a look online for top recommendations from those using skirting during camping with travel trailers.
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