How To RV Camp In The Winter

How To RV Camp In The Winter

Posted on November 28, 2022

A Get-ready Guide For RV Camping In The Cold

When you hear RV trip, likely you're thinking of a relaxing summer road trip. While that may be the most enjoyable time to hit the road for some RV owners, many enjoy RVing in the winter. If you're thinking of RV camping during the winter season, you'll want to stick around for our all-in guide.

Get The Insulation Going

You want to be cozy on your winter wonderland RV trip and one of the best ways to make sure that things stay that way is by checking your insulation.

Many parts of your motor home are shielded from harm through RV insulation. This also contributes to a comfortable living environment which you'll need in the colder months. The last thing you want is Jack Frost coming in to keep warm so making sure all the areas where cold could seep in is key.

One easy spot you can amp up your insulation is around the windows and doors. Carefully inspect the seal around doors and windows to make sure there aren't any parts that might give out. Using heat tape will greatly improve the atmosphere inside your RV, keeping the heat in and cold out.

Grabbing a plastic wrap sealing kit for your windows is also an effective method for keeping things toasty warm. If that's not quite your style, investing in a pair of heavy-duty, curtains or a space heater would be suitable for improving the insulation in your RV.

Protect The Plumbing

RVing in the wintertime can get chilly but that's what a relaxing hot shower is for. On that note, keeping tabs on your RV's plumbing is pretty crucial if you want hot water around. Unfortunately, frozen pipes aren't uncommon with winter RVing, but our tips will equip you to handle them, and even get you one step ahead.

If pipes and hoses are not adequately insulated, expanding ice can cause them to crack or burst. There are a couple of solutions to this camping obstacle one of which is heat tape.

To keep the lines warm and stop them from freezing, wrap heat strips around your freshwater and sewer hoses. Around valves and connections that are most susceptible to freeze-ups, heat tape can be used. For more security, you can use foam insulation besides heat tape.

Another option is adding some anti-freeze into your RV's holding tank. Anti-freeze is in a sense preventative since it helps to protect the valves from freezing.

Protect The Engine & Battery

Preventative methods are the best preparations you can make before winter RVing takes full effect. The last thing you'd want is to hit the road without protection for your powerhouse--the engine and battery.

These parts are like the heart of your motorhome so making sure they're protected in harsher climates is vital. Checking that your batteries are secured with the proper connections and fully charged is the best practice before heading out. It could be hazardous to be on the road with a partially charged battery since in that state they are more likely to die or freeze up.

Make Sure There's Enough Propane

To make sure you've dotted all your I's and crossed all the t's, make sure that you visit your local hardware store or gas station to replenish the propane. You'll need to fill all the way up on propane especially if you're on the road for an extended period. Propane can be used to run gas stoves and water heaters. So providing that you're going to enjoy a hot meal and shower, it's best to make sure you're stocked up.

Have All Of Your Winter Gear With You

Stocking up also means taking inventory of your winter equipment. Since you'll be camping in the winter, more accessories are required because of the extreme weather. This means packing your expandable winter shovel, a camping stove for cooking meals, and extra drinking water and food.

While RV camping in the winter is good to be prepared for anything, so packing your emergency or first aid kit will have you prepared for anything. Prepare an emergency kit with everything you could need to fix your RV if it freezes up or breaks down.

How To Keep Yourself Warm On An RV Camping Trip

Even if you insulate your RV it's important to make sure you're bringing the proper clothing to stay warm when you do head outside. Picking winter wear that is insulated and waterproof will provide you with the warmest outdoor experience.

Sometimes winter weather isn't so friendly, so it's important to bring doubles of everything. Some clothing articles you should pack are:

• Hats and scarves
• Gloves
• Warm socks
• Extra pants

Layers, layers, layers

Aside from a collection of outdoor clothing accessories, it's always a good idea to bring an extra few layers. When temperatures drop to freezing, that extra fleece sweater or wool shirt is going to come in handy. It's better to be too warm than too cold, and this way you have the option to build up your layers of insulation according to the weather.

Get A Sleeping Bag

Sometimes when planning an RV camping trip, outdoor accessories can get left behind. That's why it's important to have a checklist before you leave, with an insulated sleeping back right at the top. When the temperature plummets at night time, having an insulated sleeping bag on hand is your ticket to a goodnight's sleep.

Takeaway

Getting get up and packing for an RV camping trip during the winter months can be a tedious task but it's so worth it. Just make sure that you've ticked all the boxes from RV insulation to winter clothing accessories and you're set to go.

If you have any questions about other ways you can equip your RV for a camping trip this winter, make sure to contact us!