Preparing your RV for Cold Weather

Preparing your RV for cold weather involves several important steps to ensure comfort, safety, and proper functioning during your trip. Here are some helpful tips for RVing in cold weather:

1. Insulate Your RV

• Windows and Doors: Use insulated window coverings, reflective insulation, or foam board to reduce heat loss. Draft stoppers for doors can also help.
• Skirting: Adding RV skirting around the bottom of your RV keeps cold air out and helps retain warmth.
• Sealing Gaps: Use weather stripping and caulk to seal any gaps where cold air might enter.

2. Heat Your RV Efficiently

• Furnace: Ensure your RV's furnace is in good working condition before your trip. Carry extra propane tanks if your furnace runs on propane.
• Electric Space Heaters: Supplemental space heaters can help warm specific areas of your RV and reduce propane usage.
• Heated Mattress Pads or Blankets: These provide extra warmth without using too much energy.

3. Protect Your Plumbing

• Insulate Water Lines: Use heat tape or foam pipe insulation on water lines to prevent freezing.
• Heated Hose: Consider investing in a heated water hose if you're staying hooked up to a water source.
• Keep Tanks Warm: Use heated tank pads to prevent your fresh, gray, and black tanks from freezing. Alternatively, you can add RV antifreeze to your tanks.

4. Ventilation

• Prevent Condensation: Even in cold weather, proper ventilation is key to avoiding moisture buildup. Use roof vent covers to keep air circulating without letting in cold air.

5. Prepare for Icy Conditions

• Snow Removal Tools: Bring a snow shovel, ice scraper, and de-icing spray for windows.
• Traction Aids: Carry sand, cat litter, or traction mats in case you get stuck on icy roads or campsites.

6. Check Your Batteries

• Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, so ensure your batteries are fully charged and in good condition. Consider a battery warmer or keeping batteries inside where it's warmer.

7. Monitor Your Propane Supply

• Propane is essential for heating and cooking in many RVs. Cold weather can cause you to use more propane than usual, so monitor your supply and have backup tanks ready.

8. Use the Right RV Antifreeze

• If storing your RV or if you expect extreme cold, winterize the plumbing system with RV antifreeze to avoid freezing and damage.

9. Stay Warm Inside

• Rugs and Carpeting: Adding rugs or carpet can help insulate the floor and keep your feet warm.
• Layer Clothing: Dress in layers and use blankets to keep cozy without cranking up the heat constantly.

10. Plan for Power and Fuel

• Cold-weather camping often requires more power and fuel. Be prepared with a reliable generator, extra fuel, and appropriate adapters for shore power hookups.

11. Select a Good Campsite

• If possible, choose a site with some natural windbreaks like trees or hills to reduce wind chill. Park with the rear of your RV facing the prevailing wind direction.

12. Prepare for Emergencies

• Carry extra blankets, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and emergency supplies in case of unexpected situations or if you get snowed in.

13. Stay Informed

• Keep an eye on weather forecasts and road conditions, and be ready to change plans if extreme weather is expected.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable RV experience even in cold weather conditions.