Winter RV Accessories

Winterizing your RV and outfitting it with the right accessories ensures that your adventures in colder climates are comfortable and safe. Whether you're planning to use your RV during winter or store it until the warmer months, here are essential winter RV accessories to consider:

1. Insulation and Heating Accessories

• RV Skirting: RV skirting adds an insulating barrier around the base of your RV to keep cold air from circulating underneath. It helps maintain interior warmth and prevents the tanks and pipes from freezing.
  • Insulated Skirts: For extreme cold, insulated skirts provide better thermal protection.
• Foam Pipe Insulation: Cover exposed pipes and hoses with foam pipe insulation to protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Reflective Insulation: Insulated window covers, such as Reflectix, can reduce heat loss through windows and skylights. Place them in windows at night to maintain warmth.
• RV Vent Insulation Pads: Foam vent covers or pillows help block cold air from entering through roof vents. These are easy to install and remove when needed.
• Thermal Curtains: Insulated curtains or heavy drapes help trap heat inside the RV and prevent cold drafts from coming through windows.

2. Tank and Plumbing Protection

• Heated Water Hose: A heated water hose is essential for preventing your freshwater supply from freezing. These hoses come with built-in heaters that keep the water flowing, even in freezing temperatures.
• Tank Heaters: Install heating pads on your freshwater, gray, and black water tanks to prevent them from freezing. Many of these pads are thermostatically controlled and can be powered by your RV's electrical system.
• Pipe Heaters: Use pipe heaters or heat tape on your RV's water lines to protect them from freezing, especially in exposed areas.
• RV Antifreeze: Non-toxic RV antifreeze is critical for winterizing the water system if you plan to store your RV during winter. It prevents water in the pipes from freezing and causing damage.

3. Heating Solutions

• Portable Space Heater: A small electric space heater can supplement your RV's built-in heating system, especially if you are plugged into shore power. Choose a heater with a tip-over safety feature for added protection.
• Propane Heater: Propane heaters, like the Mr. Heater Buddy, are ideal for boondocking or when you don't have access to shore power. Make sure the heater is safe for indoor use and has proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
• Heated Mattress Pad: A heated mattress pad or blanket can keep you warm during chilly nights without running your main heating system all night. These pads can run on both AC power and battery systems, making them ideal for off-grid camping.

4. Snow and Ice Removal

• RV Roof Snow Rake: A roof snow rake with a long, extendable handle helps you safely remove snow accumulation from your RV's roof, preventing damage from heavy snow loads.
• Windshield Cover: A snow and ice windshield cover protects your RV's windshield from frost buildup, saving you time in the mornings.
• De-Icing Spray: Carry a de-icing spray for quick removal of ice buildup on windows, door locks, and other surfaces.

5. Tire and Chassis Protection

• Tire Covers: Protect your RV tires from snow and ice with heavy-duty tire covers. Prolonged exposure to cold and moisture can lead to cracking and tire damage.
• Snow Chains: If you're traveling in areas with heavy snow, snow chains are essential for navigating snowy or icy roads safely.
• Stabilizer Jack Pads: These pads provide additional support and help prevent your RV's stabilizer jacks from sinking into snow or soft ground. Look for pads designed for use in winter conditions.

6. RV Battery Care

• Battery Blanket or Heater: A battery heater or blanket can keep your RV batteries warm and functioning properly in cold weather. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, so keeping them warm ensures better performance.
• Battery Monitor: Use a battery monitor to keep track of your battery's charge and ensure it doesn't get too low. This is especially important if you rely on your battery system to power your heater or other accessories.

7. Ventilation and Moisture Control

• Dehumidifier: Cold weather often causes condensation inside the RV, especially when heating. A compact dehumidifier can help reduce moisture buildup and prevent mold and mildew.
• MaxxAir Vent Covers: These vent covers allow you to keep roof vents open slightly for airflow, even in bad weather, preventing moisture buildup inside the RV.

8. Winter-Friendly Power Options

• Generator: A reliable generator can provide power when boondocking in the winter or if your RV's battery system needs backup power. Look for quiet, fuel-efficient models.
• Solar Panels with Battery Backup: If you prefer sustainable power solutions, invest in solar panels with a battery backup system. Even though winter sunlight is weaker, solar panels can still provide enough power for essential systems when paired with a good battery bank.

9. Safety Gear

• Carbon Monoxide and Propane Detector: If you use propane heaters or appliances in your RV, ensure you have functioning carbon monoxide and propane leak detectors. Winter often means closed windows and less ventilation, so these detectors are essential for safety.
• Fire Extinguisher: Double-check your RV's fire extinguisher to ensure it's functional and up to date. Heating systems can pose fire risks, and it's always best to be prepared.

10. Storage and Transportation Accessories

• RV Cover: If you're storing your RV for the winter, invest in a high-quality RV cover to protect it from snow, ice, and UV damage. Make sure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup underneath.
• Wheel Chocks: In winter conditions, it's crucial to secure your RV from movement. Rubber or heavy-duty plastic wheel chocks provide better grip and stability on icy or wet surfaces.

11. Indoor Comfort Accessories

• Electric Blanket: An electric blanket is a great way to stay warm during cold nights without using excessive energy from your main heating system.
• Insulated Rugs: Place insulated rugs on the floor to keep your feet warm and block cold air from creeping up through the floor.
• Heated Water Bowls: If you're traveling with pets, heated water bowls prevent water from freezing, ensuring your pets stay hydrated.

12. Winter Camping Gear

• Four-Season Sleeping Bags: If you're camping in extreme cold, four-season sleeping bags rated for subzero temperatures will keep you warm, especially when boondocking with limited heating options.
• Thermal Socks and Clothing: Layering up with thermal socks, gloves, and other warm clothing ensures you stay comfortable inside and outside the RV.

Conclusion

Winterizing your RV with these accessories will ensure that you stay warm, safe, and comfortable while protecting your RV's vital systems from freezing temperatures. Proper insulation, heating, and moisture control are essential for winter RV adventures, whether you're living in your RV or storing it during the colder months.

4o