Embracing the chill of winter doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, especially when it comes to RV camping. Are you ready to transform your winter camping experience from just bearable to exceptionally cozy? Whether you’re a seasoned snowbird or a first-timer braving the frost, our comprehensive guide offers essential tips to ensure your RV becomes a warm haven amidst the winter wonderland. From insulation hacks to smart heating strategies, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can enjoy the beauty of winter camping without the shiver!
1. Prepare Your RV
As a quick review, you’ll want to take the following steps to make it possible to live in an RV in the winter. To learn more about preparing your RV, see our feature articles that discuss the importance of preparing your camper for winter in detail.
- Insulate your windows, doors, and other points where heat can leak out
- Skirt the bottom of your RV to prevent the cold and wind from blowing through
- Winterize your plumbing
- Motorhomes should cover engine grills and the bottom to prevent snow and ice from getting into the engine cavity (if heavy snow is expected)
- Air conditioner units should be wrapped and sealed with plastic to prevent ice from forming inside
- Slideout edges can be better sealed with cloth snakes to prevent air leaks
- Take your travel trailer in for an inspection and tune-up before your trip
- Make sure you have all the essential gear you need, like a fully stocked first aid kit, shovel, and other supplies.
The goal is to make sure you’ll have everything you need for virtually every situation that could arise. You have to prepare for situations where you may not be able to leave the RV due to snow build-up. The best way to live comfortably in isolated conditions is to make sure your RV and gear are in the best shape possible and fully stocked.
2. The Advantages of Smaller Travel Trailers
Heating an RV is one of the most important factors when you consider camping during the winter. When you consider how much it costs to heat a camper, you have to think about how much propane you’ll run through, electricity sources, and other methods. You may find RVs with thicker insulation and higher R-values, but they tend to be larger models.
Shorter-length RVs have their advantages. Some have optional four-season packages available to help with cold weather. They also heat up faster since there’s less internal air to maintain. Increasing the size of your RV’s furnace and other heating tricks (that we’ll discuss later) will increase heating efficiency to make the most of your fuel.
3. Have Multiple Power Source Options
In the camping world, the colloquial definition of Murphy’s Law holds. If it can go wrong, it probably will. That’s why you should always go with the actual definition that says to avoid any situation that could go wrong.
An important example would be your power sources. Never rely on a single power source when camping by yourself. Especially when using campers for winter living. If you miss a fuel run or have a mechanical issue, your cozy camper will turn into a bone-chilling box-on-wheels.
Shore power connections are the most reliable. Snowbelt campgrounds that stay open year-round turn off their plumbing but do offer electricity. It’s still a good idea to keep your gas generator in good working order if they have a power outage. Of course, solar panels will keep your batteries charged up. Make sure you keep a weather eye on your batteries.
Another consideration is to keep a solar generator handy as your last line of defense. This type of generator isn’t made to power your RV, but bigger models can keep your portable electronics going if everything else fails. They don’t produce any fumes, and they’re quiet, so using them inside your coach won’t be a problem.
4. Essential Safety: A GPS Beacon
In the unpredictability of the outdoors, particularly during winter, staying connected for safety is crucial. Unlike the controlled scenarios in movies, real-life emergencies in remote areas require immediate and reliable communication. A GPS beacon is an essential tool for this purpose. It operates via satellite, ensuring that you can send distress signals or check in with loved ones, even in areas with no cell reception. This technology provides peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your winter adventures while ensuring you have a lifeline in case of emergencies.
5. Plan Your Utilities
If you’re dry camping for a couple of days, you’re probably going to head to a truck stop with an RV dump station or other safe dump station on your route. For those planning on setting up for a longer stay, you’ll want to have a plan for your utilities. Specifically, You’ll need to figure out how you’re going to remove your wastewater, refill freshwater, and resupply your fuel sources.
There are several trip-planning apps and websites to assist you with this. Sanidumps, The Dyrt Pro, and the RV LIFE app, along with RV LIFE Trip Wizard, are just a few. During your trip planning process, locate dump stations and gas stations that also provide propane. To minimize your trips, you’ll also want to find grocery stores to maximize your supply run.
Portable holding tanks are a sanitary way to transport your black water to the dump station. Wait until your black holding tank is full before emptying it. Since you’re not using your grey tank, it should be filling up faster than usual as you pour all of your dirty water down your toilet instead of your drains.
When the black tank is full, it maintains heat well. It also has a lot of weight. During the transfer process, you’ll have the best flow and the smallest chance of the dirty water freezing. The cap on the portable holding tank seals up tight to prevent spills and odors. You can use the handle and built-in wheels to move it to your vehicle to drive it to the dump station.
6. Electric Heating Devices
To elongate your propane usage, use electronic heating devices to keep you warm. Ceramic and infrared heaters are the safest heating devices to use in RVs. Both heating devices won’t start fires if they fall over. The ceramic heaters have auto-shutoff sensors installed. Infrared heaters use radiant heating, and many use cool touch housings, so the machine itself doesn’t heat up.
Some will plug in a small electric heater in the storage bays to keep things from freezing. It creates a warm barrier under the floor to aid in heating the interior living space. If you do this, don’t set the heater to the maximum and check on it often. There is a potential for a fire risk, so check on your storage bay heater regularly.
Heated mattress pads are perfect for making a camper livable in the winter. They come in residential sizes to fit most RV mattresses. Using a heated pad helps you stay warm while you sleep, they also create an additional layer of protection against the cold leaching up from your storage bays. The heat it generates will also warm the air in your bedroom space.
7. Keep Drinking Water in Jugs
Your freshwater, grey holding tank, and plumbing should be winterized with antifreeze RV liquid to prevent damage. In cold conditions, water expands when it freezes. The ice will crack pipes and holding tanks if they aren’t heated or insulated correctly.
If you intend to use your plumbing, you will need to wrap it with heat tape and or buy a heated hose. The video below details how to wrap your RV water hose with heat tape.
If you’re using your RV’s furnace sparingly, the holding tanks aren’t getting heat regularly. Make sure your black tank is thoroughly insulated so it retains heat to prevent freezing.
If you will be winterizing your rig, using 1-5 gallon jugs for your freshwater is a great way to keep your water insulated and stored while keeping your plumbing winterized. Insulated mugs and bottles will keep your water from freezing when you’re enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.
8. Condensation Can Be Problematic
When you drive in winter conditions, you’ll find that condensation builds up on your windows. The effect occurs due to the air inside your car being warmer than the outside temperature.
The same thing happens in your RV. The problem is mold spores. Try as you might, these spores find every nook and cranny to hide. When the condensation on your windows becomes dense enough, the water droplets will make it down where the window meets the wall.
The black mold spores will activate as soon as it’s moisturizing. Black mold is poisonous. If it gets out of control, its almost impossible to totally eradicate. There are two ways to avert the mold from overtaking your RV. Keep up a weekly regime of cleaning and use a dehumidifier.
Keeping your interior air around 30 percent humid does a couple of things. It will minimize condensation and heat the air faster.
9. Use Your Oven
Have you ever noticed how much warmer your kitchen gets when you use the oven? As you bake or roast something in the oven, it gives off heat. That’s why RV manufacturers place a roof vent with a fan above the kitchen. During the regular camping season, opening up the vent and using the fan expels the heat.
This is an excellent opportunity to hone those cooking or baking skills you’ve always wanted to cross off your bucket list. You don’t have to try to compete with Bobby Flay on your first attempt. Many delicious recipes are easy to make, specifically for RV kitchens.
Safety Note: Most RV ovens run off of propane; it is imperative that the oven is properly vented when in use, or it could fill your rig with carbon dioxide, which is deadly in high concentrations. So, never run a propane appliance inside without proper ventilation.
Layer Smartly for Winter Camping
When camping in winter, dressing smartly for the cold is more than just a matter of comfort—it’s about safety. The key is to layer effectively. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear, which acts like a second skin, trapping body heat and wicking away moisture. Over this, add an insulating layer, such as fleece or wool, which retains heat. Your outer layer should be waterproof and windproof to protect against the elements.
For example, you might wear a snug-fitting thermal top and bottoms, followed by a fleece sweater and wool socks, finishing with a waterproof jacket and pants. Don’t forget accessories like insulated gloves, a warm hat, and perhaps a scarf or neck gaiter.
If you’re looking to outfit yourself without breaking the bank, consider thrift stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. They often have a wide selection of winter clothing at affordable prices. You might find not only functional but also stylish items, perfect for those times you want to combine utility with a bit of fashion at the campsite. Remember, the right clothing can make a significant difference in your winter camping experience, keeping you warm and comfortable so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
11. Use Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bag technology has advanced a lot. There are many different types than that cartoon character one you had growing up.
Cold-weather sleeping bags have built-in materials that resist moisture, retain heat better, and protect you from various other things across multiple camping situations. Cold bags have a drawstring that allows you to close up the opening to keep your body heat inside.
Sleeping bags are primarily beneficial for backpackers and tent campers. Many of the features and benefits focus on those sleeping on the ground using a sleeping pad. Ideally, you’ll be inside your insulated RV, resting comfortably on your bed.
There are a few things you should know about zero-degree sleeping bags. They are either filled with down or synthetic material. Synthetics are hypo-allergenic and still insulate when wet. Down has a better insulating R-value in extreme cold and is easier to compress when you’re trying to roll it back up. Down doesn’t like moisture too much.
If you pull the drawstring around your face, you’ll want to keep your nose and mouth uncovered to avoid moisture buildup inside the bag. Some are fire-resistant, which is perfect for sitting in your favorite camp chair beside a fire, all bundled up. Don’t sit too close; resistant doesn’t mean fire-proof.
12. Keep Yourself In a Realistic Mindset
Keep your expectations realistic. You’re camping in winter. No matter how hot you keep your RV, you’re going to be cold one way or another.
The best you can hope for is that there are going to be warmer days than others. On those days, take advantage of them. Go out and have fun. If there’s some maintenance you need to do, this might be the best time.
On the colder days, use those as your fun inside days. The point is to manage your expectations. Doing this will allow your mind and body to adapt better to the conditions.
13. Stay Active
Staying active is the best way to beat the cold. The movement will build up your internal body temperature. You decided to take this trip for a reason, so get out there and make the most of it.
Stay conscious about overheating. When your body becomes too hot, it sweats to release heat, resulting in you becoming chilled. If this happens, get inside immediately.
Becoming chilled and moisture buildup can result in frostbite or hypothermia. These two conditions are serious medical issues that may require professional medical care if left unchecked. Taking care of your skin while traveling is often overlooked, so take precautions and be proactive.
Winter RV Camping Ideas To Start Planning for
With the proper planning, cold weather camping in an RV is a trip of a lifetime. There are many adventures you can find during the winter months.
Camping in winter isn’t just about recreating the Jack London “man versus the frozen wild” experience. There’s so much more to winter camping that makes this type of camping worth the effort.
Ski lodges have designated RV parking lots where guests can hook up. Many provide electric shore power and hotel-quality bathhouses. RV guests have the run of the facilities and comforts of their coach at reduced rates.
Ice fishing is a popular sport that many communities celebrate. There are a lot of competitions throughout the winter months that enthusiasts travel to with their RVs. It’s so popular that there are RV companies that specialize in building coaches that double as ice fishing huts.
State parks have designated areas for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. There are toy hauler campers that are good for cold weather. With the proper state park passes you can get that Pow Stoke you’ve been waiting for.
With the RV tips we’ve outlined, you’ll find your winter camping experience as exciting as the regular season. Be camper smart, have fun, and happy trails.
