As the temperature drops RV camping can get a little bit more difficult. If you have never been winter RV camping dig in because we go over everything! From tips to tools we use as full-time RVers, you will learn all you need to know!
If you want to see a list of everything we use to live comfortably in our RV click here!
Have a relaxing winter season trip with these ideas to prep your RV and enjoy your offseason.
Contents
Prepare Your RV for Winter season
Before heading out, one of the most vital things to prepare your rig for the harsh weather of winter. The majority of new RVs are built with most of the necessities for winter camping. However, there still quite a bit of work to properly prepare and keep you comfy.
Exterior
Inspect RV window seals as well as re-caulk where needed. Check the weather stripping on all external doors, specifically the entry, storage locations and also access panels and change if worn out to keep cold drafts out.
Also you can use insulating foam boards to fit snugly in between the RV framework and also the ground completely around the base of your gear. This barrier will help keep your holding tanks, water lines, and storage bays above freezing. RV skirts can assist, though they do not provide as much insulation.
Holding Tanks
Drain your black as well as grey water tanks prior to your trip. Add quart of RV antifreeze in each tank. This will shield the dump valves from turning to the worst icicle known to man. Insulate the exterior drain pipes, and add heat cords to keep this area from freezing. You may also want to add holding tank heating pads. These run off of 12v power and simply adhere to your tanks
Don’t empty your tanks until you’re ready to leave. This will certainly help stop ice from developing.
Fresh Water
Consider getting heated hose, these are premade kits that plug into your power source. These are managed with a thermostat.
Water Pump
If your water pump lies in a protected exterior storage space, a small space heater can help prevent any freezing. A work light also works great for this purpose.
Windows
If you don’t have dual pane RV windows, you may want to add reflectix. An inexpensive remedy to cover your RV windows on the inside with foil insulation, offered at camping world. It’s lightweight and also very easy to cut to fit.
Ceiling Vents
Seal off your air vents by adding vent cushions, which fit sung into the vent simply by pushing them in.
Heating systems
Examine the heater before you hit the road. Tidy the heater location utilizing compressed air or a soft brush to get rid of all dust, debris and pests. If your motor home has just a heatpump, take into consideration an added heat source as these systems do not function well when the outside temperature level drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are at a FHU (Full Hook-up) spot and electricity is cheap, i suggest adding one or two space heaters. This will help your other heating systems allowing them to not run as much.
Gas
If you utilize gas to warm your rig, it won’t last but a couple of days in truly cold weather. Make sure that a propane refill station is nearby, or bring a number of additional tanks with you.
Some camping sites supply propane containers for lease. Call ahead to learn.
Other Factors to consider
Slide Outs
Ice as well as snow can collect on slide out awnings, stopping the awnings from rolling up effectively when it’s time to go. Clean the snow, ice and also frost off the awning.
Furthermore, ice as well as snow can build up on slide gaskets and prevent the slide from closing. using motor home antifreeze on the gaskets might aid.