Either head south for warmer weather, winterize the RV and put it into storage, or brave the cold weather and keep on camping. In this article, we will discuss seven common mistakes many new RVers often overlook when camping in cold weather. Winter RVing can be an incredible adventure, but it also comes with some unique challenges you need to know about. So stay tuned to make that winter RV and camping trip more comfortable.
Mistake number one that many RVers make when winter camping is underestimating the importance of insulation. Now, many RVs are not insulated from extreme cold. Even RVs labeled as Four Season RVs still need extra care in the insulation department. RVs are built to be lightweight, so the walls are thin and not well insulated. Adding additional insulation, like Reflectix in cabinet areas or windows, or even using window film on windows to help insulate those windows, is crucial so you don’t have a chilly and uncomfortable RV interior.
Mistake number two that many new RVers make when cold weather camping is not preparing the plumbing system. When water freezes at low temperatures, this can wreak havoc on your RV’s water and plumbing systems. Not only do you not want to find yourself in a situation where you have no water flow, but frozen pipes can mean replacing that PEX tubing used in RV water systems—not something you want to try to tackle, especially in the middle of winter. So this is where using things like heated water hoses when you bring that water into the RV is helpful. Using a heated sewer hose or a heated sewer hose support can also be beneficial for those outside water areas. Suppose you do choose to put your RV into storage in the wintertime. In that case, you want to make sure that you properly winterize the plumbing by draining all of the water tanks, including that water heater, and using RV antifreeze to help prevent freezing and any costly damage that could occur.
Mistake number three is neglecting some maintenance items. Tires are a big thing that people overlook when winter camping. Now think about it: cold weather affects tire pressure, so you want to ensure that you’re regularly checking and maintaining your RV’s tire pressures, especially if you have something drivable or even your travel trailers and fifth wheels when you’re moving them from place to place. Under-inflated tires can lead to poor handling, blowouts, and many things that you don’t want to deal with, especially if you are driving on snowy or wintry roads. Another thing to remember is that if you have lithium batteries, they do not perform well in extremely cold temperatures. This is where using something like a heated battery pad can be helpful, and you also want to check all of the seals and weather stripping around slide-outs, doors, and windows to help keep the interior a lot warmer.
Mistake number four is insufficient heating planning. This is from experience—relying solely on an RV’s built-in furnace will probably not be sufficient in extremely cold conditions. If you end up in a place with some sub-zero temperatures, it probably will not do the trick. A lot of things that newer RVers fail to think about are backup heating.
Mistake number five is forgetting about condensation. Condensation in RVs during cold weather camping is a huge issue, and really, it’s caused by the temperature differential between the air inside the RV and the outside air when that temperature drops. In addition to humidity levels and poor ventilation in your RV, condensation buildup is a major concern Common concern now, if you don’t address this, it can cause many problems with mold and mildew growth in the RV—things you don’t want to deal with. So, using actual ventilation like roof vent fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture-absorbing products can help combat this issue when camping in cold weather. And I’m not talking about just sub-zero temperatures—like even 40-50 degrees outside, you will see how much condensation can build up inside of your RV rather quickly. So, when this video is over, I will link to a video that we did about mitigating condensation in your RV. In that video, we have some great ways to talk about how to keep condensation at a minimum during cold-weather camping.
Mistake number six many people make is when they are going to be in their RV during the cold weather, they don’t skirt the RV. Now, RV skirting in cold weather is crucial for several reasons. Let me talk real fast about what skirting is: it’s the process of enclosing the underside of your RV with some material that acts as a barrier between the RV, the outside air, and the cold ground. Now, here’s why this is so important: because RVs are not well insulated underneath, they often have gaps and openings where cold air can come up inside of the RV, as well as; think about this: you have your waste tanks, you have a lot of your plumbing— all of those things are underneath, and this is a huge freezing potential in cold weather. So, skirting creates a sealed barrier that helps keep the cold air out and the warm air inside and significantly improves the overall insulation of your RV, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature while you’re camping.
Mistake number seven: many RVers make poor trip planning. So, let’s be serious for a minute, okay? Unless you want a ski vacation or need to be near family, maybe head south for the winter like we do because your RV has wheels for a reason, right? But if you can’t head south, make sure that the campground you’re considering is open. Many campgrounds in cold-weather states close down their campsites and winterize them for the cold weather season. So, make sure you’re not left out in the cold—see what I did there? Yeah, it’s a funny pun. Make those phone calls to ensure you have a place to set up camp. Just don’t assume that that campground is going to be open year-round. I’m going to leave that video right up here about mitigating RV condensation. Now, if you plan on using your RV at all this winter, even in 40-50 degrees, this is a must-watch to avoid growing mold, mildew, and other fun things you don’t want in your RV. We’ll see you out on the road or around the campground.
In conclusion, cold-weather RVing can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. From ensuring proper insulation and protecting your plumbing system to maintaining your tires and addressing condensation, each step plays a vital role in providing a comfortable and safe winter camping trip. Don’t forget the importance of skirting your RV and planning your trip well in advance, especially when choosing a campground that remains open during the winter months. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make the most of your winter adventures and enjoy the season’s beauty without the discomfort of preventable issues. Stay warm, stay safe, and happy camping!