Here are some tips to help ensure your winter RV camping trip is as memorable as possible.
Essentials for Winter RVing
While it's important to avoid overpacking, winter RV travel often requires a few extra essentials to ensure comfort and safety:- Vent Insulator Pillows: These cost-effective pillows, priced between $10 to $40, fit into roof vent openings to retain warmth and block out cold air. Travel blogger Laura Peters shares, "We initially didn't realize how much heat was escaping through our living room vents. These affordable pillows ended up saving us hundreds on heating costs during the winter, and we highly recommend them to anyone new to RVing."
- Weather and Road Condition Apps: Use apps like Weather Hi-Def Radar to monitor snowfall and wind speed, which is crucial for safe winter RV driving.
- Cold Weather Gear: Bring along electric blankets, hand warmers, and waterproof, windproof clothing to stay warm.
- Slippers: Keep your feet warm and clean by wearing slippers inside the RV, especially when the floors are cold.
- Snow Shovel and Ice Scraper: Be prepared to clear snow and ice from your RV when you're ready to hit the road.
- Emergency Supplies: In winter, it's wise to make exceptions to the "don't overpack" rule for essential items like tire chains, extra food, and other emergency gear.
- Toiletries: Remember to pack all the toiletries you regularly use since you can't rely on hotel services in an RV. Consider plastic-free options for an eco-friendly choice, and don't forget sunscreen and chapstick like Eco Lips, which are essential in cold weather.
Inspect and Seal Your RV Roof
Prior to starting your journey to a colder climate, it's crucial to apply a fresh coat of RV sealant to all necessary areas. Don't forget to inspect your slide seals to ensure they're still effective and functioning properly. Additionally, examine the weather stripping around your RV's entrance and storage compartments, replacing any sections that have become flat or are missing.It's vital to promptly address any cracks or leaks in your RV's roof by applying an appropriate sealant or protective coating. This proactive approach can prevent further deterioration. Silver Spur RV Park states that doing so can help you avoid more expensive and complicated repairs in the future.
If left unchecked, leaks can cause significant damage to your RV's structure and interior, potentially ruining wallpaper, compromising walls, and fostering mold growth.
Given the variety of RV sealants available, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the options. To make an informed decision, learn about RV roof sealant thoroughly by consulting trustworthy sources to determine which product best suits your needs.
Choose an RV Storage Location
For many RVers, finding adequate storage for their recreational vehicle during winter can be challenging. Not all homeowners have room to store an RV on their property. Additionally, some homeowners associations prohibit keeping RVs on residential properties. This leaves owners searching for off-site storage options.When selecting an RV storage facility, some important factors are the area's flatness and pavement to avoid issues like sinking into soft surfaces. It's also best to avoid locations with many trees, as falling branches could damage the RV. Indoor storage protects from the elements but tends to be more expensive.
Costs for RV storage vary significantly depending on location and the type of facility. As per Wide Open Spaces, basic uncovered outdoor lots generally range from $50-100 per month. Features like coverage and climate control command higher premiums.
Covered outdoor spaces average $100-250 monthly. Indoor units from large storage companies often charge $250-450. Beyond the facility fee, RVers should also budget for necessary winterization tasks to properly prepare their RV for off-season storage.
Be sure to review all rules and paperwork the storage provider requires thoroughly. Most require proof of insurance and identification before signing agreements.
Keeping Your RV Storage Bays Warm
Protecting your RV's pipes from freezing isn't limited to insulation - you can also actively heat your storage bays. One method is to use electric heating pads placed on the bay floor and plugged in to provide warmth.Alternatively, you might consider a portable heater, such as an electric or propane space heater. However, exercise caution with portable heaters, as they can pose safety risks if not used correctly. Always thoroughly read the user manual and monitor these devices regularly during operation.
Propane Tank Considerations
Propane is needed to power furnaces and heaters to stay warm in cold temperatures, significantly increasing demand. Bigger tanks allow RVers to stay for extended periods without worrying about running out of propane for heating appliances, especially during long winter trips.When it comes to propane tanks, above-ground options are typically more cost-effective due to their smaller size and simpler installation process. For example, a 500-gallon above-ground tank typically costs between $1,400 and $1,700. In contrast, an underground tank of the same size might range from $1,500 to $3,000.
The size of the propane tank significantly influences installation costs. Residential propane tanks usually range from 20 to 1,000 gallons, with the most common sizes being 120, 250, 500, and 1,000 gallons. As per Forbes, here's a quick guide to tank sizes and their typical uses:
- 20-gallon: Suitable for small appliances like outdoor grills or dryers
- 120-gallon: Enough for one or two small appliances (e.g., a fireplace and an oven)
- 250-gallon: Sufficient for water heaters and auxiliary heating
Protect Waste Tanks in Freezing Weather
When camping with sewer hookups, many RVers leave the gray water tanks open while hooked up. However, this practice can cause issues in freezing conditions.During winter storage or camping, be sure to add non-toxic RV antifreeze to the black and gray wastewater tanks. This prevents the contents from expanding as water freezes. It's also important to close the tanks when not actively draining.
Owners should empty tanks well before they reach full capacity in freezing environments, even with antifreeze present. As per A Little and A Lot, tank levels around 2/3 full provide the safest margin to avoid freezing and potential damage. Extreme cold weather brings the risk of tank freezing, no matter the precautions.
Taking these preventative measures allows RVers to safely store their RV over the winter months. This way, they can avoid worries about waste tanks cracking or bursting due to frozen contents expanding. Emptying tanks regularly and using antifreeze ensures the plumbing system's integrity when temperatures drop below freezing.
FAQs
What is considered too cold for RV camping?
A: While some experienced RVers camp year-round, extremely frigid conditions pose risks. Temperatures dipping below -20 degrees Fahrenheit make camping inadvisable, as equipment like heating, plumbing, and engines could malfunction in the cold. Proper winterization is key to preventing issues in temperatures approaching -30 degrees.What should not be left in an RV over winter?
A: Water is the enemy during winter storage, so draining the water systems fully is essential. Empty all tanks and fill them with RV antifreeze after flushing fresh water from lines and fixtures. This keeps lines and tanks from freezing and cracking during cold storage.What to do if water freezes in RV systems?
A: If water does freeze inside plumbing, the first step is to thaw lines slowly. Carefully wrap affected areas with heating tape or cable until fully thawed to prevent ruptures. It's also important to open faucets on each side as water returns to release built-up pressure as the ice melts, avoiding damage. Addressing frozen systems immediately helps prevent further issues.Ultimately, with the right equipment, supplies, and maintenance checks, you'll be ready to face whatever weather comes your way. Most importantly, remember to slow down and bond with your companions around the campfire. Take the time to truly appreciate nature's winter beauty. These are the experiences that will create lasting winter camping memories that will warm your heart for years to come.
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