If you’re not ready to put the RV up for winter, or you won’t put it up at all, you need to take advantage of these winter RVing tips.
Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean you’ve got to put the RV away for the season. You could be the next Cousin Eddie and pull up at the Griswolds in your RV with the kids and dog in tow. Even if you don’t want to go that deep into personal intrusions, if you want to enjoy your RV near the ski resort, during your winter adventures, and on the road, you’ll want to take advantage of these winter RVing tips.
Winterizing doesn’t mean putting it away
Some think that the only time you need to winterize your RV is when you park it for the season and don’t intend to bring it back out until spring. Nothing could be further from the truth. Winterizing means you prepare the vehicle for temperatures that are going to be below freezing. If that’s what you’ll face at your destination, you need to winterize your RV to ensure your pipes don’t burst.
What heater are you using?
Before heading out in the winter in your RV, you need to check the heating and electrical situation at your destination. One of the most important winter RVing tips you can follow is ensuring you have the right heater for the job. If electricity is available, you need to use an electric heater, but if not, your best option is a small, portable propane heater. Using the vehicle’s propane heater will only last a couple of days, but a small model will last longer and use less propane in the process.
Proper insulation pays dividends
If you have the right insulation in place, you won’t need to worry about a separate heater in your RV. You’ll need to insulate everywhere that air can get into your RV. This means adding some foam boards along the slides for the pop-outs and considering a skirt that wraps around the bottom of your RV to create a warmer environment. The skirt can help keep your pipes from freezing and make your RV much more energy-efficient when it’s parked.
Prepare your pipes
You need to protect your pipes from freezing and give them the insulation required to keep them warmer than freezing. Properly insulating your pipes is one of the most important winter RVing tips to ensure you have a good experience. Water that’s let in the pipes and hoses can turn to ice. Water is one of the few liquids that expands when it freezes, which means the ice could crack your pipes and hoses. An easy way to prevent pipes from freezing is to add heat tape to your pipes and plug the tape into a power source to keep hoses and pipes warm.
Get the tires ready for the winter roads
If you don’t have snow tires on your RV, you might want to consider putting some on before you head out. In addition to tires, one of the most important winter RVing tips is to add a set of snow chains to your gear. On some roads, you’re required to drive with chains on to ensure you have a better grip. Make sure you give yourself a few extra days in case you get snowed in wherever you go.
Make sure you have the right winter gear
Travel in an RV means you’ve got limited space to pack and bring items, but you still have a larger space than you would if you traveled by SUV or car. Some of the items you should consider are:
- Vent insulator pillows
- Warm clothing
- Slippers
- Snow shovel and ice scraper
- Emergency items
- Extra toiletries
These items can make your time on the road more comfortable during the winter months.
Insulate your windows
At night, you need to pull the shades to create an insulated barrier between you and the cold air that’s outside. It’s also a good idea to add a plastic film that shrinks to the window when you heat it. These two steps will keep your RV nice and toasty on those nights when its snowing outside. This is your home on wheels and it should feel just as warm and cozy as the home you left to go on your RV trip.
Use these helpful winter RVing tips to stay warm and enjoy a great time out on the roads during the coldest months of the year. Happy RVing!
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