Winter RV Adventures: Staying Warm and Safe on the Road

When most people think of camping getaways, sultry summer nights around a campfire under the stars often come to mind. While it’s true that many folks make the most of the warm weather to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, you can have just as much fun when the temperature drops by embracing winter RV travel.

Winter RV camping gives you the unique opportunity to see scenic snowy landscapes and get in touch with nature with just a fraction of the crowds and costs compared to peak season. It can serve as a base for snowy hikes, skiing, ice fishing, and other seasonal adventures.

There are plenty of perks, but it’s important to keep in mind the hazards that come with ice, snow, and chilly weather. Things like frozen pipes, heat loss, and adverse travel conditions can throw a wrench into RV winter camping plans. Here’s what you need to know to get your vehicle prepped and ready so that you can head off to some of the best RV winter destinations around.

Staying Warm Inside Your RV

One of the most important things to consider when traveling in your RV in the winter months is staying warm. Just like you would at home, you can start by layering your clothing and having warm blankets available for everyone in your group. When it gets really cold, though, fleecy clothing and snuggly blankets just aren’t going to cut it.

To get your RV ready, you need to find the right heating system, take steps to prevent heat loss, and maintain proper ventilation in your vehicle. Let’s look at some tips.

RV Heating Systems

There are two main types of RV heating systems. The first is a forced air furnace that heats up the RV by using a blower fan that runs on a small motor. Most of these systems use propane, but some use diesel. The good thing about using a propane system is that it can save you some money if you stay on campgrounds that charge extra for electricity. However, it’s easy to go through propane pretty quickly if the heat is continuously running, so you’ll need to have access to more when you run out.

The other type of heating system is hydronic heating. These systems use propane, diesel, or electricity to heat water that then flows into radiators throughout the RV. A hydronic system is quieter than a forced air furnace, so that’s a bonus if you want peace and quiet inside your vehicle. Even so, many agree that the forced furnace system is simpler and safer when it comes to winter RV travel. Depending on the size of your RV, you might want to have an electric space heater or two handy. These can warm up your space pretty quickly and are very easy to use.

With all the heat going through your vehicle, it’s easy for moisture to build up quickly. Too much moisture can cause mold or fungus inside your RV, which can damage the vehicle or be dangerous to your health. You’ll need one or two dehumidifiers, depending on the size of your RV, to suck out some of that moisture.

Preventing Heat Loss

Once your RV is warm and toasty, you want to make sure that it stays that way. Proper RV insulation can do the trick. Throw some rugs on the floor where cold air typically settles. Insulate your windows with shrink film or foil insulation to seal off any cracks or gaps and to keep cold wind from getting in. Door window covers and a reflective sunshade for the windshield also safeguard your RV from warm air leaks.

These steps can also keep your RV’s temperature warm when you’re not inside and actively using the heat. If you go on a hike, for example, you want to come back to a cozy vehicle after. Thermal curtains, rugs, and the reflective sunshade up front are great tools for keeping the inside temp stable.

Preparing Your RV for Winter Travel

Choosing a heating system is just the beginning. Before you travel, you may need to make some changes to your vehicle to get ready for both the winter weather and terrain.

RV Insulation and Winterization

RV winterization is important because it keeps passengers warm and helps prevent any weather-related damage to your vehicle. This includes proper insulation that goes beyond just sealing off the windows and doors. One of the most effective things that you can do to insulate your rig is to buy a skirt. There are many kinds available, but they all work as a barrier against cold air and wind from coming up the bottom of your vehicle. This keeps the floor warmer inside and can help prevent your plumbing system from freezing.

Insulating the walls, roof, and floor of your rig is essential for winter travel. There are two main types of insulation: fiberglass and foam. Fiberglass comes in rolls and looks like cotton candy. It’s the kind that you see in most conventional homes. It’s affordable and fairly easy to install but degrades faster than other insulation options.

Rigid foam insulation comes in boards and is great for all kinds of climates. It’s durable and lasts a long time but is more expensive and difficult to install compared to fiberglass. Spray foam is resistant to moisture and is best suited to lightweight vehicles that don’t change climate too often.

As a last step, check the insulation around your windows and doors. Shrink film and foil are effective, but you can also opt for spray foam or caulking. Don’t go for weatherstripping, as it’s the likeliest of the bunch to break down first and let in cold air.

RV Winter Tires

Bad or bald tires are a safety hazard if you’re traveling in an RV in winter. You’ll need snow tires that can take on slippery roads if there’s ice or snow on the ground. To get started, you need to know the size and pressure of the tires that you need. You can often find this info in your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you don’t know it already.

Snow tires are made of softer rubber compared to regular tires. This allows the tire to spread out more evenly across the road so that it gets more grip and traction. Good winter tires should also have deeper treads and siping, or patterns, on them for good grip. Adding chains to your tires also has the same effect, as the chains provide extra traction when traversing snowy or icy roads.

RV Winter Travel Tips

Once your vehicle is winterized, you’re ready to hit the open road! Even if you’re a seasoned pro when traveling by RV in the summer, here are some things to keep in mind when heading out for a winter drive.

Monitor the Weather

Checking the weather on the road is pretty simple as long as you periodically have cell service or radio frequency. Radio stations should have updates in your local area for you to tune into along the drive. For a more in-depth analysis, download a weather app.

Weather apps, or even Google and Apple Maps, can give you a good look at the conditions in your area. If the forecast is calling for snowy or icy conditions, consider staying off the roads until they’re clear and visibility is better.

Be Ready for an Emergency

Keep these things on hand just in case an emergency arises:

• De-icer spray
• Ice scraper
• Flashlight with batteries
• High-visibility jacket
• Extra warm blankets and clothes

These are must-have items specifically for hazardous winter weather. You should always have your RV stocked with other emergency basics like a first aid kit, jumper cables, and food and water.

RV Winter Safety When Driving

When the streets aren’t plowed or if visibility is low, it’s very important to take extra caution while driving. Most of your rig’s weight is on the front wheels, so drive slowly, ease on the brakes, and leave enough room for any vehicles in front of you. This will help you stay in control of the RV and maintain traction on the road. Additionally, using your low beams can reduce glare and increase your visibility if it’s snowing.

Take extra precautions if you’re driving a towable. The frame isn’t attached to the vehicle that’s driving it, so it’s best to go nice and slow to maintain control and keep a good drip on the road. Driving cautiously during adverse conditions can help prevent tipping or accidents.

Enjoy Winter Camping Safely

Winter camping can be a truly magical experience. The key is to have your RV prepped and ready for the different types of weather and road conditions you may face along the way. Part of that preparation is having the right RV warranty coverage.

America’s RV Warranty offers protection for all kinds of RVs and rigs. Our unbeatable plans help cover the repair costs when something mechanical breaks. Our coverage gives drivers peace of mind so that they can enjoy the open road no matter the season or the weather!

And if you’re looking for RV insurance protection from accidents, damage, and more, we've partnered with Money.com to provide this list of trusted providers near you:

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