RV Camping in the Winter

Is your RV ready to battle the elements for cold-weather RVing? Your Keystone RV Cougar doesn’t want to sit in storage for the whole Winter! While Summer RV trips are great, Winter RVing can be equally enjoyable.Whether you are traveling in a Fifth Wheel or a Travel Trailer, the key is to prepare and stay comfortable. Here are a couple tips from Campers Site RV Dealership, in Cresco, Iowa

Extra Equipment for Winter RVing

Some RVs are purpose built for RVing in the winter, with plenty of features that are designed to resist the cold, however most RVs need a little help in the winter. Assuming that your winter trip is going to involve freezing temperatures, there are some steps you can take to ensure a better trip with less stress on your RV. First, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing is protected. Make sure that you have antifreeze in your black and gray holding tanks so that your dump valves won’t freeze up on you. If you’re going to be spending extended periods in the cold, you may also want to look at heaters for your holding tank, which keep your waste from locking up. Interior pipes can be protected with insulating foam, but more sensitive areas, such as pipes exposed to the elements can be protected with heat tape in addition to insulation to keep your water moving. Your water pump may also be vulnerable if it’s located in a storage compartment below your RV, so consider a small space heater for that area.

Cozy RV Interiors

Keeping your RV’s equipment functional working is only half of the battle when travelling in your RV in the winter. You also need to face the challenge of keeping your RV warm in potentially freezing temperatures. Your windows need a close look first, many older RVs will have single pane windows that hemorrhage heat, so look at an upgrade, or invest in some thermal blinds that will trap more heat inside. Your roof vents are another major heat loss site, fortunately you can pick up roof vent cushions which will trap in much more warmth there. On the subject of vents, you’ll want to make sure that if you’re showering or cooking that you open your vents to let steam exit, as condensation can draw from the heating efficiency in your RV. Speaking of heating, you’ll probably be using plenty of propane when you camp in the cold, so don’t forget to bring extra propane tanks. Likewise, running your furnace fan will draw plenty of power from your RVs battery, so you should try and plan your trips where you can stay plugged into power (especially considering all of the other devices you may need to power to stay comfy). Other investments you may want to check out include electric blankets, space heaters, and a dehumidifier, however you should make sure that you don’t overload your RV’s electrical system.

Be Ready For Anything

Keeping emergency supplies on hand is always a good choice when you’re RVing, however it’s especially important in the hostile cold of winter. We recommend you carry the following items on hand when you travel: Tire chains, an emergency radio, extra food for emergencies, extra water for drinking (stored where it won’t freeze), 0° sleeping bags, extra blankets, a white gas camping stove with fuel (and a lighter), a blow dryer for emergency defrosting, a GPS Unit with extra batteries, extra propane, and some cold hard cash. It’s also smart to have a portable power option on hand, such as solar panels, or a gas powered generator.

And there you go! Basic tips for enjoying a wonderful Winter RV trip. Stop by Camp Site RV Center Dealership and learn more great tips from our friendly staff. If you want to be certain you are ready for a winter trip, our Service Department is more than capable of ensuring your Keystone RV Cougar travel trailer is ready to roll for Winter RVing! We are located in Cresco, Iowa near Cedar Falls, IA, Rochester, MN and La Crosse, WI.