En garde, winter warriors! The cold months are approaching… It’s time to get ready for winter RV living and travel.
Sleeps get crispier. Park-ups get frostier. Water systems get frozen, if you’re not careful.
And that’s why you MUST prepare for the trials ahead!
I have endured some truly shocking winters in an RV. Sometimes, I’ve even enjoyed some truly shocking winters in my ol’ motorhome.
But at other times, though, I’ve barely made it through in beat-up uninsulated tin cans! Trial and error is the path to mastery: I’ve done spades of both while freezing my butt off!
And at the end of it, I put all those lessons and learnings into one COMPLETE guide to winter RV living. The gear… The winterization…
And the pro tips of a seasoned seasonal traveler on how to survive moving through those frigid climates!
Living in an RV in winter is about preparation. So, prepare for the coming dark with this frostproof survivor’s guide.
Winter is coming! But as all experienced nomads know, the biggest struggles bring the greatest rewards.
Stationary
Parking up for winter is a cold affair. It’s cold in the mountains… It’s cold in the desert… It’s definitely cold in Alaska!
So when you’re winter camping in an RV, insulation and heating become your best friends.
Your RV is much like a cabin on wheels. The key to winter comfort is to keep the inside living space warm while minimizing heat loss to the outside. This takes strategy!
Generally speaking, I recommend window covers, door drafts, and foam board insulation for your floor and walls as a bare minimum solution. Beyond that, there are also higher-level options you can investigate.
The right setup doesn’t just make things cozy. The right setup also prevents costly damage to your RV from freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes and frostbite ain’t good for anybody’s home-on-the-go…
So let’s dive into the gear that you need for a fully winter-ready rig!
Protecting Exposed Parts
First up, exposed parts MUST be protected. It’s no different to dressing for winter in that regard. Tight seals with no exposed flesh is the way to go.
Winter’s bite will wreak havoc on the exposed parts of your RV if left unprotected. Uninsulated pipes, tanks, and even the undercarriage are all vulnerable to freezing. This, in turn, leads to cracked pipes, leaks, and plenty of sleepless mornings.
By safeguarding these parts, you’re essentially building a warm and cozy shield around your RV against the harshest of winter weather. From the bottom up, it’s crucial to shield your RV against the cold.
Starting with the most important place…
RV Skirting
Protect yo’ booty! Equipping your RV with skirting is like adding a blanket around its base. Or maybe a big, warm, and puffy skirt.
RV skirts keep the underside of your rig from freezing and losing heat through its base. They’re essential for blocking wind and trapping warm air to protect exposed underbelly components.
There are a couple of options to choose from:
- An inflatable skirts skirt is by far the easiest to set up and pack down. Wrap it around the base, blow it up, and you’re all set!
- Meanwhile, installed skirts, (like vinyl or custom-fit) offer more durability and insulation. They’re usually tacked on or secured with fasteners or adhesive. But as such, they require more time to set up whenever you arrive in a new spot.
The latter is obviously a lot more hassle, but it’s the warmer solution too. It really just comes down to your preferences between the two categories. Inflatable for convenience; installed for the full package.
For a full review and recommendations of your RV Skirting options, check out our Best RV Skirting article.
Heat tape for Pipes
Next, let’s talk plumbing. Heat tape is vital for keeping your RV’s pipes from freezing in cold temps and snaps. Long story short, you wrap it around exposed pipes to keep them warm. Doing so ensures the water inside the pipes DON’T turn into long-form popsicles!
Just like skirting, there are two main types of heat tape:
- Self-regulating heat tape
- thermostat-controlled heat tape.
Self-regulating heat tape adjusts its temperature in response to the surrounding environment. Basically, it automatically senses when it needs to increase or decrease its heat output to ensure it avoids both overheating AND underheating.
Self-regulating heat tape is the more energy-efficient option in the long run. However, it also comes at a higher initial cost. It’s not your regular ol’ duct tape, it’s a bonafide set-it-and-forget-it solution!
Thermostat-controlled heat tape, conversely, uses a built-in thermostat to turn on and off as temperatures rise or fall. While you have some limited control over this process, the tape is less precise overall. As such, it’s better suited for milder winter areas or when you don’t need non-stop protection.
Installation for either type is simple too! Wrap the tape evenly along the length of your pipes, secure it with zip ties (but DON’T overlap the tape), and then just plug it in.
Your choice of tape will likely come down to the conditions you expect to head into. If you think it’s gonna be blizzards and black ice, self-regulating is the way to go.
Add Antifreeze
Lastly, on the note of plumbing systems, antifreeze is your antidote to frozen water tanks in those dastardly sub-zero temperatures. Adding antifreeze ensures that standing water doesn’t freeze over. This is key for preventing costly plumbing repairs.
However, you MUST use RV-tailored antifreeze. Using any regular ol’ antifreeze won’t cut it for complex motorhome systems.
Also, as a good winterizing routine, flush the system first before pumping antifreeze into each line and draining. Aim to check the levels every few weeks if you’re stationary for long periods too, topping off as needed. One way or another, a locked-in antifreeze routine is key to avoiding plumbing catastrophes in winter seasons.
Heating the Inside
Now let’s turn our critical gaze inward. Snug as a bug in a rug is the goal! NOBODY likes sleeping cold.
But unlike heating at home, RV heating setups have some unique quirks to them. Limited space and variable power sources throw a couple of spanners into the works.
But that just means you need to choose the right heating for your rig!
Choose the Right Type of Heating
When choosing your RV’s heating source, you’re mainly considering the following factors:
- Power source
- Climate
- And cost
In remote areas without power hookups, a propane furnace or diesel heater are smart choices. Otherwise, for those with access to electric hookups, heat pumps or space heaters are efficient options that reduce your reliance on fuel.
Consider how often you’ll be using the heating as well. Full-time RVers will likely get more mileage out of an efficient setup like a heat pump. Alternatively, weekend warriors not braving the most frigid climates can get away with a reliable space heater…
Let’s dive deeper into these options!
Furnace vs Heat Pump
Both furnaces and heat pumps are smart choices, but each has its pros and cons.
Propane furnaces are standard in many RVs. They utilize propane to create a direct heating source. They’re great because they heat up super quick and without electricity. However, they can burn through propane fast—frequent refills of your propane tank may be needed depending on your usage. This adds up to your resource consumption over time.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, work like an air conditioner in reverse. They pull heat from the outside air to warm your RV. They’re generally more efficient in mild to moderately cold climates but struggle when temperatures drop to freezing levels. For that reason, heat pumps are much more ideal for winter camping in areas with moderate winters and a reliable electric hookup.
Of the two, you can definitely get away with a heat pump in milder climates provided you have the juice. But if you’re heading into the tundra, it’s time to bring out the big guns!
Electric Space Heaters
Let’s talk other electric options.
Electric Space heaters are the go-to for many middle-of-the-road RVers. They provide efficient warmth at lower running costs when plugged into a hookup. However, there’s a range to consider here.
High-end electric space heaters include top-shelf brands like Vornado or Dyson. These generally come with adjustable settings, quiet operations, and a swathe of safety mechanisms.
That said, budget-friendly options, like a simple ceramic space heater, it can work just as well for small living spaces and short stays. Look for one with a thermostat and overheat protection as the bare minimum feature-wise. Tip-over protection adds another bonus layer of safety too.
Safety comes first when using a space heater in an RV! But long story short, you CAN use a space heater in an RV. Whoopee!
For a more comprehensive review of your space heater options check out our Best RV Space Heaters article.
Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are a simple yet crucial way to keep heat from escaping through your RV’s windows. These heavy-duty, insulated curtains create a barrier that blocks cold drafts and holds in the warmth. Hang them over all your windows (including the front windshield) and I promise you’ll be impressed with the results.
Installation is straightforward too! Many thermal curtains come with Velcro or magnetic strips to make them easy to secure around window frames. They’re both an effective AND low-cost way to win some degrees back from Jack Frost without much hassle.
Water
Back to the topic of water now. Antifreeze is one absolute must-have, yes. However, that’s not the only solution we have access to!
You are going to want to invest in some, perhaps all, of these following solutions too. As mentioned, icy temperatures can quickly freeze water lines, water tanks, and pipes. This leads to burst pipes, leaks, or even complete system failures in the worst-case scenarios.
So dodge the disaster! Let’s talk solutions.
Heated Hose
A heated water hose is your comrade in arms in the fight against frozen water lines. Designed with built-in heating elements, these hoses keep water flowing no matter how cold it gets.
The heating element itself runs along the entire length of the hose. It’s designed to warm the water inside and prevent freezing.
Most heated hoses are plug-and-play solutions. Simply plug them into a power source, and they’ll handle the rest. For extended trips in cold areas, you’ll want to look for a heated hose with high insulation and energy-efficient ratings. But once you’ve found the right hose, it’s pretty the rest is easy. For our recommendations please see our top picks article: Best RV Water Hoses.
Arguably, this is a bit more optional than antifreeze (or our next solution). But then again, in some countries, so are seatbelts…
Don’t take chances. Protect yo’ pipes!
Fill Tanks
Protecting your RV’s fill tanks is 100% essential to avoid disastrous freezing and damage. When water tanks freeze, it’s much more than a temporary inconvenience. Solid ice will crack tank walls and burst pipes. Worst case scenario. You’ll be springing leaks that might go unnoticed until serious repairs are needed.
In short, frozen water tanks can turn winter RVing from cozy to catastrophic very quickly. They NEED to be properly managed.
To prevent tanks from freezing, you have a couple of options:
- Tank heaters, or “heating pads”, are the most popular and effective. These pads stick directly to the underside of your fresh, grey, and black water tanks. Most are electric and come with built-in thermostats to regulate the temperature automatically. As such, they provide a consistent and steady warmth ideal for dedicated winter warriors.
- Meanwhile, insulated tank covers offer another solution for unpowered RVers. These wraps are basically tank blankets! They’re usually made from foam or reflective material to add a layer of insulation to your water tanks and slow heat loss. They aren’t the best choice for extreme weather. However, they serve as a clever and much cheaper alternative to heating pads.
As another pro-tip, invest in the best propane tankless water heater you can. provided freezing is prevented at the source (i.e. the fill tank and plumbing), a tankless heater is one of the best methods for acquiring hot water in a winterized RV. And of the available types, a propane model will perform way more reliably in intense winter climates than electric models.
Minimize Moisture Inside Your RV
Managing moisture build-up inside your RV is also pivotal during winter. When you’re living in a small, enclosed space, things like cooking, showering, and even breathing can quickly raise the humidity levels.
If left unchecked, moisture leads to condensation on walls, windows, or, infuriatingly, your bedding. And that unwavering condensation ultimately leads to mold and mildew. That is certainly NOT the cozy winter vibe!
Mitigating your RV’s interior moisture helps protect it and you. For this, there is only one tool built for the job.
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier! A dehumidifier is an oft-overlooked but nonetheless essential investment for winter RV living. This glorious gadget removes excess moisture from the air. It helps to prevent condensation and all that pesky and malignant mold that comes with it!
Dehumidifiers are pretty straightforward devices. First, they draw in the surrounding humid air, cooling it to remove any moisture. Then, they simply release the dry air back into the space! This keeps things in that aforementioned cozy (and dry) vibe.
It’s worth mentioning that another bonus of dehumidifiers is that they also improve sleep quality. All that dehumidifying tech reduces air-borne allergens thus balanced air levels prime for snoozing.
There are oodles of options around for buying high-end and more budget-tiered dehumidifiers. Personally, I’ve found that even a small portable model—compact and energy-efficient—goes a long way in the war on winter-time RV mold!
Insulate the Windows
Alright, last heating trick. Alongside some bomb-ass curtains, you’re going to want to insulate the windows themselves.
Windows are one of the main culprits for heat loss in an RV. Proper window insulation prevents cold drafts, reduces condensation, and holds heat inside your RV. It makes your motorhome and living space that much more motor-homey!
Double-pane RV windows serve as a high-end solution to the window dilemma. They trap air between two glass layers, forming a protective barrier against the outside environs. Much like double-glazed home windows, they’re expensive but a damn good investment.
Reflective insulation sheets, however, are a second option you can investigate. As the DIY choice, they don’t have the same robust protection as double-pane windows… But they are a lot kinder to your wallet!
It’s a simple process too. Just buy some reflective insulation sheets, cut them to the exact size of your windows, and secure them with Velcro or tape. They’ll block cold air and reflect interior heat to keep things much more temperate overnight.
This, of course, all goes along with the previously discussed insulated thermal curtains. Curtains alone are already a huge win. But pair them with additional window insulation and it’ll barely feel like winter camping!
Winter Travel
Hitting the road in winter brings a whole slew of unique challenges. From icy roads to unpredictable weather conditions to just freezing your bum off, there’s a lot more to consider once you’ve left the Californian sunshine behind.
RV travel requires thought. It does at the best of times, but quadruply so in extreme winter conditions. It helps to plan ahead and know what states are good for RV living, particularly in winter climes. This is about your safety as well as the mechanical health of your nomadic home.
All that said, you’re still not crossing Mongolia on horseback. You’re driving an ultra-fancy and highly-equipped mechanical steed! With the right precautions and gear, you can make winter travel safe, comfortable, and pleasurable.
Let’s dive into the essentials so you can get out there and enjoy those winter wonderlands.
Safety First
Winter driving is no joke. How about some gnarly statistics?
- Every year, over 156,000 crashes happen due to icy roads in the U.S. alone.
- This rounds out to roughly 1,300 fatalities per year linked to winter road conditions.
RVs, given their much larger statures, require extra care in cold, slick conditions. Control is harder to maintain. Stopping distances increase. Road shoulders can be snowed in (meaning you’ve got even LESS room to maneuver).
Driving an RV on icy or snowy roads demands your utmost concentration AND a good head for preparation. From gearing up your vehicle to knowing how to handle common hazards, winter safety isn’t just optional-
It’s essential for survival.
Tires
Having the right tires on your RV will make or break your winter driving experience. Winter-specific tires are designed with deeper treads and softer rubber compounds. This combo both maintains flexibility and grips better on ice and snow.
Moreover, for particularly harsh conditions, consider all-weather RV tires or snow tires specifically rated for icy terrain. For even harsher weather, you’re going to want tire chains.
Strapping a set of tire chains on your mechanical steed is like giving it ice-resistant horseshoes! They seriously up your RV’s traction on icy surfaces. Keep in mind, however, that chains should only be used on certain types of roads. There may be specific speed limitations or regulations regarding their usage—always check local laws and conditions as you pass through new areas.
Lastly, while tire maintenance is always important, it’s a 100% necessity in winter. Cold weather has a tendency to lower tire pressure, so you’ll need to monitor their inflation levels closely. (Underinflated tires lose traction and overinflated ones don’t grip as well on slick roads. Find that sweet spot!)
Generally speaking, aim to keep them at the manufacturer-recommended PSI. And double-check the guidelines before messing with their inflation levels. Some manufacturers will actually suggest adjusting the PSI slightly lower for better traction on wintry roads.
Review our full line up of Best RV Tires and get our expect recommendations.
Practice Safe Driving
Tips, tips, tips. Don’t get yourself killed. Don’t get someone else killed. And most of all, don’t be stupid, stupid!
(He said having flashbacks to some of his own unbelievably stupid moments on the road.)
- Slow Down. Duh! Drive slower than you usually would in winter. Ice and snow require more time to stop, so loosen that accelerator and feather those brakes.
- Brake Gently. Speak of the devil! Sudden braking leads to skidding on slick roads, particularly in a hulking RV. Instead, feather and gently transition into slower and steadier stops to avoid losing control.
- Increase Following Distance. Leave at least double the space you would in dry conditions between you and the vehicle ahead. If you’re usually a butt-kissing tailgater, leave at least triple. Or… y’know… just stop tailgating.
- Beware of Black Ice. Be careful with bridges and shaded areas: they freeze first. If you see a shiny patch, assume it’s ice. Gently reduce your speed every time just to be safe.
- Control Fishtailing. If you start to fishtail, DO NOT slam the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction of the skid to regain control.
- Watch for Wind Gusts. Those crazy strong winds aren’t a good mix with lumbering motorhomes. Hold the steering wheel firmly to minimize swaying, especially on open roads.
- Use Low Beams in Snowstorms. Your high beams actually reflect off snow and reduce visibility. Stick to your standard headlights for better sight.
- Keep a Winter Emergency Kit. And in it, carry the essentials. This means things like emergency blankets, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight. Oh, and take extra food and water too in case you get stuck somewhere.
Plug in Whenever Possible
Oh, and another hot tip… Keep your juices juiced!
In winter, access to power goes a long way for RVers. Plugging in at an RV park keeps your batteries charged and your appliances running. Most importantly, your electric heater ON.
When staying at established campgrounds, take advantage of full hookups as a consistent power source for charging up. That way, you’re fully stocked when you go boondocking or dispersed camping in the wilderness. Plenty of RV parks offer affordable daily, weekly, or even monthly rates that help with planning longer stays.
Once you are boondocking, things get trickier. It is still possible to find a hookup though! Some dispersed RV camping areas in National Forests and BLM lands have limited power outlets or services nearby.
Alternatively, when urban boondocking, you can sometimes find low-profile plug-in spots. Try looking near truck stops, rest areas, or certain “stealth-friendly” parking areas in cities. (But make sure you double-check local regulations first to establish just how sneaky you need to be.)
But in summary, keep yo’ electronic systems charged! (And particularly before a long drive or remote park-up.) Having a full battery when you’re off-grid can make all the difference between a comfortable night and a really, really crappy one.
Solar
Solar power is another fantastic option to stay charged during winter. A halfway-decent solar system serves as the perfect supplement to the power solutions I described above. A bang-on solar system will just straight-up give you an alternative to finding hookups.
Solar systems come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. Basic setups might start as low as $150 for a portable solar panel or two. But more advanced, fixed-mount systems can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your power needs.
Fixed setups are much more ideal for full-time RVers. (Or anybody living the full-blow glamp-lifestyle with higher energy demands.) Meanwhile, cheaper portable panels will likely benefit casual, short-staying RVers more.
It’s also worth noting that solar panels are still effective in winter! They’re overall less efficient due to the shorter days and higher potential for cloud cover. However, on sunny winter days in that harsh reflective glare, they still produce a shocking amount of power (hurhur).
Oh, and one last pro tip out of winter solar power: clean your panels! Do this on the regular to remove any snow or grime and maximize solar absorption.
Plan Ahead When Possible
And the last safety tip for safe winter RV travels: always plan ahead.
Winter weather is unpredictable. Snow, fog, blizzards, sleet, black ice… It’s actually a rather wild ride! That’s why a lot of RVers choose to store their rig over the winter and then dewinterize it in spring for camping season.
Have a solid plan for where you’re going and how you’re getting there. PLUS be flexible: have backup Plans B, C, and even D should things go awry!
Do the things that keep you ready and prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way!
- Research your route ahead of time.
- Identify potential overnight stops.
- As well as full hookups for charging and boondocking-friendly options.
- Always check the weather forecast a few days ahead.
- And then again on the day of departure.
- And definitely divert or delay if extreme conditions are forecasted.
Be flexible. Plan for contingencies. Don’t stress if Plan A falls apart.
Winter RV living and travel is about meeting reality on reality’s terms. You can’t control Mother Nature!
But you can collaborate with her. 😉
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap! What’s the final word on winter RV living?
Preparation and collaboration are the keys to success.
Get yourself the gear you need. Protect your RV, travel trailer, or fifth wheel on the outside and heat it on the inside. Take a top-quality RV GPS and a good ol’ fashioned map and compass too. You never know when the wildest of conditions will strike and coverage and visibility will drop to near-zero.
Yeah, sure, it’s good to get lost sometimes. It’s a good way to find yourself—blah blah blah. But let’s leave the lonesome wandering to the warmer months.
Living in an RV park and traveling in an RV through harsh winters is no joke. So take the important gear and a damn good blanket. Ideally, take a cuddle buddy too.
And if that ain’t an option, then my final pro tip is to take a hot water bottle instead.
Even us lonely nomads need a good winter snuggle sometimes. 🙂
