RV Camping Through the Winter
There are plenty of RV owners who prefer to store their rig for the winter. Then again, there’s also a fair share of enthusiasts who enjoy winter camping. After all, there are still quite a few outdoor activities to take advantage of during the winter season, like snowboarding, snowmobiling, and skiing. Another bonus is that many campsites will have open spots since fewer people are traveling at this time. For many people, their recreational vehicle is their primary home, so they cannot afford to simply move away whenever the seasons change.
If you’re interested in learning more about camping through the winter, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together some steps to help you prepare. If you’re still in the market for a new rig, be sure to stop by your local RV Dealer, Campers RV Center! We’re conveniently located in Shreveport, Louisiana near Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe. We also proudly serve those in Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.
Add Insulation
While many RVs provide you with enough insulation to get by during those cold months, you should plan to kick things up a notch if you anticipate temperatures that drop below freezing. There are many different ways to go about adding insulation. One option is to add window film to all the windows in your RV, which prevents cold air from transferring through them. You can also upgrade to heavier drapes to keep the interior warm. Reflectix Bubble Foil is a great way to add extra insulation to areas that you suspect are letting cold air inside.
On the bottom of your RV, you might want to consider adding foam board insulation to protect the water system. A skirt is another ideal way to keep cold air out from under the rig. But remember, you need to leave all the tailpipe and exhaust vents uncovered and clear of snow. You’ll also want to look for any areas where hot air might be escaping. Think about lining your vents with foam to prevent hot air from rising up and out of your rig.
Additional Heat Sources
You can also invest in additional heat sources to ensure you’re warm in your RV. One option to consider is a space heater, which is a smaller machine that can be easily moved and stored. Many campers used LED lights since they’re brighter and more efficient, but for the sake of keeping warm, incandescent bulbs are helpful in giving off more heat. If you’re invested in your warmth, you can have a special heating system installed, like a propane heater that you can hook up to the furnace.
Remember to Ventilate
Even at warmer temperatures, RVs can easily begin to accumulate moisture. It’s critical that you keep your rig well-ventilated to prevent unwanted moisture buildup, which can lead to mildew and mold. This is a health hazard, so you should be making ventilation a top priority. The best way to avoid mold and mildew is to keep your vents open as much as possible. It might also be helpful to invest in a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels inside your RV.
Protect Plumbing
One of the major concerns travelers have is regarding how to prevent their pipes from freezing during the winter. When it comes to an RV plumbing system, you’re dealing with an exposed system, unlike what you’d expect in residential homes. As a result, these systems are much more likely to freeze in severe temperatures. Heat strips are one option for preventing the water in your hoses from freezing.
Some parts of your piping system might already be insulated by being located behind access cabinets or panels, so you don’t need to be concerned with these. If your waste valve is in a vulnerable location, you may want to insulate it and ensure it stays closed when it’s not in use. If the freshwater tank is in a warm area, you should use it as your main water source rather than a hookup. When you store hoses, make sure there is no water left inside as it might freeze, get stuck, and cause damage.
You can now feel safe and prepared to hit the road in the winter. If you’re still looking for the perfect model, visit us at Campers RV Center to check out all of our great RVs for sale. You’ll find your local RV dealer in Shreveport, Louisiana near Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe. We also proudly serve those in Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.