Winter RV travel is nothing to fear; it offers breathtaking snowy landscapes and a unique way to enjoy the outdoors. However, exploring in your motorhome or travel trailer during the colder months demands special preparation. From maintenance tips to packing essentials, here’s your guide to thriving in winter conditions while keeping your RV in peak shape.
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Maintenance Tips for Cold Weather RVing
Keeping your RV well-maintained is crucial for winter adventures and for year-round use. Maintenance is upmost importance. Here are key maintenance and planning tips to consider:
1. "Insulate" Your RV -
While no RV can be completely insulated; insulation plays a vital role in keeping your RV warm during winter. Use thermal curtains or reflective window covers to minimize heat loss. If you have Class C motorhome like we do, hang a curtain or heavy blanket between the chassis cab and the coach; the cab is not heated, and it will be frigid.
Skylight covers are imperative! They are beneficial for winter and summer. These are the ones that fit our square skylights.
Amazon.com: Camco Camper/RV Vent Insulator and Skylight Cover - Features 3 Layers to Reduce Heat Transfer & Increase A/C Efficiency - Fits Standard 14” Travel Trailer/RV Roof Vents (45192)
Use foam pipe insulators to fill the gap where your slide meets the floor after you extend the slide (must remove them before retracting the slide).
2. Winterize Your Plumbing System
Winterizing your plumbing system is essential before hitting the road. When traveling in temperatures below 40 degrees, drain all water tanks and lines. Add RV antifreeze to your system to protect any leftover water from freezing. This step can help you avoid expensive repairs due to burst pipes.
We put gallons of RV anti-freeze into our freshwater tank so that we can use and flush our toilet eliminating the need to have gallons of anti-freeze jugs in the bathroom for flushing, although we do keep one gallon in the bathroom for backup.
3. Check Your Batteries
Cold weather can significantly affect your RV’s battery life. Make sure your batteries are fully charged before your trip. Statistics show that battery performance can drop by 35% in freezing temperatures, which makes this step critical for reliable power. If your batteries are older than four years, consider replacing them in the near future.
The first year we had our rig, Whiskey added a second coach battery which we share in this video.
Note: In the video Whiskey says one thing but meant another and noted the clarification in the video. He referred to wiring them in series but meant parallel.
4. Inspect Your Tires
If you are going to drive in some snow, or perhaps you will be traveling in a pop-up snow squall, you are going to need good tires. Assessing your tires is vital for safe winter travel. Ensure your tires are rated for cold weather and regularly check tire pressure. Cold air can cause pressure to drop by about 1 psi for every 10°F decrease in temperature. Properly inflated tires enhance safety and traction on slippery roads.
5. Keep Your Heater in Check
Regularly testing your RV's heating system is a must. Ensure propane tanks are topped up, and heating elements are functioning correctly before setting off on a winter trip. A well-maintained heater can make your RV comfortable, even in frigid temperatures. If you have pets, we strongly recommend adding a furnace style filter on your return air vent; this will prevent pet hair from being drawn into the system and causing a problem with your sail switch.
Packing Lists for Winter RV Trips
Packing the right items can make your winter RV adventure enjoyable. Here’s a targeted packing list to ensure you have everything necessary for a cozy trip:
Essentials
When you are able to be hooked up to electric these things will make your rig and travel more comfortable.
Jugs of fresh water for drinking, cooking, and "bathing".
Portable electric heater: having a small space heater can provide extra warmth when needed. We have a small electric heater that we use when plugged into an electrical source.
Heated ped beds: electric heated beds for pets are important for pets that sleep on the floor; RV floors are frigid.
Heated rug pad: we have an electric 4x5 rug heating pad for our main floor space; it is placed under a rug. This makes a HUGE difference to the coziness and warmth of the space. Warm feet keep you warm. Here is the one we use Amazon.com: Woo Warmer Hot Carpet Under Rug Instant Radiant Floor Heater Electric Mat Electric Carpet Electric Heated Area Rug Hot Carpet Great for Yoga (720 watt 92" x 76.5" inches) Made In Seattle WA : Home & Kitchen
Regardless of being hooked up to electric have these:
Heavy-duty blankets: Thick blankets can add comfort and warmth during chilly nights. We stock several blankets for winter travel.
An area rug to cover the floor.
Portable charge booster power pack. This can be used to jump start engine battery and / or to supply power to coach things like TV, coffee maker, computer, etc. Note: keep the weight of these units in mind if you have cargo capacity worries.
Cooking Supplies
Easy to prepare meals, or finger foods.
Paper plates, disposable cutlery and glassware.
Non-stick cookware: This feature simplifies cooking and cleanup.
Vinegar and paper towels for cleaning non-disposable cutlery and cookware.
Safety Gear
First aid kit: Ensure it is stocked with essential items, including antiseptics and bandages.
Ice scraper and broom: Remove snow and ice from your RV regularly for safety.
Roadside emergency kit: Include jumper cables, flares, and other essentials.
Snow shovel: This tool is vital for clearing snow around your RV or during roadside emergencies.
Recreation Gear
Snowshoes or cross-country skis: Enjoy the beauty of winter landscapes and get some exercise.
Downhill skis. Enjoy downhill skiing while having your own house in the parking lot.
Inflatable tubes or sleds: Fun for the whole family, adding a sense of adventure to your trip.
A camera or smartphone: Capture the stunning scenery and create lasting memories.
Embracing Your Winter Journey
With the right preparations, winter RV travel can become an extraordinary adventure, brimming with incredible landscapes and the comfort of your home on wheels. By focusing on maintenance, smart packing, and safety measures, you can fully enjoy the beauty that winter has to offer.
When staying overnight when on the road in the winter we will often stay at Boondockers Welcome locations because these hosts typically offer electricity, which is greatly appreciated in really cold weather.
Harvest Hosts are terrific. However, they usually do not offer electric hookups; but may be possible if you ask the host. Offer to pay extra for the electric.
Implement these tips, welcome the chill, and let the stunning views guide your journey. Happy travels!
Photos from our winter travels.
Other posts where we use the rig in the winter:
*No affiliate links in this post. We are simply sharing what we use or suggesting similar without compensation or sponsorship.*
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