Winter Camping in an RV: Essential Tips & Guides for Cold Weather

Jan 83 min read

Updated: Jan 10

Winter camping in an RV can be a magical experience, but it comes with unique challenges. Proper preparation is key to enjoying the beauty of the season while staying warm and safe.

Winter Camping in an RV: Essential Tips & Guides for cold weather - Staying Warm and Safe

Here are essential tips, crafted from years of full-time RVing experience, to help you winterize your RV and make the most of your winter camping adventures.

1. Skirt Your Trailer for Maximum Insulation

One of the first steps in preparing your RV for winter is to skirt your trailer. Using 2" foam boards from Home Depot is an affordable and efficient solution. Secure all seams with cold-weather duct tape and build doors for easy access to the black and gray tanks. Never use heat lamps under your trailer – they pose a significant fire hazard. If you're not moving your RV, pile snow against the skirting. Snow acts as an excellent insulator and helps keep the skirting secure. This is step 1 in Winter Camping in an RV: Essential Tips & Guides for cold weather - Staying Warm and Safe

2. Insulate Your Dump Lines

Even if your dump lines are under the skirted area, wrapping them with insulation is crucial. Heat trace is another great option for preventing freeze-ups. Avoid leaving your black and gray tanks hooked up and exposed all the time. Instead, empty the tanks when they’re full to reduce the risk of freezing.

3. Use a Heated Water Hose

Invest in a heated water hose to prevent your water supply from freezing. Filling your tank without one during frigid weather can be an unpleasant and icy task. While these hoses are a bit of an investment, they’re worth every penny for convenience and peace of mind.

4. Combat Condensation with Dehumidifiers

Condensation can lead to mold and mildew, especially in winter. Invest in a high-quality dehumidifier for your RV. Cheap models often fail to deliver results. Place dehumidifiers in key areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom to reduce moisture buildup. Additionally, check under cushions and mattresses regularly to ensure no moisture is accumulating.

5. Reduce Heat Loss

Windows: Cover all windows with Reflectix to minimize heat loss. Single-pane windows are notorious for losing heat.
Slide Outs: Insulate slide outs with 2" foam board.
Storage Areas: Line storage compartments and cupboards on exterior walls with Reflectix.
Doors: Add Reflectix between your exterior and screen doors.

6. Keep Floors Warm with Rugs

Laminate floors can get icy cold in winter. Cover them with rugs wherever possible to keep your feet warm and create an additional insulating layer.

7. Have Alternative Heat Sources

Relying solely on propane can be risky, especially in power outages. Consider these heating options:

Electric Fireplace: If your RV doesn’t have one, install it for consistent, adjustable warmth.
Oil Heaters: These are highly efficient and safe.
Small Wood Stove: If feasible, a wood stove can provide excellent heat.
Portable Heaters: Keep a safe, indoor-rated backup heater for emergencies.

8. Prevent Tank Freezing

To keep your black and gray tanks from freezing, mix dissolved Calcium Chloride in water and pour it down the drains. Be sure it’s fully dissolved to avoid clogging. Repeat this process after dumping your tanks.

9. Protect Skylights and Slide-Outs

Cover skylights with bubble wrap or shrink-wrap window film to retain heat. For slide-outs, ensure they’re protected from snow and ice buildup, which can damage seals.

10. Check for Leaks and Mold

Regularly inspect your RV for water leaks and condensation under cushions and in hidden areas. Address any issues promptly to avoid long-term damage.

11. Additional Winterization Tips