Camping is typically associated with the summer months, but an RV allows you to camp year-round if you choose. RV camping in the winter takes more preparation and planning to keep you safe and warm, particularly if you live in colder climates. Check ahead of time to make sure your favorite campground is open during the winter months.
Reduce Air Leaks
Any leaks or gaps in your RV allow cold air to draft into the camper. The cold air makes your RV furnace work harder, meaning you'll use more energy to stay warm. Add caulking around doors and windows. Adhesive foam insulation strips around the doors also help reduce drafts. Adding plastic to some of the windows can prevent some of the cold air from entering. Curtains also allow you to create a buffer between the colder air and the inside of the camper. If you plan to stay in one spot for a long period of time, hay bales or skirting around the bottom of the RV can help keep you warmer.
Winterize the RV
An inspection of the RV by a mechanic before you go camping in the winter reduces the chances of you getting stranded. RV-Camping.org recommends making sure the battery, electrical and ventilation systems are working properly before you leave. A specialty heater made for the water tank of the RV allows you to use the water system during the winter months without the water freezing.
Follow Safety Precautions
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a potential risk for winter camping because the RV is an enclosed space. Never use charcoal grills or propane heaters inside an RV to stay warm. They create carbon monoxide while using up the oxygen in the small space, potentially resulting in death. A generator placed too closely to the RV can also create problems. Keep a carbon monoxide detector in the RV at all times to monitor the levels.
Monitor Weather
The weather conditions can change quickly during the winter months, potentially leaving you stranded in your RV. Keep a radio with extra batteries in the RV so you can monitor the weather situation. Avoid taking short cuts in remote areas, as you may become stranded with few people passing by to find you. Letting someone know where you're camping and how long you will be there is a safety precaution that you should always take. A cell phone is also an important communication tool in case you do become stranded.
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