Camper Living in Winter | Do I Need to Winterize My RV?

Spending snowy mornings and cozy evenings in an RV during cold weather can be fun. At the same time, it brings several challenges, such as fear of freezing your plumbing system, slippery tracks, freezing temperatures, and higher power usage.

Before you leave for an RV trip, it is crucial to understand the challenges you may experience. For example, appliances consume more energy, and the plumbing system can freeze easily. Other issues include risky driving, moisture, and the efficiency loss of batteries.

Whether you want to park an RV for the long term in cold conditions, are a weekend traveler going to northern areas, or are a full-time RVer getting ready for harsh winter conditions, this guide has got you covered. It presents everything, from internal and external measures for RV winter living to maintenance, parking, and traveling tips.

Do I Need to Winterize My RV if I Live in It?

One of the common questions RVers often ask about is, “Do I need to winterize my RV if I live in it?” Do you have the same query in mind? If so, the answer is YES, you should winterize your RV during winter. But the process is different from winterizing an unused RV.

Full-winterization and modified winter-proofing are two different approaches to prepare you RV for winters.

• Full-Winterization: This process involves completely draining the RV water system and filling antifreeze in it. It makes running water unavailable until your RV is de-winterized, meaning this method is good for storing your RV in cold, but not for using it for winter camping.
• Modified Winter-Proofing: This method includes active measures, such as using a heat source within the RV, heated water hoses, and tank heating pads. It focuses on RV skirting and insulating vent and windows. You get access to running water with active freeze prevention. Simply put, it keeps your RV fully functional for travel and use.

Do you want to prepare your RV for winter? Here’s what you should consider.

• Insulate your RV
• Manage moisture
• Protect water pipes
• Cut down on heat loss
• Make sure the water system stays active in freezing conditions

Internal Measures for RV Winterization

The key internal measures for RV winter living include insulating the RV interior, managing heating setups, protecting internal plumbing, and controlling moisture. Let’s get into further details.

1. Insulate Your RV Interior

To ensure good interior insulation, use thermal curtains to retain heat and minimize heat loss by adding window insulation film. Seal all the gaps carefully around the windows and doors.

Insulate the floor using rugs, carpets, or foam mats. Seal tiny openings near storage compartments and slide-outs. Plus, use foam tape to insulate entry points.

2. Manage RV Heating Systems

A reliable heating system is essential for living in a camper during winter to ensure both comfort and warmth. Different heating options include diesel heaters, heat pumps, propane furnaces, and ceramic space heaters.

Using electric heaters is another viable option. You can use the Renogy portable solar panels to get extra power to run different heating appliances and Pro 1 LiFePO4 batteries to store excess energy.

Renogy offers modern LiFePO4 self-heating batteries that allow you to charge them safely in environments where temperature often drops below freezing. When it is too cold ( < 32˚F), built-in heating pads activate automatically to maintain the battery’s internal temperature and start charging safely. Moreover, the self-hating function is automatically disabled as soon as the temperature resumes to normal.

If you use propane heaters, ensure proper ventilation. Keep carbon monoxide detectors active and fire extinguishers accessible.

3. Protect Internal Plumbing

The plumbing system is one of the most sensitive components during winter. Therefore, it is important to maintain the flow of warm air. Considering this factor, keep cabinets open near plumbing and run faucets at a slow drip, especially in freezing temperatures.

Close the tank valves and don’t allow ice to build up in your RV’s sewer hose. Moreover, using safe antifreeze in holding tanks is recommended. Don’t fill the tanks completely to avoid cracks.

4. Control Moisture and Condensation

The increased indoor humidity in winter can cause mold. You can easily pull moisture from the air with a small dehumidifier. Moreover, run kitchen and bathroom fans more frequently.

Make it a habit of wiping windows daily. Doing this helps you prevent water buildup. When it comes to showering or cooking, don’t forget to crack the window or vent slightly to improve the flow of air.

External RV Winterization Measures

Follow the steps below to protect your RV’s exterior for comfortable winter living.

1. RV Skirting

Skirting reduces energy use and protects pipes from freezing. It does not allow the cold air to enter your RV’s underbelly and tanks to freeze. Additionally, it reduces furnace run-time.

Different types of skirting include rigid insulated panels (best for heat retention), vinyl skirting (known for durability), and insulated foam board skirting (cost-effective and DIY-friendly).

2. Protect Exterior Plumbing

Maintain a consistent water flow with a heated hose. It helps you prevent ice blockages. Use heat tape to wrap exposed pipes and maintain water temperature. Moreover, use foam insulation around the water connections and inlets.

3. Winterize Your RV’s Engine and Generator

Snowy and freezing winters can be challenging for mechanical components. Therefore, replace the coolant before winter starts. Keep the batteries fully charged. Always use winter-grade diesel and oil anti-gel additives. Weekly generator operation is recommended, as it clears moisture.

4. Maintain Windows, Vent, and Roof

Seal cracks around slide-outs, windows, and roofs. Don’t allow heavy snow buildup to prevent leaks and roof damage. Use vent covers that allow airflow but don’t lose heat.

Winter Maintenance Tips for RVs

The RV winter maintenance includes routine system checks, snow and ice management, power management, and tire care. Let’s look at them one by one.

• Routine System Checks: Make sure that the water pump is insulated correctly. Inspect propane tanks to ensure there are no leaks or rust. Check slide-out gaskets for any damage and examine the furnace. Don’t forget to ensure the filters are clean.
• Snow & Ice Management: Ensure snow does not cover your RV’s solar panels, roof, and awnings. Always use RV-safe and soft tools to remove snow. Don’t use metal tools, as they may puncture the roof.
• Power Management: Don’t worry if the solar output decreases in winter, as it is natural. Use battery heater pads and a trickle charger for optimal performance. More importantly, always store your batteries in insulated compartments.
• Tire Care: Check your RV’s tires for recommended pressure. Make sure there are no dry rot, cracks, or micro-tears on your tires. It is good to use tire covers to protect them from UV exposure and freezing.

RV Parking Precautions in Winter

Parking your RV properly is something you should understand before you leave for a trip. It includes choosing the correct location, stabilizing your RV, and hookup safety.

• Choose the Right Location: Ensure the RV nose is facing away from powerful winter winds. Choosing higher ground is recommended to avoid snowdrift-propane spots. It is good to select areas exposed to the sun. Doing this ensures natural warming.
• Stabilize Your RV: Use plywood or mats under tires to prevent them from freezing. Plus, keep your RV steady with leveling blocks. Moreover, make sure that the stabilizers are on the surfaces free from ice.
• Hookup Safety: Always keep your electrical connections dry. Make sure that the water hookups are correctly insulated to avoid freeze-ups. To prevent trapped ice, it is crucial to check if the sewer hoses slope downward.

Winter Traveling Precautions

These precautions include preparing for roads, road safety tips, and bringing emergency supplies.

• Prepare for Roads: Make sure you carry tire chains or install snow tires before hitting the roads in winter. Don’t forget to check the windshield wipers, brakes, and lights before you leave. Ensure the fuel tank is at least half full.
• Road Safety: Try avoiding poorly maintained tracks during winter storms. Avoid steep routes as much as you can. More importantly, always check weather updates before leaving for a new place. As you know, internet signals may drop in remote areas, so use both GPS and offline maps to stay connected to the routes. Furthermore, maintain longer distances to stop and drive slowly and carefully.
• Emergency Supplies: Camper living in winter can be challenging, and you may get stuck for hours or days. Therefore, bringing emergency supplies is essential, such as winter clothes, emergency blankets, a first-aid kit, and a backup heater. Other supplies include extra propane tanks, kitty litter, an ice scraper, and tire traction mats.

Final Words

RV winter living can be memorable only if you are well-prepared, as it brings several challenges, such as freezing temperatures, slippery roads, and heavy storms.

Taking the proper internal and external measures for winterization and following the safe traveling, parking, and maintenance tips helps you enjoy the real winter beauty without the fear of a frozen plumbing system and ice buildup in the sewer.

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of RV winter living?

The top benefits it offers include more privacy, reduced living costs, and eye-catching scenery. At the same time, RV winter living also has some disadvantages, such as high moisture, more maintenance, risk of freezing the water system, and higher heating expenses.

What is the cost of living in a camper during winter?

It mainly depends on several factors, such as insulation upgrades required, electric/propane heating usage, general supplies, and campground fees. The cost may also vary depending on how well you have winter-proofed your RV, your energy requirements, and your location. However, the monthly cost of living in an RV during winter can be anywhere between $800 and $2,000.

Can I live in a camper when the temperature outside is below freezing?

Yes, you can live in your camper in the below-freezing temperatures only if your RV is winter-proofed correctly, with a reliable heating system, heated hoses, insulated water pipes, and skirting. If you don’t take these measures carefully, temperatures below freezing can spoil your RVing experience, like damaging your plumbing system.