This article is going to be about 4 season RVs. And what it means when an RV is 4 season capable.

Of course, it’s common to find RVs that are labeled just that way, as “four season ready”. But what does that term even mean?

Well before I cover what it means, let me tell you what it doesn’t mean first.

What The Term “4 Season RV” Doesn’t Mean

It doesn’t mean that particular RV can withstand pretty much anything nature has to throw at it. Or the most extreme temperatures possible.

Actually four season RV is mainly just a marketing term. And these days RV marketing is kind of like the wild west, in that almost anything goes.

So there’s lots of hype out there that’s often not very reliable. Or that exaggerates the truth.

And truthfully, there’s no set standard for what 4 season RVs actually are in the industry.

So because of that, some RV brands just claim almost anything in this area.

But here’s the truth. RVs are not made to handle the extremes of summer and winter temperatures, no matter where you go.

Are RVs Insulated Like Houses?

No, they’re not made for extreme weather like houses or regular homes are.

For instance, RV walls are thinner. And there’s less insulation in general than you would find throughout a stationary home.

Also, a house has a solid foundation. So there’s no air traveling up underneath it like you find in an RV.

And we could go on and on about the differences between RVs and home construction.

But then we get back to the question, what does “4 season RV” actually mean? Especially in real world application in the RV industry.

What Does “4 Season RVs” Actually Mean?

Well, here’s what I think. To me, it should mean it should mean that 4 season RVs can simply handle more extreme conditions better than most other RVs.

Now of course, as long as you have a good air conditioner in your RV, summer should not be nearly the kind of challenge that winter is.

Because winter camping can not only be uncomfortable in an RV. Meaning that you just find it difficult to stay warm.

No, actually there is more to consider when that happens. More serious consequences that can happen in extreme cold weather.

And the truth is that when temperatures drop below freezing for an extended period, it can also damage the plumbing inside your RV.

This is not just about comfort then. It also can mean that real damage to your RV can take place.

So what should you look for then in four season RVs? Well let’s talk about that now.

Feature #1 Found In 4 Season RVs

And the first thing that I encourage you to look for in a true four season RV is a better “R factor” of insulation.

Now having said that, I encourage you to be careful in this area. So beware of some of the claims made by RV factories and manufacturers.

Because there are some that just put a thin piece of material in the walls, and claim that the R factor has been increased dramatically.

As if there has been a significant increase in insulation by using that “magic” material. But it’s just not true, it’s bogus!

There is no such magic material in existence. Where taking a thin sheet of it transforms the R factor into much better insulation.

And what I encourage you to do is not only find out what the R factor is in the walls.

But also check on the insulation they have used in the ceilings, floors, and slides as well.

And ask them what makes this RV so much better insulated? How have you increased the insulation’s R factor in these places?

Then listen for the answer. And if they tell you about some magic thin sheet of material, you will know that this is not a true four season RV.

In other words, what you want to know is what makes this RV better insulated?

And then listen for an answer that actually makes sense. One that is reasonable.

Feature #2 For Four Season Capability

Now here’s the second point for determining whether an RV is four season or not.

And that is, does it have double pane windows? This is an important consideration because most RVs have single pane windows.

RV manufacturers put single pane windows in most RVs just to keep the price as low as possible.

But what happens when a window with two panes that has a pocket of air sealed in between is used? Well, that’s a much better insulated window!

Now if you spend time in RVs with single pane windows, you will learn why they need to be upgraded. Especially for use in all four seasons.

Because with single pane windows, you can easily have a temperature transfer from inside the RV out, and from outside the RV in.

So double pane windows are very good to have to keep the temperature more constant in an RV.

Also as a side point, they help reduce condensation on RV windows as well.

Feature #3 That Helps In Extreme Cold Weather

OK, the third point to consider is to look for sealed underbellies in 4 season RVs.

In other words, you shouldn’t be able to go under that RV and see exposed pipes.

You know, water and plumbing pipes that are exposed to outside weather. That’s really not good!

Instead, you want a sealed and insulated RV underbelly. But a true 4 season RV will go one step further.

It will often have a dedicated heating vent for the underbelly. One that allows hot air from the furnace to get down into the underbelly.

And that will help keep all the plumbing in that area from freezing in very cold weather.

Feature #4 – What About The RV Waste And Water Tanks?

Now our next point to consider for four season RVs has to do with the fresh and wastewater tanks.

Because you really don’t want these to freeze in extreme weather. They will be a mess if that happens, and it will be expensive to repair.

So RV manufacturers often put tank heaters on the waste and water tanks to keep them warm.

Then all you have to do is just press a button inside the RV to turn those heaters on. It’s a simple feature that really helps in extreme cold!

Feature #5 In Four Season RVs

OK, here’s the last point we want to talk about to identify a true four season RV.

And that is to look for both a higher output furnace and air conditioner.

That means that they shouldn’t just be the normal kind of units that are put in most RVs.

Instead, you want a higher output to keep things comfortable inside the RV. And by the way, ducted systems are the best for overall comfort.

OK, so those are the things that you should look for when you’re looking for true 4 season RVs.

Another Important Idea For Stationary Camping In Cold Weather

Now let me give you another point though to consider. Especially if it’s wintertime and you’re camping in one place for a while.

In that case, I encourage you to consider putting skirting around your RV too.

And skirting is simply a piece of material that goes from the bottom of the RV all the way down to the ground.

It just seals off that bottom area so no wind is passing through under the RV. And believe me, it will make a real difference inside the RV!

Now I’ve made a video about some four season brands of travel trailers.

And these are RV brands and models that I can recommend for your consideration.

Just click on the image below to watch that video now.

Or you can read this article about it instead.

How To Protect Your Water Source In Extreme Cold

Now here’s one last tip that I want to give you even if your RV is a four season RV.

And that is you need to protect the water source that comes into that RV during sub-freezing temperatures.

Many people handle that by wrapping the hose outside with heat tape. Or they use a specially designed heated water hose like you see at this link.

And of course, that can work fine. But you may not want to go to that kind of effort if you are rarely in extreme weather with your RV.

So in that case, there is a simple thing you can do when sub-freezing temperatures happen.

You can fill your fresh water tank first. Then disconnect the water hose that feeds water to your RV altogether.

You can store it in the meantime until you need to put more water in the fresh water tank.

It’s a strategy you can use at times just to be safe in really cold weather.

And to prevent any ice from coming into your RV through a frozen water hose.

Conclusion

Well I hope that now that you know more about what makes an RV a true 4 season RV.

And knowing this information means that you don’t have to just trust the salesperson on the subject.

Or even an RV factory’s brochure, or a sticker on the outside of the RV.

Instead, hopefully now you can verify for yourself whether it really is a four season RV or not.

Have safe and happy RV travels!