Many RV owners put their RVs into storage as soon as cold weather arrives. However, winter RV camping can offer some experiences that are difficult to find during the busier travel season.
RV parks and campgrounds are often much less crowded, assuming they remain open through the winter. Popular destinations may also have fewer visitors, shorter lines, and sometimes lower admission or camping prices.
And there is just something special about sitting around a campfire on a cold evening.
However, cold weather RV camping requires preparation. An RV is not built like a conventional house, and low temperatures can affect its plumbing, holding tanks, batteries, heating system, and interior comfort.
So let’s cover seven winter RV camping tips that can help you stay warm, prevent frozen pipes, and protect your RV in colder weather.
Understand What Winter RV Camping Really Requires
There is a major difference between spending one chilly night in an RV and camping for several weeks in sustained freezing weather.
Temperatures in the upper 30s may require little more than running the furnace and adding a blanket. On the other hand, several days below freezing can threaten exposed hoses, water lines, valves, holding tanks, and other components.
Wind also makes cold-weather camping more difficult. Moving air pulls heat away from the RV and enters through small openings around slides, doors, windows, and utility compartments.
Therefore, always check the complete weather forecast before traveling. Pay attention to overnight lows, wind, precipitation, and how long freezing conditions are expected to last.
Your preparations should be based on the coldest conditions you may encounter, not the average daytime temperature.
Tip #1: Start With a Four-Season-Capable RV
If you expect to camp regularly in cold weather, it is best to begin with an RV designed for extended-season use.
You will often hear these RVs described as “four-season” models. However, the RV industry does not have one universal standard that every manufacturer must meet before using that description.
As a result, a four-season label does not guarantee that an RV can handle every winter climate.
What Makes an RV Four-Season Capable?
Although manufacturers define the term differently, certain features can make an RV much better suited to cold-weather camping.
Look for:
- Higher insulation values in the roof, walls, and floor
- True dual-pane insulated windows
- An enclosed and insulated underbelly
- Heated holding tanks or tank compartments
- Protected water lines and dump valves
- A furnace sized appropriately for the RV
- Furnace ducting that sends heat into plumbing and tank areas
- Insulated storage and utility compartments
- Fewer obvious air leaks around slides, doors, and windows
Some manufacturers advertise impressive insulation ratings, but those numbers can be difficult to compare. Ask how the insulation is installed, which areas are protected, and whether the plumbing and holding tanks receive active heat.
My article on what makes an RV four-season capable explains these features in more detail.
Know the Limits of Your Particular RV
Even a well-built four-season RV has limits.
An RV may perform well during occasional nights below freezing but struggle during an extended period of extreme cold. Slide rooms, large windows, and exposed utility areas can still lose a significant amount of heat.
So read the manufacturer’s information for your specific model. Find out whether it has tank heaters, where the water lines run, and whether the furnace heats the underbelly.
It is also helpful to place remote temperature sensors in vulnerable compartments. That allows you to monitor what is happening around the plumbing instead of assuming those spaces are warm enough.
Tip #2: Add Insulation Where Your RV Loses Heat
Even if your RV has factory insulation, you can often improve its cold-weather performance.
Windows, roof vents, skylights, cargo doors, slide rooms, and other openings can allow heat to escape quickly. Adding insulation in those areas can make the interior more comfortable and reduce how often the furnace must run.
Using Reflective Insulation in an RV
Many RV owners use reflective insulation material, often known by the brand name Reflectix.
It is lightweight, easy to cut, and convenient to store. And it can be placed inside closets or cabinets against exterior walls, where it adds another barrier without affecting the appearance of the living area.
It can also be used inside poorly insulated cargo doors and other compartments.
However, reflective insulation is not a replacement for thick conventional insulation. Its effectiveness also depends partly on how it is installed, and reflective materials usually perform best when used with an adjacent air space.
So think of it as one part of your cold-weather plan rather than a complete solution.
Insulating RV Windows
Windows can be one of the greatest sources of heat loss in an RV.
Reflective insulation cut to fit the windows can help, but it also blocks most outside light. The RV may feel dark during the day, and you may need to use the interior lights more often.
Other choices include shrink-film window insulation kits and bubble-wrap-style window coverings. These options may allow more light into the RV, although they can reduce or distort the view.
Heavy curtains or insulated window coverings can also help, especially at night.
However, periodically remove any window coverings and check for condensation. Moisture can collect between the covering and the glass, eventually contributing to mold, stains, or damage around the window.
Insulating Roof Vents and Skylights
Warm air rises, so roof vents and skylights can allow a surprising amount of heat to escape.
Insulated vent cushions or pillows are inexpensive and easy to install. You simply fit them into the vent opening when the vent is not being used.
Similar insulation can be made or purchased for skylights.
These products are useful in both hot and cold weather. During winter, they help keep warm air inside, while in summer they can reduce the amount of heat entering through the roof.
Just remember that your RV still needs ventilation. Do not seal every vent tightly while producing moisture through cooking, showering, breathing, or propane use.
You can see similar insulation methods in my article on keeping an RV cool in summer, because many of the same areas that admit summer heat allow warmth to escape in winter.
Tip #3: Protect Your Freshwater System From Freezing
The freshwater system is one of the most vulnerable parts of an RV during winter RV camping.
A frozen water hose is inconvenient. But a frozen pipe, fitting, filter housing, or pump can split and create extensive water damage after it thaws.
So protecting the entire water path is essential.
Use a Heated Drinking-Water Hose
If you will remain connected to campground water during freezing temperatures, consider using a heated RV water hose.
Choose one that is specifically designed for potable water and outdoor RV use. Follow its temperature limitations and all of the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
A heated hose normally requires electrical power, so use a properly grounded and protected outlet. Keep electrical connections dry and do not use a damaged cord or hose.
Also, remember that a heated hose protects only the hose itself.
The campground faucet, pressure regulator, filter, exposed fittings, and the connection at the RV can still freeze. These areas may require properly designed insulation or thermostatically controlled freeze protection.
Do not wrap electrical heating products around hoses, valves, or fittings unless the product is specifically approved for that purpose.
Fill the Freshwater Tank Instead
If you do not want to leave a heated hose connected, use your regular drinking-water hose only when filling the RV’s freshwater tank.
Connect the hose, fill the tank, and then disconnect it. Drain the hose completely and store it somewhere protected from freezing.
You can then use the RV’s water pump until the tank needs to be filled again.
This method requires more work, but it removes several feet of exposed water hose from the equation. It can be especially useful during short periods of freezing weather.
However, it works best when the freshwater tank and associated plumbing are inside a heated or enclosed area.
Keep the Wet Bay and Water Pump Warm
Your wet bay may contain water connections, valves, filters, and other components that can freeze.
Some RV furnaces send warm air into this area. If yours does, operating the propane furnace regularly may be necessary even when you are using electric heat inside the RV.
You can also use a purpose-built, thermostatically controlled compartment heater if it is approved for the location and installed according to its instructions.
Avoid improvised heat sources, exposed bulbs, or ordinary household heating pads in enclosed utility compartments. They may contact combustible materials, moisture, plastic plumbing, or wiring and create a fire or electrical hazard.
Finally, place a remote thermometer or temperature sensor in the wet bay. The living area can feel warm while a plumbing compartment is approaching freezing.
Tip #4: Prevent Your Sewer Hose and Valves From Freezing
A frozen freshwater hose is frustrating. A frozen sewer hose is even worse.
Liquid remaining in the sewer hose can freeze, expand, and damage the hose or fittings. It can also create a blockage that prevents the holding tanks from draining.
Do Not Leave the Sewer Hose Open Continuously
In most RV winter camping situations, it is better to keep the holding-tank valves closed and allow the tanks to fill normally.
When it is time to dump, connect the sewer hose, empty the black tank, and then empty the gray tank. Make sure the hose drains completely before storing it.
Keeping some volume in the tanks can be better than allowing small amounts of wastewater to trickle into a cold sewer hose, where they can freeze layer by layer.
And as always, never leave the black-tank valve open during normal use. Doing so allows liquid to drain away while solids remain behind, which can produce serious holding-tank problems.
Protect the Dump Valves Too
Even if the tanks are enclosed, the dump valves or termination pipes may be exposed to cold air.
Find out whether your RV’s tank-heating system also protects the valves and related plumbing. A heated tank does not necessarily mean every part of the wastewater system is protected.
If freezing has already occurred, do not force a valve or strike frozen plastic components. You can break the handle, cable, valve body, or pipe.
Instead, warm the affected area gradually using equipment designed for safe cold-weather use.
Tip #5: Consider RV Skirting for Longer Stays
Wind passing underneath an RV can remove heat quickly and make it harder to protect the floor, tanks, and plumbing.
RV skirting creates a barrier around the lower perimeter of the RV. This reduces airflow underneath and helps retain some of the warmth coming from the floor and heated compartments.
Skirting is especially valuable if you will remain in one campsite for several weeks or months when you are winter RV camping.
RV Skirting Options
Commercial vinyl skirting systems are available for many RVs. Some attach using snaps, channels, hook-and-loop material, or other fasteners.
Other RV owners use custom insulated panels or professionally fitted systems.
Whatever material you choose, secure it well enough to withstand expected wind. Loose skirting can flap against the RV, come apart, or blow into nearby campsites.
Keep furnace exhausts, water-heater vents, refrigerator vents, generator exhausts, and other required openings completely unobstructed. Skirting should never trap combustion exhaust or interfere with equipment ventilation.
Also, check campground rules before installing it. Some parks restrict the materials or attachment methods that can be used.
Tip #6: Use the RV Furnace and Supplemental Heat Wisely
Your propane furnace is usually the heart of an RV’s cold-weather protection.
It heats the living area, and in many four-season-capable RVs, it also sends warm air into the underbelly, holding-tank area, or plumbing compartments.
Therefore, relying entirely on portable electric heaters can create an unexpected problem.
The interior may remain comfortable while the unheated underbelly drops below freezing.
Do Not Forget What the Furnace Protects
Find out whether your furnace ducts supply heat to the tanks or water lines.
If they do, run the furnace often enough to protect those areas. The exact thermostat setting will depend on your RV, outside temperature, wind, and how the ductwork is arranged.
Remember that an RV furnace requires both propane and 12-volt electricity. The blower can consume a substantial amount of battery power, especially when the furnace runs frequently.
So monitor your propane supply and battery state of charge. In very cold weather, running out of either one overnight can quickly become a serious situation.
Using Portable Electric Space Heaters Safely
A portable electric heater can supplement the furnace and reduce propane consumption when adequate shore power is available.
However, space heaters draw a lot of electrical current. A typical 1,500-watt heater uses most of the capacity of a standard 15-amp circuit.
Plug the heater directly into a suitable wall outlet unless its manufacturer specifically approves another arrangement. Avoid lightweight extension cords, power strips, and adapters.
Keep the heater on a stable surface with plenty of clearance from curtains, bedding, furniture, clothing, pets, and other combustible materials.
Choose a model with tip-over protection and overheat protection. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and do not leave a portable heater operating unattended or while you are asleep unless its instructions specifically allow that use.
Also, avoid placing a portable electric heater in a damp wet bay or other confined compartment unless it is designed and approved for that exact purpose.
Tip #7: Open Cabinets to Protect Interior Water Lines
RV water lines often run through cabinets, under sinks, behind drawers, or along exterior walls.
During very cold weather, those enclosed spaces may remain much colder than the main living area. Cabinet doors prevent warm interior air from reaching the plumbing.
So when temperatures drop, open cabinet doors beneath sinks and anywhere water lines are located near exterior walls.
This is especially helpful overnight, when outside temperatures are usually lowest.
Be careful if children or pets are traveling with you. Opening cabinets can expose cleaning supplies, chemicals, sharp objects, or hot plumbing components, so move hazardous items before leaving the doors open.
Also, learn where your water lines are located before winter arrives. A little preparation makes it much easier to identify the most vulnerable areas when a freeze warning is issued.
Control Condensation While Keeping the RV Warm
Cold-weather RV camping involves more than producing heat.
People create moisture by breathing, showering, cooking, and drying wet clothing. When warm, moist interior air meets cold windows and walls, condensation forms.
If that moisture remains trapped, it can lead to mildew, mold, odors, stains, and damage to walls, cabinets, mattresses, and window frames.
Run exhaust fans while cooking and showering. However, make sure snow or ice is not preventing the exterior vent covers from opening.
You may also need to crack a roof vent or window slightly, even though allowing cold air inside seems counterproductive.
A small dehumidifier can help when shore power is available. Moisture-absorbing products may be useful in closets and cabinets, but they generally cannot control all the humidity produced in an occupied RV.
Check behind mattresses, inside closets, around windows, and behind insulated coverings regularly. These are common areas for hidden condensation to collect.
Carry a Cold-Weather Backup Plan
Even with good preparation, equipment can fail.
A furnace control board can stop working, propane can run out, campground power can fail, or temperatures can fall lower than forecast.
So carry enough propane for the conditions and know where you can obtain more. Maintain your batteries and have a way to keep them charged if shore power is interrupted.
Test your smoke, carbon-monoxide, and propane detectors before every cold-weather trip. Never use an unvented outdoor heater, grill, stove, or generator to heat the RV.
Keep a safe alternative location in mind as well. If the heating system fails during dangerously cold weather, staying in a hotel or moving to a warmer area may be the wisest choice.
An RV has wheels, and sometimes using them is the best cold-weather strategy available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter RV Camping
Can you use an RV during the winter?
Yes, many RVs can be used during winter if they are properly prepared. However, an RV’s cold-weather capability depends on its insulation, plumbing design, heating system, enclosed underbelly, tank protection, and the severity of the weather.
What temperature will RV pipes freeze?
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but RV pipes do not necessarily freeze as soon as the outside temperature reaches that point. Wind, exposure, insulation, duration, and whether the pipes receive heat all affect the risk.
Do I need a four-season RV for winter camping?
Not necessarily for occasional mild cold weather. However, a four-season-capable RV is a much better choice for repeated or extended camping in freezing temperatures.
How can I keep my RV water hose from freezing?
Use a heated potable-water hose according to its manufacturer’s instructions, and protect the faucet and connections too. Another option is to fill the freshwater tank as needed, disconnect and drain the hose, and use the RV’s water pump.
Should I leave my sewer hose connected during winter?
It is generally better not to leave it exposed with wastewater standing inside. Allow the tanks to fill, connect the hose when needed, dump the tanks, drain the hose completely, and store it.
Does RV skirting really help in winter?
Yes. Skirting reduces wind movement underneath the RV and can help the floor, tanks, and plumbing areas retain heat. Its effectiveness depends on the material, installation, wind, and outside temperature.
Can I heat my RV entirely with electric space heaters?
You may be able to keep the interior warm, but doing so can leave tanks and plumbing areas unprotected if they depend on heat from the propane furnace. Learn how your particular RV’s heating system is designed before relying only on electric heaters.
Should I leave cabinet doors open when temperatures fall?
Yes, opening cabinets can allow warm interior air to reach water lines near exterior walls. Just make sure hazardous products are moved where children and pets cannot reach them.
How do I reduce condensation during winter RV camping?
Use exhaust fans while cooking and showering, provide limited ventilation, dry wet items promptly, and consider using a dehumidifier. Check windows, closets, mattresses, and areas behind insulation for trapped moisture.
Conclusion
Winter RV camping can be a wonderful experience.
Campgrounds are often quieter, destinations are less crowded, and a campfire feels especially inviting when the air is cold. But enjoying those advantages requires more preparation than camping in mild weather.
Start with an RV that is reasonably capable of handling the expected temperatures. Add insulation where heat escapes, protect the freshwater and wastewater systems, consider skirting, and operate the furnace often enough to warm vulnerable plumbing areas.
Use supplemental heaters carefully, open cabinets around water lines, and keep condensation under control.
Most importantly, monitor the weather and know the limits of your particular RV. If conditions become more severe than your RV can safely handle, be willing to change your plans.
With the right preparation, you can stay comfortable, protect your RV, and enjoy safe and happy travels throughout much more of the year.
