Staying Cozy During Cold Weather RV Camping

One of the things that makes RV camping so appealing is that it extends your adventure season. It's much more enjoyable to venture out into the cold when you know your day is going to wrap up with a hot dinner inside a cozy RV. Let's take a look at some maintenance measures you can take, along with some more homey touches you can add, to make your travel trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome, camper, teardrop, or toy hauler feel a little warmer when the weather gets cold.

Winterization/Dewinterization

A thorough prep and check of your RV before and after winter (whether being stored or not) is essential in making sure all appliances, parts, and components of your RV are ready for the season ahead. Checking to make sure roof seals are in-tact will spare you the dreaded middle-of-the-night leak, and ensure that moisture isn't creeping into your wiring and insulation. Learn more about our same-day winterization and dewinterization service where we check for leaks, check seals, appliances and more.

Add Extra Insulation

Many of the RVs we carry at Family Fun RV include an optional Arctic Package with additional insulation, heating pads for water tanks and sewage drains, dual pane windows throughout, and automatic heat that comes on to warm the underbelly of the RV in freezing temperatures. If your RV doesn't include an Arctic Package, you can add many of these features on your own, or bring your RV in for a service appointment to have them installed.

Adding extra insulation around water pipes, hoses and tanks is very important to prevent busted pipes in freezing temperatures. Foil roll insulation is great because it's resistant to moisture and pests, and is flexible so it can be used in tough spaces, can be molded around pipes, and used in windows, etc. Foil is also a great insulator against heat so when you're using in walls, flooring, ceilings - it's also going to help keep your RV cool in warmer climates.

Remember to add roof vent insulation and insulation tape around windows. Shop insulation products online.

Keep Pipes Warm

In addition to insulation, installing pipe warmers and heating cables/heating blankets will prevent blockages when the contents begin to freeze.

Install an RV Skirt

Your RV wants to feel pretty, too. Having an RV skirt installed will block cold winds from circulating under your RV - this will help to keep the pipes from freezing as well as making your RV feel warmer in general.

Window Blinds/Curtains

Window coverings aren't just decorative, they also add an additional layer of insulation from the weather outside. A nice, thick fabric will block out the sun in the summer and help to keep the heat in, in the winter.

Small Portable Heaters

Even if your RV has a cozy heating system, consider packing a small portable heater for cold weather camping. (There are electric and propane models that work great for RVs - with safety features that will even turn the heater off if the oxygen level dips too low inside.) There are times (like returning from a snowshoeing adventure) where the family might want an extra boost of warmth - and for that, the portable heater can't be beat. Just having the heater on, also provides an additional mental boost that heat is flowing inside the RV and it's time to feel cozy.

Area Rugs

Multiple area rugs in varying patterns create a layered look and feel that's similar to being wrapped up in a snuggly quilt. Area rugs insulate our feet from the cold below, and the visual effect warms us from the inside out.

Blankets

Having multiple blankets of different thickness and material throughout the RV also helps to create that cozy vibe.

Rechargeable Battery Candles

The soft glow of candlelight warms any space - especially an RV. -But we might not want several little flames around in a confined space. Rechargeable battery candles can be used inside and out, they can be charged by solar while boondocking, and we can tuck them in variety of shelves and spaces around the RV for a warm glow throughout.

Electric Blankets

When you're plugged into power, all hail the electric blanket. Is there anything better than crawling into a bed that's already warmed up for you?

Warm Beverages

Sipping on a hot beverage is a sure-fire way to feel warmer on cold days and nights. Have plenty of tea, hot cocoa, coffee, and broth cubes handy for when campers need a quick heat fix.

Lighting

Lightbulbs put off a bit of heat and the visual of a well-lit space also makes us feel warm inside, so light things up for a snuggly movie under a warm blanket and plan your next winter adventure!