Winter Camping: Living In A Camper Trailer

Can you live in a camper trailer in the winter?

Living in a camper trailer in the winter is possible, but it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Here are some essential tips to consider:

- Insulation: Proper insulation is key to retaining heat and protecting your RV from cold winds. This includes insulating the windows, doors, floors, and underbelly of the camper trailer. Use weatherstripping, window film, reflective foil, thick curtains, and foam boards to prevent heat loss.

- Heating: Most RVs use propane heaters, so ensure you have enough propane tanks to last through the winter. Additionally, consider using space heaters, especially for larger RVs, to supplement the furnace and conserve propane.

- Water Supply: Protect your water supply by using heated hoses, heat tape on pipes, and tank heaters. Keep your freshwater tank full and disconnect from external water sources to prevent freezing.

- Moisture Control: Heating can increase moisture and condensation, leading to mould and corrosion. Use dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture and maintain a dry environment.

- Safe Driving: If you plan to travel during the winter, ensure your tires are in good condition and carry emergency supplies. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially on icy roads, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

- Stationary RVs: If you plan to stay stationary, use an RV skirt to wrap around the base, providing additional insulation and protection from the elements.

- Planning: Always check weather forecasts, plan your route accordingly, and inform someone of your whereabouts in case of emergencies.

Insulating your camper trailer

Windows

Windows are a significant source of heat loss, especially if your RV has single-pane windows. While replacing them with double or triple-pane glass is ideal, it can be costly. Instead, consider using shrink or bubble wrap to cover the glass, attaching it with Velcro or double-sided tape. Check and replace any damaged weather stripping, and use insulated or solar curtains for extra warmth.

Doors

If you feel a draft coming from the door, replace the weather stripping with an energy-efficient alternative. Alternatively, hang a thermal curtain in front of the door and use a door snake to block drafts.

Vents and Skylights

Cover your roof vent with an insulated vent cover to prevent heat from escaping through the top of your camper. Also, cover any skylights with foam inserts or insulating materials like Reflectix.

Floors

Place rugs in uncarpeted areas to retain heat and keep your feet warm. Additionally, consider insulating the underside of your camper with skirting to block cold air and prevent heat from escaping.

Pipes and Water Tanks

Wrap your water tanks and pipes with insulating blankets and heat tape to prevent them from freezing. Use a heated RV water hose or fill your onboard freshwater tank to ensure a continuous water supply.

Slide-outs

Slide-outs tend to have less insulation than permanent camper walls. Avoid using them on very cold days, and if necessary, attach foam boards to the bottom for extra insulation. Remember to remove the foam boards before retracting the slides.

Walls

Most campers have fiberglass or foam-insulated walls, but you can add extra insulation by using spray foam to plug leaks where pipes and wires have been cut. For a more complex and professional solution, consider adding a new layer of fiberglass insulation.

Heating your trailer

Choose the Right Heating System

The most common method of heating an RV is by using its built-in heating system, which typically runs on propane. Propane furnaces are very effective, especially for smaller trailers. However, they can consume a lot of fuel if used continuously, so ensure you have access to propane refills or on-site propane. Some campgrounds and propane companies provide external propane tanks for the coldest months, so you don't need to refill as often.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are a great way to supplement your RV's furnace. They are inexpensive, easy to store, and can make a significant difference in your comfort during cold weather. There are two main types of space heaters:

• Electric Heaters: These are popular when connected to power at a campground or RV park. You can use multiple electric heaters to reduce your reliance on the RV's furnace, especially if you have a larger trailer.
• Propane Heaters: Propane heaters use propane gas as fuel and are a good option if electricity is expensive. They are often more efficient than electric heaters, but ensure you use a reputable brand with a safety shut-off feature.

Insulation and Skirting

Insulation and skirting are crucial to retaining heat in your trailer during winter. Here are some tips to improve insulation and prevent heat loss:

• Windows: Insulate RV windows using foam insulation boards, bubble insulation, or solar blankets. For extra warmth, use heavyweight thermal curtains.
• Doors and Vents: Seal doors and vents with RV sealant or caulk, and replace any damaged weather stripping.
• Skirting: Install skirting around the bottom of your trailer to create a barrier against the cold ground. You can buy ready-made RV skirting or create your own using foam insulation boards or heavy plastic.
• Holding Tanks: Insulate your holding tanks properly to prevent them from cracking in cold weather. Use heating cables, pads, or blankets to ensure no blockages in the piping system.

Active Heating Options

In addition to space heaters, there are other active heating options for your trailer:

• Electric Blankets: Electric blankets are a safe and inexpensive way to stay warm, and they don't draw as much power as other electric heaters.
• RV Gas and Diesel Heaters: These heaters provide quick and even heating but may have a costly initial setup and installation.
• Propane Heaters: Propane heaters are popular among vanlifers as they are affordable, effective, and don't require electricity. However, ensure proper ventilation and install a monoxide detector, as propane heaters release CO2.
• RV Wood Stoves and Heaters: Wood stoves provide consistent dry heat and are inexpensive to operate, but they require a regular supply of wood.
• Hydronic Heating Systems: Found in newer Class A rigs, these systems use a solution of water and antifreeze circulated through pipes and radiators to heat the RV.
• Radiant Electric Heating: This system involves installing electric heating panels under the floor of the RV, providing consistent heat.

Preventing frozen pipes

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your pipes is a highly effective method to prevent them from freezing. You can opt for professional services that use closed-cell spray foam insulation, which excels at trapping heat and maintaining a warm underside in your trailer. Alternatively, you can purchase a pipe insulation kit from a hardware store and install it yourself, requiring some DIY skills.

Dump Your RV Waste

Before the winter sets in, ensure you empty the waste from your black water and grey water tanks. This step eliminates the possibility of water freezing in these tanks and maintains a sanitary environment.

Insulate the Entire RV

Don't stop at just insulating the pipes—insulate the whole RV! The warmer your trailer is overall, the better your chances of preventing pipe freezing. You can find door and window insulation kits at hardware stores, or engage a professional to insulate your trailer, though this will be more costly.

Heat the RV's Interior

Keeping the interior of your RV consistently warm will help protect your pipes from freezing, especially if they are located in the flooring or body of the trailer. You can also open cabinet doors beneath the sink and bathroom to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Use a Tank Heating Pad

Tank heating pads are attached directly to appliances or tanks to prevent water from freezing. Many of these pads have temperature control mechanisms, allowing you to adjust the heat during cold nights and turn it down during the day as temperatures rise.

Install RV Skirting

RV skirting wraps around the base of your trailer, insulating the underside and trapping heat inside. This not only keeps your pipes warm but also helps maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the RV. You can purchase skirting material from camping or hardware stores, or create your own DIY version using foam insulation boards or heavy plastic.

Use a Heated Water Hose

Invest in a heated water hose to prevent your water supply from freezing. These hoses have built-in mechanisms to activate heating when temperatures drop, ensuring a continuous water flow. Alternatively, you can use heat tape or a heat cable to achieve the same effect.

Choosing appropriate clothing

Choosing the right clothing is essential when living in a camper trailer during winter. Here are some tips to help you stay warm and comfortable:

• Layering is key: The key to staying warm in cold weather is layering your clothing. Aim for three layers that work together to provide maximum warmth.
• Base layer: Choose long underwear made from synthetic materials like polyester or natural fibres such as merino wool. They should fit snugly to wick away perspiration and keep your skin dry. Go for heavyweight long underwear if you plan to be mostly inactive in freezing temperatures.
• Middle layer: This layer is responsible for retaining body heat. Opt for fleece, wool, or flannel fabrics. A fleece jacket or a puffy jacket with synthetic fills if it's damp or you plan to break a sweat are good options. Don't forget to also wear insulating pants or fleece-lined leggings to keep your lower body warm.
• Outer layer: Your outer layer should protect you from the elements, especially rain and wind. Look for a waterproof and breathable shell jacket and pants. Make sure the jacket is long enough to cover your waist and the pants cover your boots.
• Headwear: Keep your head warm with a beanie, stocking cap, or a heavy baseball cap. For extra warmth, choose one with ear flaps or a wool fedora.
• Handwear: Gloves or mittens are essential to keep your hands warm. Leather, wool, or knit gloves are good options. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves since your fingers generate more heat when they're together.
• Footwear: Wear thick socks, preferably wool, to keep your feet warm and dry. Water-resistant boots will protect your feet from the snow and provide traction on ice.
• Accessories: A scarf, shawl, or throw can add extra warmth and style to your outfit.
• Avoid cotton: Cotton absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry, so avoid wearing it, especially next to your skin.
• Stay dry: In addition to staying warm, it's important to stay dry. Choose clothing that wicks away perspiration and protects you from the rain and snow.

Driving safely

Driving a camper trailer in the winter can be challenging, but with careful preparation and safe driving practices, it can be done safely. Here are some tips for driving safely in winter weather:

• Check your tires regularly and ensure they are properly inflated.
• Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops or abrupt changes in direction.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Stay up to date on weather forecasts and road closures to avoid dangerous road and weather conditions.
• Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, including an ice scraper, snow brush, sand or kitty litter, road flares or reflectors, extra clothing, bottled water, and snacks.
• Keep your RV stationary during a hard freeze if possible, as it will be easier to prepare and protect your RV from the elements.
• Ensure your RV tires have proper tread and are not outdated. Smaller RV tires may wear out more quickly, while larger motorhome tires can still have adequate tread but be outdated.
• Use tire chains if necessary for added traction and safety.
• Always use your best judgment and caution when driving in winter weather. Pull over if needed.
• Bridges tend to freeze before roads, so be extra cautious when crossing bridges.
• Be vigilant for black ice, which can be difficult to spot.
• Whenever possible, plug into electric power sources to keep your RV systems functioning optimally and maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Solar panels can also provide backup power, although they may not be sufficient for running heaters.
• If you must drive during a snowstorm or freezing temperatures, plan ahead, carry emergency supplies, and have a backup plan.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can safely drive your camper trailer during the winter months.

Frequently asked questions