Winterized Camper Living: Love In South Dakota

Can you love in a winterized camper in South Dakota?

South Dakota is one of the US states that allow full-time living in a camper or RV. However, it is important to note that living in a camper during winter, especially in a place like South Dakota, requires a lot of preparation. From insulating your camper to choosing the right heating methods, there are several steps you need to take to ensure a comfortable and safe living experience.

Insulation and Skirting

One of the most important steps to winterize your camper is to add extra insulation. This can be done by using foam insulation boards, bubble insulation, solar blankets, or heavy-weight thermal curtains over your windows. You can also use RV sealant or caulk to ensure your windows and doors are weather-tight. Additionally, consider investing in an RV skirt, which will help insulate the bottom of your camper and protect it from the cold ground.

Heating Options

To keep your camper warm, you can use either the furnace (propane) or the heat pump (HVAC) that comes with your RV. It is recommended to use the furnace in extremely cold temperatures, as the HVAC may not be sufficient and could break down. You can also use electric or propane space heaters for additional warmth, but be sure to follow safety precautions when using these heaters.

Water Management

Managing your water supply is crucial during winter. Keep your fresh water tank as full as possible, and use a heated hose to prevent your water supply from freezing. For grey and black water tanks, you can either dump them regularly or invest in an RV tank heater kit to prevent freezing.

Battery Maintenance

Cold weather can cause your RV batteries to lose their charge more quickly, so it is important to keep them warm. Consider using a heat pad with an ambient temperature sensor to automatically regulate the temperature and keep your batteries warm enough to accept a charge.

Campground Availability

Keep in mind that many campgrounds and RV parks in cold weather areas may be closed during the winter season due to safety hazards and lower demand. So, if you plan to stay in a specific location, make sure to verify its availability during the winter months.

Overall, with the right preparation and equipment, it is possible to live comfortably and safely in a winterized camper, even in a place with cold winters like South Dakota.

Insulation and heating

Skirting and Underbelly Insulation

One of the most effective ways to insulate your camper is to install a skirt. RV skirting is a material that wraps around the base of the camper, preventing cold air from getting under the vehicle and raising the temperature underneath. Skirting can be made from various materials, such as vinyl or inflatable options like AirSkirts, which are easy to set up and carry during travel. Additionally, you can place heaters under the skirting to further increase the temperature.

Window Insulation

Windows are a significant source of heat loss in campers. To improve insulation, use window insulation kits with shrink wrap or plastic coverings. These kits are easy to install and surprisingly effective, allowing light to enter while retaining heat. For a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to double-paned or multi-pane windows, which have better insulation properties.

Sealants, Caulk, and Weather Stripping

It is essential to check and replace the weather stripping, caulk, and seals on your camper regularly. Ensure that the slide seals and weather stripping around doors and storage bays are in good condition. Apply a new layer of RV sealant to all windows and doors, and use a rubber conditioner on slide-out rubber weather stripping to ensure a tight seal against the elements.

Roof Vents and Skylights

Since heat rises, it is crucial to prevent heat escape through roof vents and skylights. Cover these openings with special pillows, DIY covers, or tape some Reflectix over them. Ensure any covers are in good shape and not worn or warped, which can compromise their effectiveness.

Mattress and Under-Mattress Insulation

If your camper bed has a storage area underneath, add an insulation layer, such as foam board or Reflectix, to prevent cold air from reaching the sleeping area. Additionally, consider investing in a heated mattress pad or an electric blanket for extra warmth during cold nights.

Pipe and Water Tank Insulation

To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, wrap them in heat tape. Use a heated RV water hose or insulate your existing hose with tape or insulated foam. If you plan to use water hookups, insulate all pipes, connections, and exposed piping. For grey and black tanks, add antifreeze to prevent wastewater from freezing.

Space Heaters and Furnace

Supplement your camper's furnace with small indoor space heaters, either electric or propane-powered. Ensure you have enough propane on board for the furnace, as it is more efficient at warming the space quickly. Keep cabinet doors open to expose pipes to interior heat when you're not inside the camper.

Thermal Curtains

Heavy-weight thermal curtains provide extra insulation for windows and can be easily opened when desired. They are an effective way to retain heat while still allowing light into the camper.

Water supply

Water is an essential part of living in an RV, and it is important to keep your water supply safe in freezing temperatures. Here are some tips for ensuring a steady water supply while living in a winterized camper in South Dakota:

• Invest in a heated hose: Purchase a heated hose to fill your water tanks. You can also make your own using heat cable and insulated foam. This is crucial as regular hoses can freeze and crack in sub-zero temperatures.
• Use tank heaters: Utilize tank heaters, which work similarly to heating pads, to keep your freshwater tanks from freezing. Alternatively, you can use a small space heater if your water pump is located outside.
• Insulate pipes: Wrap your water pipes with heat tape to prevent them from freezing. This will help maintain a steady water flow and protect your plumbing.
• Antifreeze: Use RV/marine antifreeze in your plumbing system, including grey and black water tanks. Do not use engine antifreeze. Additionally, pour antifreeze into sink and shower drains to prevent freezing.
• Drain and dump: Regularly drain and dump your grey and black water tanks to avoid freezing and bursting.
• By-pass water heater: To save money and antifreeze, consider by-passing your water heater. This can be done temporarily with a seasonal by-pass kit or permanently with an elbow by-pass kit or a quick-turn by-pass kit.
• Keep the bay warm: The bay that holds your tanks should be kept above freezing. Use mini space heaters to maintain the temperature.
• Use bottled water: Consider using bottled water for drinking, cooking, and other essential tasks. This can reduce the strain on your water system and help conserve water.
• Plan ahead: Always plan ahead and monitor the weather forecast. Ensure you have enough water and antifreeze, and take the necessary steps to winterize your camper before temperatures drop too low.

Electricity and batteries

The majority of RVs have two electrical systems. One is an AC (alternating current) system, which is similar to the one in a typical house. The other is a DC (direct current) system, which works like the one in a car. The AC system is more powerful and can handle large appliances like air conditioning, microwaves, and power outlets. The DC system, on the other hand, runs off batteries and powers the lights, water pump, fans, TV, and radio.

Sources of Power

Batteries

RVs usually have one or more batteries that provide power when no external source is available. The batteries can run small appliances and essentials like lights and the water pump for a day but can't power larger systems like air conditioning or heating.

Shore Power

Shore power is when you plug your RV into an AC electrical grid. The power available is measured in amps, with 30 and 50 amps being the most common connections. When connecting to shore power, remember to turn on the circuit breaker.

Generators

Generators are similar to shore power but are usually less powerful. They are rated in watts, with a 1000-watt generator being suitable for small RVs or basic systems, and a 3500-watt generator being able to run most RV systems.

Solar Power

Solar power is a renewable energy source that charges your battery. It generates DC current, so you're still limited by your battery's power, but you can use it for longer periods as it recharges over time. Solar power is perfect for boondocking but may not be sufficient for high-draw appliances.

Electrical Problems and Safety

Fuses

Like in a house or car, RVs have fuses to protect the electrical system from overdrawing or power surges. If you lose power, check the fuse panel. Most RVs have resettable fuses, but some have replaceable ones, so it's a good idea to keep spares.

Propane vs Electricity

Some RV appliances can run on either electricity or propane. The rule of thumb is to use electricity when connected to shore power and propane when boondocking.

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are not essential but can help protect the electrical system from power surges. They act as a guard, ensuring the power is clean and steady before letting it into the trailer. There is usually a short delay of 20 to 60 seconds when using a surge protector.

Driving safety

It is possible to live in a camper in South Dakota during winter, but it requires a lot of preparation. Here are some tips for preparing your camper for the cold:

• Insulate your windows with foam insulation boards, bubble insulation, or solar blankets.
• Use heavy-weight thermal curtains to retain heat.
• Seal windows and doors with a layer of RV sealant or caulk.
• Protect your pipes by wrapping them in heat tape and investing in a heated RV water hose.
• Use an RV skirt to keep the battery bays, plumbing, and other important components warm.
• Keep your RV stationary during a hard freeze.
• Use indoor heat sources such as a furnace or space heaters.
• Keep your propane tank full.

Now, here are some detailed driving safety tips for winter in South Dakota:

South Dakota's winters bring beautiful scenery, but they also bring hazardous driving conditions. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can create challenging road conditions, even for experienced drivers. Here are some essential driving safety tips to help you navigate South Dakota's winter roads:

• Preparation is Key: Before winter arrives, have a professional inspect your vehicle. Ensure your brakes, battery, tires, and fluids are in optimal condition. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down and will handle slippery conditions better.
• Tire Tread and Pressure: Tire maintenance is crucial during winter. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it is adequate for maximum traction. Also, inspect your tire tread; balding tires can significantly reduce your vehicle's grip on icy roads.
• Equip Your Vehicle: Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include essential supplies such as a first aid kit, flashlights, warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food, and an ice scraper. It's better to have these items and not need them than to be caught unprepared.
• Slow Down and Drive Deliberately: Reduce your speed when driving on icy or snowy roads. Quick maneuvers can lead to skids, so make turns and stops slowly and deliberately. Remember, it's essential to maintain control of your vehicle.
• Increase Following Distance: In normal conditions, a three to four-second following distance is standard. However, in winter, it's advisable to double this distance. This gives you more time to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
• Avoid Cruise Control: Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces. It can cause unintended acceleration, leading to potential skids or a loss of control. Always maintain manual control of your vehicle in winter conditions.
• Threshold Braking: Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop on slippery surfaces is to use threshold braking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Stay Calm in a Skid: If your vehicle starts to skid, remain calm. Remove your foot from the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go. If your rear wheels slide left, steer left, and vice versa. For standard brakes, gently pump them, but for antilock brakes, apply steady pressure without pumping.
• Stay Informed and Stay Home: Always check the weather forecast before driving. If a snowstorm is predicted, consider if your travel is essential. It's better to avoid unnecessary risks.
• Know the Road Conditions: Be aware of "black ice," a thin coat of glazed ice that's nearly invisible. Understand the local road conditions and be cautious, especially in areas prone to black ice, such as Rapid City.
• Clear Your Vehicle: Always remove snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. This ensures proper visibility and prevents ice and snow from flying off and endangering other drivers.
• Stay Updated with Roadside Assistance: Have reliable roadside assistance information readily available in your vehicle, especially when travelling in remote areas of South Dakota.

Remember, the key to safe winter driving in South Dakota is patience and preparation. Prioritize safety over speed, and ensure your vehicle is in peak condition to handle the harsh winter weather.

Local laws and regulations

South Dakota has no specific laws or regulations prohibiting full-time RV residency. However, there are still some local laws and regulations that you should be aware of when establishing an RV as your permanent residence in the state.

Firstly, you must register your RV and obtain the necessary permits. In South Dakota, you need to complete and file an "Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration" in the county of your residence. This application must be signed by the record owner(s) or an authorized agent, and if signed by an agent, a Power of Attorney document must be attached. Recreational vehicle titling and registration fees are processed through your local county treasurer's office, and license fees are determined by the current Non-Commercial Motorhome Fee Schedule.

In addition to standard vehicle plates, South Dakota offers personalized, emblem, Dignity sculpture, tribal, historic, special interest, military, and disabled parking permit license plates. To apply for standard license plates, fill out the "Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration" form. For more specialized plates, such as personalized or military plates, there are specific options available.

When establishing an RV as a permanent residence, it is also important to understand the zoning laws and regulations in your specific area within South Dakota. These laws govern where you can place your RV and how long you can live in it. For example, some localities may require your RV to be designated as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which is a secondary house or apartment that shares the building lot of a larger, primary house. Other areas may have different requirements or restrictions on the duration of RV habitation. Therefore, it is crucial to check with local authorities, as city laws can be more restrictive than state-level rules.

Furthermore, there may be specific guidelines for parking an RV on your property, including compliance with city laws, maintaining aesthetic standards, and ensuring that your RV does not obstruct city services or neighboring properties.

In terms of utilities, connecting to electricity and water services is essential for sustainable RV living. In South Dakota, you will need to liaise with local utility companies to ensure a reliable and legal connection. Additionally, waste management and sanitation are critical components of a permanent RV setup. Regulations surrounding proper disposal systems must be adhered to, and you may need to install a personal septic system, which is regulated by health department codes.

Finally, insurance is an important consideration. In the United States, all states require registration and insurance for RVs to be recognized as legal vehicles on the road. The level of insurance coverage required can vary by state, but generally, a minimum amount of liability insurance is mandated. Full-time RVers may want to consider full-timer's coverage, which is more comprehensive and similar to a homeowner's policy.

By understanding and complying with these local laws and regulations, you can ensure a smooth transition to living in your winterized camper in South Dakota.

Frequently asked questions