Winter Camping: Can Your Rv Handle The Cold?

RV camping in the winter can be fun and exciting, but the cold weather presents new challenges. Here are some essential tips to make your winter RV camping experience more enjoyable and comfortable:

- Decide whether to winterize your RV: If you're travelling to a cold location, you may need to winterize your RV to prevent pipes from bursting. This involves emptying water tanks and disabling plumbing.

- Choose the right heater: Electric heaters are cost-effective if you have an electric hookup. For off-grid locations, small propane heaters are more efficient than onboard heating systems.

- Insulate your RV: Proper insulation can reduce the need for additional heating. Consider RV skirts, foam boards, and sealing windows with plastic film.

- Prepare your pipes and tanks: Use heat tape or keep a slow faucet drip to prevent pipes from freezing.

- Pack wisely: Bring vent insulator pillows, weather apps, warm clothing, slippers, and emergency supplies.

- Keep cold air out: Close shades to retain heat, and ensure windows are properly insulated.

- Plan your route: Many campgrounds close in winter, so verify availability. Drive safely, especially on icy roads, and consider heading south to avoid harsh winter conditions.

Insulating your camper

• Use the right materials: Choose insulation materials that will provide sufficient warmth and comfort. Some popular options include Kingspan and Celotex insulation boards, aluminium tape, loft insulation (glass mineral wool), ThermaWrap, and Low-E reflective foil insulation.
• Clean your camper van: Before installing insulation, thoroughly clean your van and inspect for any cracks, leaks, or areas that need attention. This will help you plan your insulation strategy and ensure a smooth installation process.
• Plan your electrical system: Determine the placement of lights, switches, and electrical wires before insulating. This will save you time and effort later.
• Install sound deadening materials: Use sound deadening materials, such as strips of ThermaWrap, on the metal floor of your cab area to reduce noise while driving.
• Insulate the floor: Create a softwood pine beam grid on the floor and fill it with cut-to-size insulation boards like Kingspan or Celotex. Then, reattach your existing floor or add plywood sheets over the insulation.
• Add ThermaWrap insulation: Apply ThermaWrap to the metal walls of your van using spray adhesive and cover any gaps with aluminium tape. This will help reduce thermal energy loss.
• Install a rib cage: Build a wooden rib cage framework along the walls of your van to hold the insulation and cladding in place. Drill pilot holes and attach the wood to the metal ribs of your van.
• Install cladding and insulation: Place cladding or plywood sheets against the rib cage and drill holes for screws. Then, fill the gaps between the cladding and ThermaWrap with glass mineral wool insulation.
• Finish with expanding foam: Use expanding foam sparingly to fill any remaining gaps or exposed edges. Ensure you don't block areas where wires need to be pulled through.
• Consider a vapour barrier: Install a vapour barrier, especially if you're using fibrous insulation like fibreglass or sheep's wool, to reduce the risk of moisture buildup and condensation.
• Address condensation: To prevent condensation, ensure proper ventilation and use moisture barriers. Condensation can lead to rust and other issues in your camper van.

Choosing the right heater

When it comes to heating your campervan, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a heater for your campervan:

• Power Source: The most common power sources for campervan heaters are electricity, propane, diesel, and battery power. Electric heaters are efficient and safe, but require a campsite with electrical hookups. Propane and diesel heaters are convenient if you already have a propane or diesel fuel source, but they can be costly to operate and may require proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Battery-powered heaters are small and portable, but may not be suitable for larger spaces or extended use.
• Size and Portability: Consider the size of your campervan and the available space for a heater. Smaller, portable heaters are easy to move around and store, while larger, fixed heaters may provide more consistent heating.
• Safety: Some heaters may pose safety risks, such as the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Look for heaters with safety features such as automatic shut-off mechanisms, tip-over shut-off switches, and wire guards to prevent burns.
• Heat Output: The heat output of heaters is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). For campervans, a heater with an output of 1,000 to 5,000 BTUs is usually sufficient. However, if you plan to use the heater in extremely cold temperatures, you may need a higher BTU output.
• Altitude: If you plan to use your campervan at high altitudes, keep in mind that some heaters, such as gas/diesel air heaters, may struggle above 5,000 feet due to reduced oxygen levels.
• Installation: Consider the complexity of installation for different heater options. Some heaters may require professional installation, while others can be installed by DIY van builders.
• Cost: Heaters can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Factor in the initial cost of the heater, as well as the ongoing cost of fuel or electricity to operate it.

Now, let's look at some specific heater options and their advantages and disadvantages:

• Portable Electric Heaters: These heaters are widely available, inexpensive, and energy-efficient. They are ideal for small spaces and can be easily moved around or stored. However, they require an electrical hookup, so they may not be suitable for off-grid camping.
• Portable Propane Heaters: Propane heaters are powerful and can easily heat your campervan. They are typically larger and more affordable to operate than electric heaters. However, they pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and may require proper ventilation.
• RV Wood Stoves: Wood stoves create a cosy and atmospheric heating experience. They are designed to channel smoke out through a pipe, so you don't have to worry about a smoky environment. However, wood stoves require fuel in the form of firewood, which can be inconvenient to source and transport.
• Catalytic Heaters: Catalytic heaters are basic furnaces that run on propane. They are highly effective at heating RVs and campers, and some models require little to no electricity. However, they may consume more fuel and energy than other options.
• Gas/Diesel Air Heaters: These heaters are compact and hook into your existing fuel source. They provide dry heat, which is important for condensation control. However, they may struggle at high altitudes due to reduced oxygen levels and may require professional installation.
• Hydronic Heating Systems: Hydronic heaters use heated coolant to provide hot air and, in some cases, hot water and heated floors. They are highly efficient, work at high altitudes, and have multiple output vents for even heating. However, they are more expensive, with costs ranging from $4,000 to $6,000.
• Propex Heaters: Propex heaters use propane as a fuel source and are ideal if you already have a propane system onboard for cooking or hot water. They produce a cleaner burn than diesel or gas heaters, resulting in easier maintenance. However, they may struggle to keep up in very cold temperatures.
• Mr. Buddy Heaters: These heaters are a popular interim solution for those who don't have a permanent heater installed. They are affordable and convenient, but they must be used with proper ventilation, and they produce a wet heat that can increase humidity.

Remember, the best heater for your campervan will depend on your specific needs, budget, and usage patterns. Consider the factors mentioned above and choose a heater that suits your campervan lifestyle.

Keeping pipes and tanks from freezing

• Insulation is key to preventing pipes and tanks from freezing. Seal windows and doors with weather stripping or foam board insulation to prevent cold air and moisture from leaking into the RV. Window film and reflective foil are affordable and effective ways to insulate windows and reflect heat back into the camper. Thick fabric drapes or insulated curtains can also be used to block cold drafts and keep warm air inside.
• Use heat tape or heat strips on pipes and hoses to keep them warm and prevent freezing. Heating tape can be plugged into an electrical outlet and wrapped around pipes and hoses. Heat strips can be used specifically for freshwater and sewer hoses.
• Open cabinet doors, especially under sinks, to allow heat to circulate and prevent pipes from freezing.
• Use a space heater or small heater near water tanks and pipes. This is especially important if your RV does not have a furnace or adequate insulation. However, always practice safety precautions and keep space heaters at a safe distance from flammable materials.
• In very cold temperatures, consider using RV antifreeze to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing. Completely empty your black water tank, close the dump valve, and pour two quarts of non-toxic antifreeze down the toilet. Repeat as needed when the tank fills up.
• If your RV is stationary, consider installing an RV skirt around the bottom of the vehicle. This creates a barrier of insulated air, preventing cold winds from damaging pipes and removing heat from the camper.
• Keep your RV bays insulated to protect pipes and bays from freezing temperatures. Caulk holes and cracks to prevent cold air from entering, and use foam board insulation or heavy rugs to block out cold air from the floor.
• If possible, park your RV in a warmer location to avoid freezing temperatures altogether.

Driving your camper safely in winter

Winter RV road trips are becoming increasingly popular, but driving in the snow and ice presents a unique set of challenges. Here are some tips for driving your camper safely in winter.

Prepare your camper for winter

Before setting off on your winter road trip, it's important to ensure your camper is prepared for the cold weather. This includes:

• Winterising your RV: If you're travelling in cold weather, you'll need to empty water tanks, drain the water heater and water lines, and disable plumbing to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Choosing the right heater: If your campsite has an electric hookup, an electric heater is the best option. Otherwise, a small, portable propane heater is more efficient than the onboard propane heating system.
• Insulating your RV: To reduce your reliance on heating, you can add extra insulation to your windows, skylights, fans, doors, slide-outs and roof vents. Consider investing in an RV skirt, which acts as a barrier to keep your RV warm and prevent pipes from freezing.
• Preparing your pipes and tanks: To prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, keep a slow drip running through the night, or wrap heat tape around your water hose and plug it into a power source to keep it warm.
• Packing the right gear: Don't forget to pack extra items for winter, such as vent insulator pillows, apps to check the weather and road conditions, electric blankets, hand warmers, waterproof clothing, slippers, a snow shovel and ice scraper, and extra emergency supplies.

Driving in winter conditions

When driving your camper in winter, it's important to take extra care. Here are some tips for driving safely in snowy and icy conditions:

• Check your tyres regularly and ensure they are properly inflated.
• Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops or changes in direction.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Stay up to date on weather forecasts and road closures, and avoid dangerous conditions.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including an ice scraper and snow brush, sand or kitty litter, road flares or reflectors, extra clothing, bottled water and snacks.
• Use snow chains if driving on icy roads, but check they are permitted by your RV rental company first.
• Use your low beam headlights in snowy conditions, as the brighter your lights, the harder it will be to see the road.

Finding a winter campground

When it comes to finding a winter campground, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, many campgrounds close during the winter months, so it's important to do your research and check if your desired campground is open. Some campgrounds may also have reduced services, such as limited dump stations and water sources, so it's a good idea to contact the campground directly to inquire about their winter operations.

If you're looking for a warm-weather destination, consider heading south to states like Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. These states offer milder temperatures and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, sightseeing, and swimming. For example, Tucson, Arizona, offers a range of historical sites and museums, while the Florida Keys provide a unique opportunity to learn about sea mammals.

On the other hand, if you're up for a cold-weather adventure, there are winter campgrounds in states like Indiana and Virginia that remain open year-round. These campgrounds often provide primitive camping sites, giving you full exposure to the elements. Just make sure to pack accordingly, with enough food, water, and warm clothing to keep you comfortable during your stay.

Additionally, when choosing a campground, consider the amenities that are important to you. For instance, KOA campgrounds offer unique amenities like dog parks, restaurants, and planned events, while state parks may provide more rustic and remote experiences.

Frequently asked questions