Warming Up: Camper Trailers In Winter

Heating a camper trailer during the winter months can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it is possible to stay warm and comfortable. One of the most important considerations is choosing the appropriate heating method, such as portable heaters, RV wood stoves, battery power, or propane heaters. Additionally, proper insulation is key to retaining heat and preventing cold air from entering the trailer. This can be achieved through the use of weather stripping, window coverings, and heavy blankets or sleeping bags. Other important factors include protecting the RV's plumbing by using heated hoses and tank heaters, as well as maintaining the batteries by keeping them warm and fully charged. Skirting the RV and using space heaters can also provide additional warmth.

Insulation, rugs and curtains

Insulation, rugs, and curtains are essential to keeping your camper trailer warm during the winter months.

Insulating your trailer is one of the best ways to keep the cold out and the warmth in. It is also a simple process. You can start by checking for any cracks or holes around windows and doors, which can be sealed with weather strips, rubber, plastic sheets, or insulation strips. Adding curtains or canvas tarps over doorways and windows can also help to trap heat inside and keep the cold out. For windows, you can also use window film and reflective foil, which are affordable and effective ways to insulate further. Thick fabric drapes or insulated curtains can also be used to separate the cockpit and living space, so you have a smaller area to heat.

For the floor, foam board insulation is a great option, or you can use heavy rugs or carpets to block out the cold. If your trailer is elevated, you can also skirt the bottom of the trailer with foam boards or other insulating materials to prevent cold winds from entering and damaging pipes.

Rugs are another great way to insulate your trailer and keep your feet warm. Place rugs everywhere to cover the entire floor until the weather warms up.

Curtains are also an effective way to keep your trailer warm. Thermal curtains can be hung with tension curtain rods, providing an extra layer of insulation to trap heat and block out cold drafts.

Portable heaters

Electric Portable Heaters

Electric portable heaters are perhaps the most preferred option for many camper trailer owners. They are inexpensive, work well in small spaces, and newer models are energy efficient. They can be used to heat the entire trailer on warmer winter days and supplement the heat from the propane furnace on colder days. They are also useful for heating smaller areas like bathrooms and bedrooms.

Battery-Powered Portable Heaters

Battery-powered portable heaters are often smaller and take less energy to run. While they produce slightly less heat than electric heaters, they work well in smaller trailers or when using multiple heaters in larger trailers.

Propane Portable Heaters

Propane heaters are another popular heating option for camper trailers in winter. They are typically larger and more powerful than electric or battery-powered heaters. However, they are more costly to operate for long periods and carry an additional risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation is necessary when using propane heaters.

Safety Precautions for Portable Heaters

When using portable heaters, it is important to take certain safety precautions:

• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Only use a propane space heater in well-ventilated areas.
• Ensure the area around the heater is clear of any flammable objects.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by in case of emergency.

Other Considerations

To further enhance the heating capabilities of portable heaters and improve energy efficiency, additional insulation can be added to the trailer. This can include sealing windows and doors with weather stripping, using foam boards or heavy rugs on the floor, and installing thermal curtains or reflective foil on windows.

Propane heaters

However, propane heaters are more expensive to run than electric heaters, and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is important to ensure your camper trailer is well-ventilated.

There are several propane heater options available on the market. For example, the Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Indoor Propane Heater is a popular choice, with a five-star rating. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater is another option, which is smaller and takes less energy to run, although it gives off less heat.

If you are looking for a propane heater that can be installed externally, the Propex propane-fired furnace is a good choice. It can be fitted under the floor of your camper trailer, saving valuable space inside. With 6483 BTU of heating capacity, it is a popular and economical choice. For larger camper trailers, the HS2800 model offers 9500 BTU of heat.

When using a propane heater, it is important to take safety precautions. Ensure that your camper trailer is adequately ventilated and that carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms are installed and working properly.

Battery power

There are many types of batteries that can be used to power heaters, including car batteries, boat batteries, solar-charged batteries, and disposable batteries. It is important to know which type of battery is required for your specific heater before purchasing one. For example, a 200 amp to 600 amp service is ample enough to power camper heaters daily. However, if you plan to power more than just heaters and basic appliances, you may need more battery power.

When it comes to solar power, a 200 amp to 600 amp service is typically enough to power camper heaters. However, if you plan on powering more than just the heaters, you may need additional battery power. Additionally, if you are using solar power, it is important to keep the panels clear of snow to maximise their efficiency.

While battery-powered portable heaters are an excellent option for smaller campers or for using multiple heaters in larger campers, they produce less heat than electric heaters. They are also smaller and require less energy to run.

It is important to note that batteries will eventually lose their ability to hold a charge, so it is crucial to care for them properly to prolong their lifespan. During the active season, batteries should be charged when they reach 50% capacity, and during the winter, they should be charged more frequently, ideally when they drop to 80% capacity.

To avoid damaging your camper trailer battery, it is crucial to prevent it from dropping too low while also avoiding overcharging. Overcharging can alter the internal chemistry of the battery, damaging it and potentially rendering it useless. Similarly, letting the battery die completely can also cause irreparable damage. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance and maintain the battery properly to prolong its lifespan.

Skirting

There are many options for skirting material, including:

• Fabric: Vinyl, insulated vinyl, vinyl with a sewn-in backing, canvas, or a homemade tarp skirt.
• Wood: Plywood cut to custom fit the underside of your RV.
• Foam board: Lightweight, inexpensive, and can be shaped and cut to fit your RV.
• Pre-made kits: These can be purchased and customised to fit your RV.
• It can prevent cold winds from damaging vehicle components and cooling the interior.
• It can protect the underside of the RV, including water tanks and pipes.
• It can help keep your RV warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• It can reduce heating and cooling costs.

Some things to consider when choosing skirting:

• Ensure that the skirting completely encloses the underside of the RV. Any gaps can allow cold air to circulate, defeating the purpose.
• The quality of the skirting material is important. Cheaper options may be more prone to problems and may not last as long.
• Installation can be a factor, especially if you plan to move your RV frequently. Some types of skirting are more permanent and may be difficult to remove and store.

Overall, skirting is an effective way to protect your RV from the cold and keep the interior warm during the winter months. It can also provide benefits in the summer by helping to keep your RV cool.

Frequently asked questions