Warming Your Camper: Winter Survival Guide

Heating a camper in winter is a very different process to heating a house and often requires different heaters and a little creativity. There are several options for heating your camper, including propane heaters, electric heaters, wood-burning stoves, and RV furnaces. Propane heaters are popular as they don't require electricity, but they can cause condensation. Electric heaters are very effective but require a lot of electricity. Wood-burning stoves give off a lot of heat and create a cosy atmosphere, but they require a lot of installation work. RV furnaces use a lot of electricity and propane, but they can help to keep water pipes from freezing.

Insulate your camper with foam boards, weatherstripping, or a product like Reflectix

Insulating your camper van is a great way to ensure you retain heat during the winter months. There are several ways to do this, including foam boards, weatherstripping, and products like Reflectix.

Foam boards are a great way to add insulation to your camper van. You can cut them to size and place them in areas that need extra insulation, such as windows, skylights, fans, doors, slide-outs, and roof vents. This will help to create a barrier that keeps the cold air out and the warm air in.

Weatherstripping is another effective method for sealing drafts and preventing heat loss. You can use it to seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and other openings. This is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the insulation of your camper van.

Reflectix is a highly pliable thermal insulating material that can be cut to size and placed in areas that need extra insulation. It is often used in skylights and the back of cabinets. Reflectix is a great way to add extra insulation to your camper van and help keep the heat in.

In addition to these methods, you can also install thermal curtains, use foam inserts in skylights and cabinets, and seal any drafty areas with weatherstripping. These simple and effective solutions will help keep your camper van warm and comfortable during the winter months.

Use a portable heater, such as a propane or electric heater

Using a portable heater, such as a propane or electric heater, is a great way to keep your camper warm in the winter. They are affordable, effective, and energy-efficient, especially when heating smaller spaces. When choosing between electric and propane heaters, it is important to consider the size of your camper and the amount of heat you need.

Propane heaters are a popular choice for campers as they don't require any electricity to operate and are cost-effective. Propane packs a lot of energy for its price. However, burning propane creates tiny droplets of water vapour in the air, which can eventually condense to form puddles on the floor. To use a propane heater, you will need a strategy to stay dry. You can purchase a 1-gallon propane bottle at most Walmart stores, or opt for a larger 20-pound propane tank, which holds approximately 5 gallons. Most RVs come with at least one 20-pound tank. To use a tank with a portable heater, you will need a hose and a regulator to control the pressure. Some portable propane heaters, like the popular Mr. Heater Buddy, already have a regulator built-in.

Electric heaters are another option for campers. They are popular among those with access to electricity or a generator. Electric heaters generally fall into three categories: ceramic heaters, fan heaters, and infrared heaters. Ceramic heaters are the most popular today as they produce more heat quickly compared to traditional fan heaters. Fan heaters are simple and cheap, while infrared heaters are silent and ideal for families with children or pets as they don't get hot. All three types of electric heaters use the same amount of electricity and generate the same amount of heat, drawing around 1,500 watts of power and producing around 5,000 BTUs of heat.

When using portable heaters, it is important to prioritise safety. Never leave a space heater unattended, ensure proper ventilation, keep the area around the heater clear of flammable objects, and always keep a fire extinguisher close by. Additionally, if you are using propane, ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and keep a functioning carbon monoxide detector in your camper.

Install skirting around the bottom of your camper to prevent heat loss

Installing skirting around the bottom of your camper is a great way to prevent heat loss and manage extreme temperatures during the winter. This is a simple yet effective method to keep your RV warm and comfortable. Here are some detailed instructions on how to install skirting:

Step 1: Measure Your RV

Start by measuring the height and width of your RV, including the space between the ground and the bottom of your vehicle. These measurements will be crucial for creating a custom-fit skirt. Take measurements at multiple points along your RV to account for any variations in height or width.

Step 2: Choose Your Material

You have two main options for the skirting material: foam insulation boards or heavy-duty plastic. Foam insulation boards provide superior insulation, while heavy-duty plastic is more affordable and easier to work with. Cut your chosen material about one inch higher than the measured height of the space between the RV and the ground. This extra inch ensures full coverage and a snug fit.

Step 3: Prepare the Material

If you opt for heavy-duty plastic, attach elastic bands to each side of the material. This will allow you to securely fit the skirting around your RV, ensuring a snug fit. For foam insulation boards, you can simply cut the boards to size and join them together to encircle your RV.

Step 4: Install the Skirting

Now it's time to install the skirting! Use adhesive or zip ties to attach the foam boards or plastic to the base of your RV. Be careful not to use duct tape, as it can damage the paint on your vehicle. Start from one corner and work your way around, ensuring that the skirting is securely attached and fits snugly.

Step 5: Check for Gaps

Once you've installed the skirting, carefully inspect it for any gaps or openings. You want to ensure that the skirting completely encircles your RV, creating a barrier against the cold. If you find any gaps, use additional pieces of material to fill them in, securing them with adhesive or zip ties.

Step 6: Check Campground Policies

Before finalising your skirting installation, remember to check the policies of the campground or RV park where you plan to stay. Some campgrounds have specific rules and regulations regarding the type and installation of skirting. Make sure your setup complies with their guidelines to avoid any issues during your stay.

By following these steps, you will effectively prevent heat loss and keep your camper warm during the winter months. This simple DIY project will make a significant difference in your comfort and enjoyment of RV living during the colder season.

Keep your water tanks full and use a heated water hose to prevent freezing

Keeping your water tanks full and using a heated water hose to prevent freezing is an important consideration when preparing your campervan for winter. Here are some detailed tips to help you with this process:

• Keep Your Water Tanks Full: It is essential to keep your fresh water tank as full as possible during the winter months. This serves two purposes. Firstly, by disconnecting your water hose from the water spigot when temperatures drop to freezing, you will need a sufficient water supply to continue using your sinks, showers, and toilets. Secondly, having more water in your tank, combined with the use of skirting (discussed later), will reduce the chances of your water freezing.
• Use a Heated Water Hose: Invest in a heated water hose to reduce the risk of a frozen water supply. These hoses are equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection to prevent electrical shocks. Heated hoses can be quite expensive, so if you're handy, consider using heat tape or a heat cable instead. Even with a heated hose, remember to disconnect it overnight when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing to prevent potential damage to your water system.
• Consider a Tank Heater Kit: If you're staying in an area with prolonged freezing temperatures, an RV tank heater kit is a worthwhile investment. It includes thick heater pads for your fresh, grey, and black water tanks, as well as an elbow heater pad for the water pipes. These pads have sensors that automatically turn them off when the temperature rises. This product is easy to install and will ensure your tanks don't crack or get damaged due to freezing.
• Protect Your Sewer Hose: Don't forget about your sewer hose! Keep it off the ground using an inexpensive sewer hose support to avoid potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. If you plan to stay stationary for the winter and don't want the hassle of disconnecting your hose regularly, consider purchasing a sewer hose made with thicker, more durable material.
• Insulate Your Pipes: Wrap the section of piping running from your water tank to your camper with insulation to protect it from the cold. Most manufacturers leave this pipe exposed, making it vulnerable to freezing. Use a double wrap of yellow fiberglass insulation and then add a second layer of rubber adhesive tape. This combination should provide your pipes with an insulation factor of "R3" to "R4".

By following these tips, you can effectively prevent your water system from freezing and ensure a comfortable winter camping experience.

Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and prevent mould and mildew

Moisture is a big problem in RVs during the winter, as it can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. The best solution to prevent excess moisture is to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air and deposit it in a holding tank that must be emptied and cleaned regularly.

There are two main types of dehumidifiers: passive and electric. Passive dehumidifiers do not require power and are a good option if you are not connected to shore power. Most passive dehumidifiers use calcium chloride crystals to absorb moisture from the air. The crystals need to be replaced regularly.

Electric dehumidifiers typically have a higher capacity than passive models, which makes them more effective at removing moisture from the air. They are a good option if you are connected to shore power or have a generator.

Another option is a hybrid dehumidifier, which combines the features of passive and electric models. With this type of dehumidifier, you recharge the silica gel beads every 20–30 days, so you don't need power to use it.

Frequently asked questions