RV travel is one of the best ways to explore your favorite places. Planning an RV trip can feel overwhelming and more exciting, especially when you are new to the RV life.
Ice and snow make RVing much more difficult, so for the winter season, when the mercury drops and the leaves start to fall, you need to prepare your RV for winter storage or travel. To do it so safely and to ensure that your RV is in top shape for a season of adventure or stowing.
RV Winterization
RV winterization is a procedure which helps to prepare for travel in below-freezing temperatures. While your RV is a home on wheels, and you can add many of the features that make your home comfortable during the winter. Try to cover your RV with RV Covers when you are not using it at home.
For winterization of your RV, give some space for things like insulation in the interior walls and piping. Adding insulation will increase the RV’s weight, and make it more difficult to tow or drive.
Install And Upgrade RV Insulation
The first step to make sure that your RV is ready for a winter journey is to check that your RV should be well insulated. You’ll need to make sure that you can maintain as much of that heat as possible.
Apply Heat Tape to Your RV’s Pipes
Install heat tape to your RV, since you will need water to drink, wash dishes, and shower with, you will be unable to add antifreeze to your RV’s water system. Heat tape keeps pipes warm and prevents freezing during a winter RV trip.
Check Your RV Batteries
The thing first to be recognized, you are planning an RV trip on during the winter, it may easily cause a dead battery. Make sure to deeply inspect your RV batteries for damage, signs of corrosion, and run a full test to check their charge.
Make sure windows and doors are sealed
Check the weatherstripping on your windows and doors. Don’t forget to replace missing, old, or torn weatherstripping wherever possible, as this will help to keep drafts from getting into your RV. Window coverings installation, like reflective foil, maybe an inexpensive way to make even an old RV much warmer during the winter.
Prevent stabilizing jacks from freezing
If you park your RV at a campground or other space where your jacks will be touching the bare ground, there’s a chance that your jacks get frozen. Bring a set of wooden blocks to put it underneath your jacks when you park in open to prevent this.
Make Sure You Have Emergency Equipment
An emergency on the road can be problematic during a winter RV trip. Items like extra warm clothing, tire chains, flares, sleeping bags, and a snow shovel are just a few items that can help you during a fierce winter trip.
Insulate the floors
To insulate the floors, you can install foam board flooring, but if you need a solution that’s easier to install, heavy carpets and rugs can be used to keep cold air from creeping up into your RV.
Winter RV Packing List
In addition to the prep to an RV trip, packing an RV with the right tools and supplies is an essential part of preparing for winter travel.
Flashlights and Lanterns
If the RV has electrical issues, flashlights may be the only source of light available. Make sure you have batteries for them, too.
Snow Shovel
A snow shovel is necessary, even if you are not sure that there will be snow where you are going.
Sleeping Bags and Blankets
In the case of being stuck in the snow, you’ll need something to keep yourself warm for an extended period. Sleeping bags are a better choice as they can double as blankets and can usually be packed into a smaller space.
Warm Clothes and Gloves
Make sure to have lots of warm clothes with you; it will help you with fighting cold winds and snow when you are going to enjoy your trip. Also, get some gloves. If you need work on your RV on the road, you will want to make sure you have waterproof gloves to help protect your hands from the wet and cold.
Quality Camping Chair
Camping chairs are so important when you’re traveling by RV. Having a comfortable camp chair is an absolute must on an RV trip. Once you’re parked at a campsite you don’t want to have to sit inside your RV all day.
Other Tips When You’re On The Campsite
Winter RV trip can be a unique and thrilling experience for you and your family. With some right preparation, you can enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape and the excitement of winter scenes.
- Check the weather before you go: Weather in winter can change quickly, so check the weather forecast regularly before your RV trip.
- Check what is open: Many campgrounds will close for the winter, while some others stay open all year round. Before heading out, make sure your campground is open.
- Keep your plans flexible: Keep your camping plan manageable. If you have an idea for outdoor activities, but if it is too cold or snowy, be prepared with a backup.
- Watch for black ice while traveling: When driving to your destination, be on the lookout for black ice too. Black ice typically occurs in shaded areas and near bridges.
- Keep your gas tank full: When traveling in cold weather, keep your gas tank at least full at the time of arrival.
- Have fun: Remember that at the end of the trip, it should be full of fun. If you love winter RV camping, then some snow and cold is worth it to enjoy the beautiful trip all winter long.
Author Bio:
Amy Lara – With a passion for the metal building industry for more than ten years, Amy has become an experienced building specialist in this industry. His goal is to help people with his vast knowledge to assist them with his best suggestions about different metal buildings such as carports, garages, barns, utility buildings and commercial structures. He can also write for topics such as Home Improvement, Kitchen decor, Garden, or travel-related topics.