RV winter camping can be intimidating. You might be afraid of freezing to death when camping in winter. But, it doesn’t have to be like that. With the right preparation and caution, RV winter camping can be as confortable and as fun as camping in warm weather. Here are some tips on how to go on an RV winter camping trip without a care in the wold! So, how about going on a journey of discovery during the coldest season? Rent your RV now and go on an adventure exploring mesmerizing nature and breath-taking winter landscapes!
How to prepare for RV winter camping
1. Exterior / Interior Protection
The first thing to consider when RV winter camping, is exterior and interior protection. The first step would be investing in a custom-made cover specifically meant for RV winter camping. Concretely, look for a cover with straps for a tight hold on the camper, and zipped openings for smooth entering when on campsites. The easy way out would be to get a plastic tarp to put over your camper’s exterior. However, when RV winter camping, it’s more likely to blow away with the wind and cause damage to exterior surfaces.
If you plan to RV winter camping, roads sprayed with salt can save your day, basically your knight in shining armor against black ice! However, de-icing salt damages the underbody, and the parts open to water spray. Wash the underbody and all the exterior surfaces with water after each drive on these roads.
Also, keep in mind that, when RV winter camping, condensation is very common on your windows. To ensure good interior air quality and avoid vehicle damage, sufficient ventilation is essential.
When heating the vehicle, the heater should be at the highest setting, and roof storage cabinets, curtains, and blinds should be opened. This ensures optimal ventilation. In the morning, lift up all cushions, air out storage boxes, and dry any damp areas to prevent any mold or mildew from forming.
2. Prepare your tires before going RV winter camping
It can be easy to forget one of the most important parts of your camper, the tires. They keep your camper going. Therefore, and to preserve them as much as possible, especially when RV winter camping, make sure the air pressure on the tires is in accordance with the specifications on the sidewalls.
When you go RV winter camping, having snow chains ready to put on your tires is a good option. To learn more about RV snow chains, check out this article, on what RV tie chains are, when to use them and how to attach them properly.
3. Maintain camper fluids
Similar to your wheels, you want to maintain your campers fuel when RV winter camping – the bread, and butter for the engine! Add a fuel stabilizer to your tank, which prevents the excess fuel to turn bad over time. Do this according to the package instructions, and then fill the rest of the tank with gas. Afterward, start your engine and generator so that the stabilizer can make its way through your fuel system.
Consider changing the oil and oil filter in the engine and generator before storage. Used oil accumulates acid over time, which can cause corrosion, and therefore deterioration of pipes and fittings.
4. RV winter camping on a campsite
After an eventful ride with a lot of snowflakes, you want to set up at a campsite. For a smooth RV winter camping experience, we prepared a list with a few things to keep in mind.
| Tip | Purpose |
| Park your RV on a flat and even surface, and release the hand brake | This protects the motorhome from rolling away and the handbrake freezing. |
| Have an easy way out for water vapor from cooking, clothes, and breathing | Avoids condensation on windows that cause vision impairment. |
| Cooking a meal that warms you up internally in the jittering cold is great! When RV winter camping, use propane for cooking and not butane. Keep them in a high quantity in the gas locker room. | Butane has a higher freezing point and won’t gasify, unlike propane. |
| Finish your canned and bottled drinks | Avoids trouble because otherwise, they would freeze in the unheated vehicle |
| Keep metal taps open in an unheated vehicle. Remember to open the mixer lever in both the “cold water” and then in the “hot water” position and leave it in one of these positions | Keeps the appliances intact |
| Never run power cables on the ground | Protect them, they might freeze to the soil and could be damaged by snow-clearing vehicles |
| Remove snow and ice in the morning on your exterior and awning and have the flue on the sidewall kept free | Prevent damages to the awning and exterior |
5. Enjoy the ride!
You’re ready to go! RV winter camping can be so easy, and now you know how. What are you still waiting for? Go RV winter camping in a campervan and experience the freedom to explore the beautiful winter world out there. Discover your real-life Narnia, with a well-protected camper, at your own pace and convenience.
We can’t wait to see the amazing adventures you will embark on your RV winter camping adventure! If you still want more general tips on campervan rentals, be sure to check out this guide too. Alternatively, if you own an RV, you can always rent it out during the winter season.
About the Autor
Max Bramlage
What Max enjoys the most is meeting new people during travels across the globe and doing inspirational and creative things like blog writing and designing as well as doing fun things.
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