Winter camping tips

Camp site choice.
A sunny campsite allows the sun to naturally heat your RV and help melt any snow on the roof of your trailer. A spot with some protection from wind also helps to keep your RV warm

Stopping heat loss

Install window covering. Foil-lined reflective insulation (Reflectix) can be cut to fit your RV windows and has the added bonus of reflecting heat back into the camper.

Use heavy drapes. Thick fabric drapes or Insulated curtains to block cold drafts around windows and keep warm air in during chilly evenings.

Use heavy throw rugs on the floor

Install RV skirting. Wind blowing underneath your RV can cause water tanks to freeze and suck heat out. Installing RV skirting around the base of the RV can block cold winds from damaging components and chilling the interior. Foam boards can also be used with or instead of skirting to better insulate the base of your RV.

Cover your AC unit. Using an insulated AC cover can protect your AC unit while it is not in use and prevent cold drafts.

Install external vent covers. RV vent covers allow you to keep your air vents open in any weather without snow or rain getting into the trailer. Having the air vents open reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you run a portable heater inside your camper, and the open vents can release humidity to keep your RV dry, too.

Cover your outsides doors. You can install snaps/Velcro around the doors and hang a blanket or curtain to add an extra layer of insulation.

Skylights and ceiling vents. Cover your skylights and vents with foam and a relectix cover. Leave one open during the day if you are using a propane space heater.

Extra heating

Get extra propane tanks at least 30 gal size, in case you run out. If using a portable heater, bring extra fuel so you will not be caught in the cold.

Additional heat sources when heating your RV in winter you may also choose to use  Space heaters and catalytic heaters, and blue flame heaters can make a huge difference for staying warm in a camper in winter.

Electric bed topper and electric blankets , just don't turn your heater down to much if you use them.

Plumbing protection

Warm your internal plumbing. Open your bathroom and kitchen cabinets, so your trailer’s heating can keep your internal plumbing warm. Allowing a small drip from faucets can also help combat freezing by keeping water moving.

Use a space heater in your basement or under the camper if your RV water lines or water pump are not protected by a heat source, you can also use a small space heater to help prevent freezing. Practice safety precautions by keeping space heaters the appropriate distance away from RV components and vents.

Add antifreeze. Adding a small amount of antifreeze in holding tanks can protect the valves from freezing.

Dump tanks wisely. Only dump tanks when they are full to reduce the risk of freezing. Keep waste valves closed when not in use.

Cover your pipes. Pipes sitting on the floor should be insulated
External drain pipes can be covered with insulation and then tapped up.

Exterior concerns

Prevent jacks from freezing. When parking your camper in snowy or icy conditions, your stabilizing jacks may get stuck to the cold ground. Place wooden blocks underneath the jacks to prevent them from sticking.

Take care with plastic components. In extremely cold temperatures, plastic parts of your RV, such as levers and trim, may become brittle. Handle plastic components with care to prevent breakage.

Slide Topper to keep the snow off so it wont freeze up

Extra things to bring with you

Shovel: You may need to dig your camper out of the snow. If you do not have skirting, a shovel is also useful for shoveling snow away from RV pipes to prevent freezing.

Tire chains: If you get caught driving in the snow, tire chains can greatly improve traction on mountain roads.

Extra drinking water and food: Bring a few gallons of extra drinking water in case of an emergency. Be sure to store your water in a warm location. Bring a few days worth of extra food in case a snowstorm delays your trip.

Blow dryer: If pipes or hoses freeze, a blow dryer can be great for defrosting RV components.