Winter RVing can be just as enjoyable as any other time of year with a little advanced planning. Here are three winter RVing travel tips to consider while planning your next winter RV travel adventure.
Three winter RVing travel tips to consider
Weather conditions
Weather conditions will vary by region and time of year, so be sure to check several different weather sources for your planned destination. This will give you an idea of the forecast so you can plan accordingly with cold-weather gear and accessories, like hats, gloves, scarfs, boots, thick socks, hand warmers, shovels, sand and/or salt. If you are headed to a region susceptible to snow, consider your RV tires and whether or not snow tires or chains will be needed. It is always a good idea to keep a weather radio handy in case of adverse weather alerts. Be sure to know your route and a few alternatives should you have to avoid any road closures due to winter storms.
Winterizing your RV
Should you be heading to destinations where the temperature may dip below freezing, you will want to winterize your RV. This includes removing any residual water from water lines, emptying the water heater and any water reservoirs. Shutting off the plumping entirely to further avoid burst pipes is also a good idea. Finally, you will also want to insulate your RV properly for added warmth and comfort, especially ahead of any winter travel and winter storage. RVbyLIFE’s caulks and sealants are perfect for sealing off windows, latches, and door frames. Just be sure to do so in advance of your travels, minding the specific products cure times. In addition to sealing off any closures, there are several easy DIY hacks for insulating an RV. A recent NerdWallet article recommends using foam boards to insulate slide outs, rugs to cover interior flooring, heat tape around pipes, an RV skirt to prevent drafts, and vent insulator pillows that keep cold air out while locking warm air in.
Preventative maintenance
As you would before any car travel, be sure to check all fluid levels, including oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid, your RV battery, lights, tire treads and air pressure, and wiper blades. If you use propane, check your propane tank level and top off if needed. You may want to consider using a propane tank blanket to keep it insulated. Inspect all windows, door frames, and seams throughout your camper for any leaks or soft spots (indicating that there was water damage behind the seams) and reseal or patch using a high-quality sealant like RVbyLIFE’s Life Calk® or Life Seal®. Check out our RV Window Leak Repair Guide for a quick how-to tutorial. Be sure to also inspect the roof of your RV for any leaks and repair as needed. Lastly, do a thorough walk-around of your vehicle, inspecting the body, all of the hardware, and any accessories to ensure that your entire vehicle is in tip-top condition before you hit the road.
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