TOP 10 DO'S AND DONT'S OF RVING IN WINTER 

RV or Recreational Vehicle camping is camping in which people who own recreational vehicles can remain overnight or longer in designated places known as "sites" or "campsites" in a recreational vehicle park. Here are 10 things to be aware of before RVing in the snow and ice this winter.

TIPS TO RV CAMPING IN THE WINTER

10 DO’s AND DON’Ts 

One of the best and simplest ways to keep a camper warm in the winter is to install insulation. Many vehicle parts are shielded from harm by RV insulation, which also contributes to a comfortable living environment. You might not even need a separate heater if your home is insulated. Even when you spend the winter in an RV, good insulation may prevent you from needing to use a sleeping bag or a thick jacket inside. Some options for insulating your RV include:

• Installation of RV Skirting: Water tanks in an RV that is being buffeted by the wind may freeze over and lose heat. Installing RV skirting around the RV's base will prevent chilly winds from chilling the interior and harming its internal parts. To improve the insulation of the base of your RV, foam boards can be used in addition to or instead of skirting.

• Sealing The Windows and Doors: Check the caulking and seals around the windows of your RV, and repair any that are weak or missing. To stop cold air or moisture from leaking in around external doors, replace the weather stripping.
• Installation of Window Covering and Usage of Heavy Drapes: There are inexpensive and efficient ways to insulate the windows of your RV further using window film and reflective foil. Insulation with a foil liner that reflects heat back into the camper can be cut to fit the windows of your RV. 

Thick fabric drapes keep warm air inside during chilly evenings by preventing cold drafts around windows. Insulated curtains can also be utilized to divide the living area from the cockpit, reducing the amount of space that needs to be heated.

• Insulate the floors: The RV floor can be insulated using foam board flooring. If you'd rather not buy foam board flooring, thick rugs or carpets can also assist keep out any chilly air that might rise.

Make sure you have a set of snow chains if your RV doesn't have snow tires and you intend to travel through icy conditions. Some roads require drivers to use snow chains when driving in bad weather. But you might not even be able to travel on those roads depending on where your RV was rented.

Freeze-ups are a frequent problem when RVing in the winter and can cause plumbing damage. The pipes of your RV need protection from freezing as well. If the pipes and hoses are not adequately insulated, expanding ice can cause them to shatter or break. 

Tips for keeping your RV pipes from freezing:

• Fill the internal freshwater tank to serve as your primary source of water instead of attaching your RV to external water sources. You may now detach and securely store your freshwater hose as a result.
• Keep a faucet slowly running all night long so that water continuously flows through the pipes, as moving water requires a lower temperature to freeze over.
• A small amount of antifreeze can be added in holding tanks to prevent the valves from freezing.
• You can also use a tiny space heater to help prevent freezing if the water lines or water pump on your RV are not covered by a heat source. Keep space heaters a safe distance away from RV parts and vents to practice safety procedures.

RV engines and engine components require additional protection to resist extremely cold winter temperatures. Check your RV batteries for corrosion or damage before leaving for a winter camping trip. Ensure that your batteries are securely attached and adequately charged. In cold weather, partially charged batteries are considerably more likely to freeze or die.

Check the antifreeze in your engine and replenish it with the right mix of antifreeze and water. Using at least 50 per cent antifreeze is necessary for RV camping in freezing conditions, even if water may be useful in cooling an engine in warmer months. Campers making use of an engine block heater while camping in extremely cold climates might add an extra layer of security. Engine block warmers are designed to warm up your engine before you start it; if the weather is below freezing; they should run for roughly four to five hours prior to starting the engine.

You can keep your air vents open in any weather with RV vent covers without worrying about snow or rain getting into the trailer. If you use a portable heater inside your camper, opening the air vents lowers the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, opening the vents allows moisture to escape, keeping your RV dry.

When RVing in the winter, always ensure you pack along the right gear for your camping trip. The gears include:

• Warm sleeping bags
• Snow boots
• Goggles
• Waterproof gloves
• Lantern
• Headlamp
• Shovel
• Extra Propane Tanks
• Extra Drinking Water

Your stabilizing jacks could become entangled with the chilly ground when parking your camper in snowy or icy weather. To keep the jacks from sticking, place wooden blocks underneath.

It's crucial that your RV's carbon monoxide and fire alarms are functioning properly before using space heaters. Before going on your winter trip, check these safety equipment and swap out the batteries.

Also, as far as portable power stations go, the most secure portable power station for off-grid living is the Acevolt Campower 700 Portable Power Station. Its compact size, muffled noise, and lack of carbon emissions make it far more favored than conventional generators. Enjoy instantaneous power at your disposal; if you like, it includes a solar panel.

The same common sense that is needed to drive an RV on any other day must also be used when driving one in the winter: slow down and stay off the road after dark. 

It's crucial to apply your brakes gently and give the car in front of you plenty of space when driving an RV. Put your headlights on low beams when driving in snowy weather. It will be more difficult for you to see through the snow and maintain focus on the road if your headlights are too bright.

Whenever possible, cook outside and leave the roof vents open as much as the inside temperature will allow to control condensation. Over time, condensation in an RV can result in the growth of mold and mildew, which is a much more serious issue than merely a temperature control concern.

DON’Ts of RVing in winter

• DON’T open the entry door more than is absolutely necessary.
• DON’T look for a campsite that is shaded as much as possible. Allow the sun's heat to warm your RV during the day so that your heater can take a little break.
• DON’T store any water hoses submerged in water. It's likely to be frozen if you need to utilize it. If necessary, you can bring it inside to defrost or use a hair dryer.
• DON’T shut cabinets or drawers that contain water lines. Keep them open to let heat flow around the piping.
• DON’T forget your electric blanket.

A wonderful experience and a welcome way to travel in nature without taking a plane or ending up in a crowded hotel lobby can be had while RVing in the winter. You won't even have to go into a restaurant if you bring your own food to cook on the stovetop and marshmallows to burn over the fire.