Full-Time RV Living In Winter
Have you been wondering about full-time RV living in winter?
Full-time RV living in winter can seem daunting, especially for those who haven’t experienced the cold temperatures of winter camping. That’s why I’m here to talk you through it – I’m an experienced full-time RVer who has lived in cold climates before, and I’m here to help you have a successful winter RVing experience.
I’ve compiled tips and tricks from my own experiences as well as those of other full-time RVers so that I can help you when it comes to making informed decisions about wintering in your RV. With a few practical considerations, you can ensure a comfortable and safe winter – no matter what Mother Nature throws at you!
Top 3 Must-Have Items for Full-Time RV Living in Winter
1. Dehumidifier for Moisture Control
2. Heated Water Hose to Avoid Freezing Water
3. Heat Tape to Avoid Freezing Pipes
What is Full-Time RV Living In Winter?
Full-time RV living in winter can be a wonderful experience, as it allows you to explore the world with the comfort and convenience of your own home. However, there are some challenges that come along with it, especially during the winter months. When temperatures drop and roads become icy, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that may arise and take steps to ensure your safety.
When out on the road in cold weather, try to stay away from remote areas that can quickly become hazardous due to changing conditions or poor visibility. If possible always have a backup plan for places you can stay in case of an emergency situation or bad weather. Also, be aware of potential causes of freezing rain or ice storms which could lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Overall, full-time RV living in winter can be both exciting and rewarding if you take the necessary steps to prepare yourself properly before setting off on your travels!
How Can I Prepare for Full-Time RV Living in winter?
An RV can make a great living space in the winter, but there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare it for the colder temperatures. First and foremost, you need to make sure your RV is properly insulated. Windows, walls, and doors should all be sealed and insulated to prevent drafts from entering your home.
Additionally, be sure to check that the roof of your RV is secure and that no potential leaks could occur once rain or snow starts falling. Once these steps have been taken care of, you’ll also want to properly winterize your plumbing systems – this includes draining the water tank and ensuring any exposed pipes are well insulated.
Finally, it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature inside your RV – especially during extreme weather conditions – as some RVs may struggle with maintaining a comfortable temperature without additional heating sources like electric heaters or propane furnaces. With these tips, you can make your RV livable during even the coldest months!
Tips For Full-Time RV Living In Winter
1. Find a Year-Round Campground
Finding a year-round campground for RV wintering is essential. This helps to keep your RV from being subjected to harsh weather elements that can cause costly damage. Year-round campgrounds have access to utilities like electricity and water throughout the year which makes it easier for you to winterize your RV.
The last thing you want to do is move your home on wheels when the roads are snow-covered and icy, so having a permanent spot in a year-round campground is highly recommended. Weighing your options for year-round campgrounds is important in order to make sure they fit your lifestyle.
Consider things like price range, location, and recreational activities available.
Step 2: Use a Heated Water Hose for Full-Time RV Living In Winter
A heated water hose is a must-have for RV owners living in cold climates. It prevents the water from freezing in your RV’s lines and tanks and helps keep your pipes and fixtures free of ice.
This can save you time and money in the long run by helping you avoid costly repairs due to frozen pipes. Be sure to check the length of your heated water hose before installation to ensure it is long enough to reach all parts of your RV, including fresh water tank, grey/blackwater tanks, showers, sinks, and more.
🤩 Grab my favorite heated water hose HERE!
Step 3: Don’t Run Out of Propane
After turning on the faucet, and realizing there wasn’t any hot water; I will be sure to ALWAYS check our propane tank. Luckily we were able to refill our propane quickly but since it’s on board, we had to move the whole house to do it
No propane = no hot water and no heat, so don’t make the mistake
of running out! We recommend bringing a few spare tanks whenever you travel.
You can find propane at most gas stations and convenience stores.
Step 4: Keep Your Water Tanks Insulated and Heated
Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage, so be sure to insulate and/or heat both your fresh and greywater tanks before heading out into freezing temperatures. Electric heat tape works well for this purpose and is relatively inexpensive compared to other solutions.
Additionally, make sure all your pipes are properly sealed to ensure that no water leaks occur while you’re on the road. Finally, always drain your fresh water tank before setting off into especially cold weather so that it doesn’t form any ice inside, which can cause major damage. By following these simple steps, you can prevent frozen pipes and the resulting water damage!
Step 5: Seal Off Hose Entry(ies) and Keep Your Sewer Hose Off the Ground and Flowing Downward
Sealing off sewer host entries is a critical step in winterizing your RV for the cold weather. It’s important to make sure that you close off any exterior pipe openings, as these can become blocked by snow or ice and cause damage to your RV plumbing.
You should also look for any places where your sewer hose might be exposed to the ground. This can be especially problematic in cold winter climates, as water and dampness can freeze and cause damage to the hose. To avoid this, make sure that your sewer hose is elevated off the ground by using a protective cover or hull.
Additionally, look for any bends or kinks in the hose that could reduce its effectiveness, and check all connections to ensure they are securely fastened. You will also want to make sure your sewer hose is flowing downward at a slight angle so that gravity can help to keep the flow of waste moving in the correct direction.
Step 6: Insulate Your RV for Full-Time RV Living In Winter
Insulating RV windows and skylights is an important part of preparing for winter. By adding insulation, the air inside your RV will stay warm in the cold months. Insulation can also help protect against drafts and reduce noise pollution.
Additionally, you may want to consider adding skirting around the bottom of your RV to keep cold air out. Skirting is typically made from plastic or fabric material that is easy to install and helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your RV.
With some insulation and skirting, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to enjoy your winters in the comfort of your own home on wheels.
🤩 Get my favorite no-drill RV skirting HERE!
Step 7: Keep the Water Flowing
One of the common issues people face when RVing in the wintertime is keeping their water running. Because the temperatures dip so low during the season, your RV pipes could freeze if you don’t take certain precautions. It’s important to regularly heat up the water in your tank, and also keep using it.
This will ensure that things like your faucet, showerhead, and toilet are all working properly during your trip. The best way to do this is through a combination of heating pads or electric tape around any exposed pipes, and by ensuring that you’re consistently running warm or hot water through them.
Step 7: Moisture Control for Full-Time RV Living In Winter
Excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and other environmental hazards such as frozen pipes or ice dams that can damage your home on wheels. To prevent this from happening, you should invest in a dehumidifier to keep the air
inside the RV dry.
Additionally, you should use fans to circulate the air and reduce moisture buildup. Finally, be sure to inspect any leaks or vents for proper sealing to prevent excessive moisture from entering your RV. With these tips, your living environment will remain comfortable and safe throughout your camping trip.
🤩 Get the best dehumidifier for your RV HERE!
Step 8: Cover AC Units
Ensuring that your AC units are adequately covered helps prevent moisture from entering the unit, and allows it to hold up better over the winter months. Taking a few steps to cover and protect your units can help ensure that they’re ready to use when you go back on the road in the spring.
Covering with a waterproof tarp or plastic sheeting is one of the most effective ways of doing so. Make sure to secure it tightly so that it won’t blow away or get damaged by wind or rain during winter storms. Additionally, make sure to clear away any debris from around your AC unit before covering them up.
Step 9: Alternatives To Using Your RV Propane Furnace
Finding a way to stay warm in your RV during the cold winter months can be a challenge. Electric space heaters are an ideal and cost-effective solution for heating up small areas with added safety features, while electric blankets provide warmth and comfort, especially in enclosed spaces like RVs.
When using electric blankets, be sure to unplug them when not in use and never leave them unattended. Additionally, make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts from entering the living space. Finally, some of the best insulation you can get comes from using a blanket or comforter on the bed and keeping it tucked in over all four sides.
When selecting an electric blanket, look for one with an automatic shut-off feature. This will help to protect you from potential fire hazards by automatically turning off the blanket if it is left on for too long.
🤩 Get the most loved heated blanket for RVers HERE!
Step 10: Snow and Ice Removal
One of the issues RVers face is snow and ice removal around the rig. Investing in a good quality snow brush and scraper can make things easier, but you may still need additional help from time to time.
If you’re staying at an RV park with staff or other campers, they can be invaluable resources for helping clear away accumulated snow and ice. Additionally, there are other helpful gadgets like heated mats that can be placed under your rig’s tires to break up thick ice packs or even chains for extra traction if your vehicle doesn’t already have them.
Snow and ice removal can be somewhat troublesome as an RVer, but with the right tools and some help, it doesn’t have to be a stressful process!
FAQs: Full-Time RV Living in Winter
What is it like living in an RV in the winter?
Living in an RV in the winter is a unique experience that comes with its own set of challenges. For one, RV living requires you to be extremely organized and prepared for any kind of weather condition. You must winterize your RV to prepare it for cold temperatures and have plenty of heating sources handy if needed.
Winter for full-time RVers often comes with a unique set of challenges. Staying warm can be difficult, as many RVs aren’t built to handle the coldest temperatures. Additionally, finding places to park your RV that allow extended stays during the winter months can be difficult.
What do full-time RVers do in the winter?
One popular option is to look for warmer regions such as Arizona or Florida where it is possible to camp year-round in a mild climate. Full-time RVers who don’t want to worry about the cold also have options like heading south of the border and even renting out an apartment for several months during the winter season so they still have access to all the comforts of home without having to drive their rigs around in snow and ice.
No matter what strategy you choose, staying safe and warm during the winter months as a full-time RVer requires careful planning and research into available resources in each area. With some research and creativity, however, it’s possible for you to live comfortably while continuing your travels throughout even the coldest winters!
How can I make my RV livable in the winter?
If you plan ahead and take the right precautions, it’s totally possible to make your RV livable in the winter. Make sure you have a good-quality anti-freeze to protect your pipes. Also, install a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump for extra warmth.
Invest in insulation for your walls and windows to prevent heat from escaping. Consider investing in an RV snow roof cover, too, to help keep the snow and ice off. Finally, purchase some items like heated mattress pads and electric blankets so that you can stay warm even when temperatures dip below freezing.
Is it possible to live in an RV year-round?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to live in an RV year-round! Living in an RV year-round allows you to experience greater freedom than traditional housing. You can choose where you want to be and when you want to move around, so you’re never stuck in one place for too long.
Is full-time RVing expensive?
RVing can be as expensive or inexpensive as you make it. The upfront costs of buying an RV, and outfitting it with all the necessities and insurance can add up quickly, but there are ways to reduce those costs. You can choose to buy a used RV or rent one instead of buying new, which can save thousands of dollars.
Additionally, there are many free campsites around the country that you can take advantage of. Finally, living in an RV is much less expensive than paying rent in a traditional home and many full-time RVers live comfortably on a smaller budget than they would in a stationary home. Ultimately, the cost of full-time RVing depends on your lifestyle choices and needs while living on the road.
What is the downside of living in an RV full-time?
Living in an RV full-time has many advantages, like the freedom to travel and explore different places, but there are some downsides as well. Living in a small space for an extended period of time can sometimes become challenging.
You may find yourself craving more space or even missing out on certain experiences that you could have had if you lived in a traditional home. Finally, living on the road full-time also comes with it’s own challenges,
like the expense of maintaining your RV.
Which RV is best for full-time living in winter?
It really depends on your lifestyle, how much space you need, and what type of RV will provide the comforts that you’re looking for. If you’re more nomadic, a smaller travel trailer may be ideal. If you prefer an RV with all the bells and whistles, a larger fifth-wheel or motor home could work well for your needs.
Additionally, if you know that your full-time living will include lots of travel between locations then something fuel-efficient is probably best. Ultimately it comes down to prioritizing your needs and finding an RV that meets them without breaking the bank. Researching different floor plans online is a great way to get started!
Top 3 Must-Have Items for Full-Time RV Living in Winter
1. Dehumidifier for Moisture Control
2. Heated Water Hose to Avoid Freezing Water
3. Heat Tape to Avoid Freezing Pipes
Final Thoughts: Can you enjoy full-time RV Living in Winter?
RVers who brave the winter weather to follow their dreams of full-time RV living are an inspiring group. Whether it’s snow or sunshine, they make it work and make it look easy. So why not give it a try yourself?
But before you take off in your camper, make sure you have all the information you need about where to go, what states allow RVers to stay for long periods of time, and how much money you’ll need for fuel and supplies. To help with this research, check out our next post: “Is it Safe to Live in an RV?“.
Don’t let the cold weather stand between you and your dreams! Gather up your courage and embrace the nomadic lifestyle of RVing!
