15 Cold Winter Camping Tips for You and Your RV
With different seasons come different moods that appeal to many in diverse ways. For some summer is the ideal getaway season while a large portion considers spring to be holding all the charm of outdoor recreation. Then there are some for whom winters hold this appeal and the north winds compel them to take out their gear and taste the adventures the gloomy winter has to offer.
At this time of the year when most just want to sit in front of their fireplaces and watch Netflix, some are getting appealed by the charms of winter.
Though there are many ways to go on your vacation depending on what you consider to be your comfort zone, taking a spin in an RV appeal to the multitudes like none other. Covid-19 reinvigorated the interest in recreational vehicles though they are around for quite some time.
As the pandemic has retreated, the appeal of wanderlust in your RV hasn’t. Various indicators are showing considerable spikes in RV sales around the developed world. Although social distancing rules can be attributed to the renewed interest of adventure seekers in RVs, it seems the amenities offered by this mobile home have captured the audience’s attention for good.
There is no doubt that traveling with an RV is a whole new fish to fry than the common way of packing your bag, hitching a ride, staying in a hotel, watching scenes, and then returning home in the same way. RVs don’t come in cheap and you have to learn a lot to operate them adroitly. For some, it will be bad news, but for true wanderlusters this offers a whole new experience to learn and enjoy not just the end but the means too.
After all, what is life if not learning?
While not everyone can afford to buy a new RV just for pleasure, others are seeking rentals and a recent report indicated the average rental period has increased considerably. Moreover, some even try to save some up and go for a used RV. Various platforms have sprung up to support the process.
The recent slowdown in gas prices has further emboldened thrill seekers to take on this adventure this summer.
To start your journey of a lifetime, you first have to look into rental centers if you don’t own an RV of your own. Booking sites can easily be found now. Compare the rates offered by various services, look up the models offered with their specs and requirements, and go for the best one within your budget.
Usually, an RV with a bathroom is recommended to facilitate you in many ways. We recommend that you don’t forget about additional costs like gas and food and some unexpected expenses you may incur out on the road while preparing your budget. If you are a first-timer, taking a quick operating session will be beneficial.
After filling out some formalities, you are all set to go. Newcomers are also advised to not go to the extremes in the beginning and try national parks which have still so much to offer in contrast to what some claim.
If you are using a camper, we advise you to use fifth-wheel hitches to join it with your truck. The stability and reliance it offers while towing out on the road even under tense situations is quite remarkable. For winter conditions when the roads become less welcoming and chances of sliding off increase sharply, using a fifth-wheel hitch will lessen the strain by providing much-needed stability.
Winter Camping Tips
Using a camper/RV in the summer is very different than using one in winter. There are many things that need to be taken care of while going through extreme weather conditions. Just like yourself, your RV to needs additional layers to keep itself functional in chilly weather.
- First of all, we recommend using antifreeze in your non-drinkable water tanks. Commonly, people find themselves stranded with no water as the one they had stored is frozen. Using antifreeze throughout the journey for everything can be quite expensive so we recommend using it in the toilet at least to protect your sewage system. Garden at Home RV/Waterline Antifreeze RVs,...
- Water conservation is crucial if you don’t want to get caught in compromising situations. To enjoy the adventure you will have to sacrifice your baths at least while on the road. You can keep yourself clean with sponge baths. Use your stove to heat water and squeeze the sponge into the toilet.
- Take due consideration of your coach batteries. Before starting, take an estimate of the battery size and other necessary info. You must know how much it can run without recharging.
- Moreover, for freezing temperatures, we recommend you vent the battery box so they stay safe from extreme cold. We recommend keeping a battery charger in reserve, just in case. NOCO GENIUS10, 10A Smart Car Battery Charger,...
- Before setting out, do a thorough checkup of any air leaks in your camper. Places around plumbing are major transporter of outside air. You can use nanofoam caulking to seal the leaks. Great Stuff 99108824 Smart Dispenser Gaps &...
- Foam insulation can also be applied around the stove vent, fan, and heater vent. Do make sure there
is enough ventilation to avoid moisture buildup.
- Make arrangements for the possible burying in of your vents if you get snowed in. They should be airtight when closed. The over-vent cover is necessary in case they do get buried in snow.
- You must insulate your pipes beforehand if you plan on staying more than a couple of days. Heat tape and foam pipe insulation can be used to protect your pipes. To protect pipes under the RV, you can pack snow against the bottom of the RV, creating an igloo effect. Don’t forget your sewage and freshwater hoses. INSULATION MARKETPLACE SmartSHIELD -3mm...
- Windows need to be insulated to ease the pressure on the heating system. Use plastic film if you don’t have insulated RV window coverings. Duck Brand Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film...
- Your truck with which you are towing your camper needs to be taken care of too. Although it won’t need window insulation and such you do need to change all your vehicle fluids to antifreeze ones.
- If you are planning on staying for a few days and are getting snow regularly, clearing off snow periodically will be crucial. Clear snow off your roof, windshield, tires, and other places including exterior propane tanks before it becomes too difficult to clear off.
- For icy roads, tire chains are important. This goes for both your truck and camper. Your traction will improve and the chances of you sliding off the road will greatly minimize. SCC Peerless 0231905 Auto-Trac Light...
- This becomes above all else in mountain regions. Keep them stored until you experience difficulty. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Choose your camping spot carefully and before settling in do some research on the territory. Hillsides should be avoided as avalanches are quite frequent under extreme weather conditions.
- Moreover, try to stay in as much sunlight as possible. It will be favorable for your vehicles by keeping them safe from ice accumulation. It’s a must if you have portable or fixed solar panels.
Emergency Equipment
Preparing your RV for winter conditions is just one aspect of the story. You need loads of other emergency equipment to ensure that you can survive even if you face an existential crisis out on the road. Always remember that nature though beautiful can be cruel when you come unprepared under its claws.
- First aid kit 330 Piece First Aid Kit, Premium Waterproof...
- Snow shovels SEG Direct 47" Snow Shovel Collapsible, Large...
- Flashlights Rechargeable LED Spotlight Handheld Super...
- Extra batteries Energizer AA Batteries and AAA Batteries, 24...
- Fire starters (magnesium alloy is preferred) eGreen Emergency Fire Starter Magnesium 6...
- Radio Emergency-Radio,Puiuisoul 4000mAh Weather...
- Thermal blanket Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets +...
- Thermal tents CLAM X400 8 x 8 Foot Portable Pop-Up Outdoor...
This list is just a few of the standard emergency items needed. In addition, you should keep extra drinking water that can be melted even if it freezes and keep it in a flexible water container that won’t break even upon freezing. For your vehicles in addition to the regular tires and stuff, portable jump starters and battery chargers are most important for obvious reasons.
When it comes to food, be extra careful. Avoid taking those meals which require lengthy preparations. Keep additional, portable propane tanks.
Food must always be in surplus and packed carefully. Take things with considerably longer shelf life. Nutrient-rich snacks like protein bars and nuts are highly recommended.
And don’t just store everything on your camper, keep some on your truck too for unforeseen conditions. Always make sure that your plans are adaptable to the changing ground realities. Mishaps can happen to you and your vehicles so always have contingency plans.
The lure of the unexpected is the only thing that keeps the adventurers on their toes but never lose your rationality and jump into recklessness.
Isolation must not be pushed to the limits and always ensure that you have access to civilization for you never know when things get out of hand. In such conditions, rescue efforts are not easily available so enjoy natural life but are safe.
