A whole community of folks hop in their RVs or on planes to head south each winter: snowbirds. If you’re one of the RVers who (for some reason) isn’t on the search for the sun, you might be curious about how to keep yourself from freezing in the winter. We all know Canada can get pretty cold, so here are a few tips to help keep you warm and cozy in your RV this winter.
Use a Portable Heater
Portable heaters are an incredible option for helping your RV stay toasty in the winter. They’re affordable and effective, especially when heating a smaller space. On top of that, the newer ones can be really energy efficient. There are electric and propane options, so you should weigh your options carefully and choose the one that best suits the size of your unit and the amount of heat you’re looking to produce.
Leverage Solar Power or Bring a Generator
Just as in your home, RVs use a lot more power to stay warm in the wintertime. Instead of breaking the bank or draining the power you have available. Solar power is an excellent option. For example, if you went with a portable electric heater, you could power it via solar power. On the other hand, you can opt to bring along a generator, so you know you have a backup power supply if you don’t have access to solar power or don’t think it will be too sunny.
Install an RV Woodstove
Another fantastic option to keep you warm is an RV woodstove. These stoves generate a ton of heat, but they’re also adorable and will give your RV the cutest, coziest cabin vibes in the winter. It’s a lovely, dry heat that won’t cause condensation in your RV. While the installation isn’t as easy as plugging in a space heater, it’s worth it.
Get an RV Skirt
RV skirts are a must-have for winter camping, especially in the colder months. It’s just a material placed around the bottom of an RV, similar to a bedskirt. The RV skirt is a barrier against extreme weather, ensuring it doesn’t come up through the bottom of the unit and into the interior. It can also help ensure the pipes under the camper don’t freeze. Finally, it can trap warm air inside the trailer to prevent leaking heat.
Find Hookups as Much as Possible
If you can, it’s always a good idea to seek out campgrounds with hookups such as water and electricity. While you may have some in your rig, you’ll have far less to worry about if you plug in for the night and keep that heat running. Most campgrounds only offer a specific voltage on various sites, so check that out and ensure your site will do the trick.
Layer Up
Layers are the key to happiness in the winter, no matter the circumstances. Be sure to pack more than enough socks, various types of footwear, base layers, hats and mitts, and a whole bunch of blankets, warm sleeping bags, and such. If you can, down is always a good idea, which goes for jackets, blankets, sleeping bags, and anything you can find with down.
Amp Up Your Interior Insulation
The key to keeping your RV warm in the winter is interior insulation. Things like covering the windows or adding foam boards or weather strips to areas where cold is getting in, or heat is getting out can be a game-changer. While it may sound like a lot of work, it doesn’t need to be. If you set it up once, you must take it on and off in the future.
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