Can you live in an RV trailer in the winter.
Many people dream of living in an RV trailer and traveling around the country visiting new locations. The idea is still very appealing to many people, but what about winter?
Can you live in an RV trailer during the cold months? What are some things that you should consider before taking on this lifestyle change?
In this article we will discuss these questions and more so that you can make a decision if living in an RV trailer for the winter is right for you.
How Do You Live in an RV Trailer in the Winter?
Winter is a tough time to live in an RV trailer. It takes some know-how and preparation to stay warm and comfortable.
1. Insolation
The first thing you need to do is wrap the bottom of your trailer with insulation. Insulation can be a foam board, Styrofoam, or have pipe insulation from the hardware store wrapped around the underside of the trailer.
You should also plug up cracks in the walls and use caulking around windows so air doesn’t escape. Consider using solar power for heat by installing panels on top of your RV trailer.
This will keep your battery stored solar power from going to waste, and it will keep you warm during the winter.
2. Install a Heater
The second step is installing a heater that runs off of propane. Propane is cheaper than electricity, so if you have this choice, I always recommend heating with propane over electricity.
You can use space heaters which are small and portable. They also last longer than electric heaters do.
3. Wool Carpets
Some other tips for keeping warm in your trailer include, using wool rugs instead of plush carpeting or wood flooring because they can get soaked by water leaks
4. Extra Clothes
Put on an extra layer of clothes at night to trap body heat better, turn on the shower when taking a hot bath to conserve hot water, and keep your propane tank full to avoid freezing.
Also, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your trailer just to be safe.
My favorite thing about living in an RV trailer is that I can take it anywhere and not feel tied down to one place.
So when winter comes around like this year’s brutal polar vortex, I move south for the winter months (or to somewhere warm). But if you are determined to stay in one spot during the cold season, then follow these tips and you will be staying nice and cozy all winter long!
How to Keep your RV Trailer Warm in the Winter?
A good way to keep your RV trailer warm in the winter is to use a propane heater. There are many different types of heaters that you can choose from but the propane heater is perfect because it’s economical, safe and easy to install.
There are also vents that allow for fresh air circulation with built-in dampers so that you don’t end up cooking inside the trailer when the weather is cold outside.
There are a few things you need to do before using a propane heater, like making sure there’s enough ventilation in the RV unit.
You’ll also want to take off any combustible materials like clothing or bedding if they’re near the front of the home on top of everything else. The other thing you need to do is make sure that the heater is in good working order before using it for the first time.
I would also suggest turning the propane off during the day so that you’re not wasting it.
Keeping warm is important in order to stay healthy and safe, especially if you live in an area where there’s a lot of cold weather.
There are many different ways that you can keep yourself warm including using a heater inside your home instead of turning up the thermostat. Propane heaters are easy to find at hardware or other stores near you and they’re very cheap to run so they don’t add anything to your electric bill.
You’ll enjoy keeping cozy all winter long after investing in a good propane heater for use inside your RV trailer.
READ: 5 Best RV Trailer Space Heaters You Need To Try!
What you Need To live in RV Trailer in Winter Checklist
Now that we’ve covered the basics of keeping your RV warm, let’s talk about keeping YOU warm! Life in a RV Trailer in winter can be experienced at its best, so you want to make sure you have some winter accessories on your packing list.
In addition to all the things you normally pack for an RV trip, consider adding the following items to your kit:
- Heavy winter clothing
- Boots and heavy-duty winter shoes
- Heat tape, thermal curtains, and other items necessary for insulating your RV for winter living
- A freeze-proof heated water hose
- RV Skirt
- Ice scraper
- RV antifreeze — and engine antifreeze, for your tow vehicle or the motorhome’s engine
- Mini indoor space heaters, which can help you keep the interior of your RV nice and toasty (and protect vulnerable plumbing and other systems!)
- And, of course, your favorite warm blanket, mugs for hot cocoa, and other cozy winter living items!
What’s the Best RV Trailer for Winter Camping?
For winter camping, these are the best RVs for campers who want to enjoy all-season or winter camping:
1. Motorhome – The motorhome is a very popular and versatile type of RV that has an engine connected to it. This vehicle can be cost efficient because you don’t have to use propane or electricity like in a trailer. You will most likely need to put chains on your tires when driving through snowy areas though.
2. Fifth Wheel Trailers – Some call these vehicles “toy haulers”, but they have become more popular for full time RV enthusiasts as well recently. They are very durable, safe, and roomy at the same time so you can travel with your pets and toys without any problems.
3. Class C Motorhome “SUV conversion” – For those who enjoy the feeling of being in an SUV, this motorhome is a great option for full-time RVing. They are very affordable to purchase and they can be pulled by any large SUV or truck!
4. Pop-Up Camper (Pop up tent) – For serious winter campers who don’t want to invest much money into their vehicle, these pop up camping RVs can be just fine! There are some cons though: you won’t have as much space but your home will be lighter and smaller so it’s easier to park at campsites. Also if you get stuck in the snow, you’ll need another vehicle to pull you out.
5. Toy Hauler (Large RV for toys) – This is a great option if you plan on doing some long distance traveling or if you want to use your RV as storage! It’s basically like having an extra garage that follows you around. You can park and store your toys, motorcycles, ATVs, boats… under cover in the winter months or keep them dry outside.
Tips and Tricks to live in a RV in Winter
Water can be your worst enemy
- Many RVs completely empty their freshwater tanks and run out of water during the season. Your tanks should always be kept above freezing.
- Mini space heaters are inexpensive and use very little electricity. Buy one and put it in the bay.
- Use RV antifreeze on your gray / black pipes and tanks flush it down the toilets and pour it down the drain. With that in mind, you don’t want to put RV antifreeze in your fresh water tank or water heater!
- If your RV doesn’t have tank heaters, buy some! They are a blessing if you can save energy, so if you decide to use plumbing, be sure to insulate the pipes with heat tape. You will also need to insulate all exposed connections and pipes.
- Many RVs completely empty their freshwater tanks and run out of water during the season. Your tanks should always be kept above freezing.
- Mini space heaters are inexpensive and use very little electricity. Buy one and put it in the bay.
- Use RV antifreeze on your gray / black pipes and tanks flush it down the toilets and pour it down the drain. With that in mind, you don’t want to put RV antifreeze in your fresh water tank or water heater!
- If your RV doesn’t have tank heaters, buy some! They are a blessing if you can save energy, so if you decide to use plumbing, be sure to insulate the pipes with heat tape. You will also need to insulate all exposed connections and pipes.
How to Winterize an RV Trailer for Winter Living
If you plan to stay in your RV for the winter, you probably don’t want to completely winterize it as this will make it impossible to use your RV’s water and water system in the summer. If your RV Trailer is in storage, wintering is essential if your region falls below freezing point!
There are two ways to winterize your RV plumbing system:
You can wet the entire plumbing system with an RV antifreeze, which is safe because a RV specific product is non-toxic. Even so, some campers say they can still taste the remains of RV antifreeze for a long time after throwing it away, and alcohol-based antifreeze can dry out and degrade your plumbing fixtures over time.
Bypass your RV Trailers hot water heater and make sure you are using the correct material – regular engine antifreeze has NO place in the RV Trailers plumbing!
The other overwintering option is a little less intrusive – it involves using compressed air to blow out your RV’s water lines and make sure they’re nice and dry, which will help prevent frost damage. To do this, you need to use an RV exhaust plug and be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the correct pressure to avoid damaging anything. You will also need to drain your RV’s water heater, which may require removing the rod from the anode.
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