When you use your RV for cold weather camping it’s nice to have a warm place to retreat back to after enjoying some outdoor activities. What would you say if I told you it’s possible to prepare your RV to be warm and cozy for cold weather camping in 5 easy steps?
Let’s give it a go!
Step #1
The first thing we want to do is test the RV furnace. Make sure the LP gas supply is turned on, set the thermostat to “heat” and fire up the furnace. The fan should come on and within a minute or so you should feel heat coming from the heat ducts in the RV.
Step #2
Okay the furnace works, but is there enough LP gas to keep the RV warm. Check the propane level in your LP gas cylinders or tank and check the condition of your auxiliary battery(s). The furnace consumes more LP gas than other appliances and the furnace fan takes its toll on the battery. The battery needs to be fully charged, especially if you are not plugged into an electrical source. Checking the propane level is self-explanatory and you can check the battery condition using the RV’s monitor panel or with a digital multi-meter.
Step #3
Pack warm clothes, extra blankets and don’t forget the electric blanket! Sweatshirts, sweatpants and a good pair of winter socks makes resting and relaxing inside the RV much more enjoyable when it’s cold outside. For your personal protection in cold outdoor temperatures dress in layers and make sure you have the proper clothing and footwear to stay warm and protected when outdoors.
Step #4
Pack a couple portable electric heaters. Supplementing the heat with thermostatically controlled ceramic heaters does wonders. These heaters work extremely well and you don’t need to be concerned about fire or carbon monoxide.
Step #5
Keep the heat in the RV. Make sure all windows and vents are closed and close the shades or blinds to help keep the heat in. Remember heat rises, use some foam cushioning or aftermarket products to seal the area around roof vents.
There you go, 5 easy steps to a warm RV. There are more checks you could make to prepare your RV for cold weather camping and there are other concerns with cold weather camping, like protecting the plumbing system from freezing, but when it come to staying warm these 5 easy steps are a good start.
For other helpful checklists on every RV topic imaginable check out our best-selling e-book titled Checklists for RVers
Happy Cold Weather Camping,
Mark Polk
Visit our in depth RV Online Training site
Great ideas Mark, the only thing that I would ask is what about venting the RV so condensation doesn’t build up inside? We always have cracked a vent or window to help reduce this from happening!
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Thanks Chris!
Products like this https://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Ventmate/VM67304.html have been used in RVs for years to help keep the cool and the heat in the RV.
And yes, the biggest moisture problem with RVs is condensation. When the exterior of the RV is warmer or colder than the interior you can get quite a bit of condensation. We do crack a window a bit to help with this issue.
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