Throughout our first winter with our journey trailer, we headed in direction of Goblin Valley State Park in Utah for a wintry journey. We owned a winter-equipped trailer by Outside RV, so we felt comparatively assured. However, we hadn’t accounted for pure parts, like the truth that the solar was sitting decrease within the sky which dramatically affected our solar-powered rig. We awoke one morning round 3am when the warmth abruptly lower out. After checking the propane — we nonetheless had lots — we realized our rookie error. Our photo voltaic panels have been absorbing much less power as a result of angle of the solar, but our heater was continually operating due to the frigid temperatures. Finish outcome: we drained our batteries.
Luckily, this wasn’t a disaster since we had loads of heat garments. As soon as the solar rose, we towed the trailer right into a patch of direct daylight — very rigorously since we didn’t have the ability to drag in our slide-out — and recharged the panels. However, we discovered our lesson.
Chilly-weather tenting in an RV generally is a pleasure since there are sometimes fewer folks and gorgeous surroundings. However, there are elements to consider. Should you’re headed out in your first winter journey this season, listed here are just a few winter RV tenting suggestions to make sure you have a beautiful journey.
Ebook in Advance
This will likely really feel apparent, however it’s necessary to notice. Relying on the place you’re visiting, loads of campgrounds are closed within the winter so make sure to do your analysis upfront. And, others could also be out there on a primary come, first served foundation. Make certain you’ve a Plan B and even Plan C in case your first selections don’t work out.
Bonus: Should you do discover an open campground, double test to ensure the water is turned on within the winter. In some locations, the campgrounds are open however the water is turned off to stop freezing — and it’s actually good to know this upfront!
Correctly Insulate Your RV
Insulating your RV signifies that you’ll shield each your self and your expensive funding from the frigid temperatures. You need to ensure you have first rate insulation within the partitions and across the base space to make sure that the inside stays cozy and water tanks within the underbelly don’t freeze. The latter is usually referred to as “skirting” because it seems to be like a skirt wrapped across the base of the RV.
Should you’re nervous about actually chilly temperatures, understand that chilly air seeps in by means of all of these lovely home windows that you just take pleasure in in the summertime. Insulate your home windows with heavy blinds and even low cost foam squares to attenuate a draft.
Defend Your Pipes
One of many creature comforts that comes with RV life is getting access to operating water throughout all seasons — however that may be tough once you’re managing frozen pipes. Should you’re tapped right into a metropolis water connection, use a heated hose to stop freezing. It’s also possible to permit a sluggish faucet drip in a single day as a result of transferring water freezes much less shortly than stagnant water. (Nevertheless, in the event you’re boondocking, take observe: you don’t need to drain your tank AND fill your grey water in a single day!)
Examine Your Tires
Icy roads and dangerous tires are a recipe for catastrophe. Earlier than you head out, test your tires to ensure they aren’t bald and that you’ve a set of chains packed. Some RV rental firms received’t permit using chains — they’ll trigger harm — but when it’s in your individual RV, they’ll come in useful if roads flip harmful.
Pack Additional Garments
It’s dumb to be chilly. Simply since you’re dwelling the luxurious life in your transportable house doesn’t imply you shouldn’t pack for the worst-case situation. We all the time convey sufficient insulating and cold-weather attire to make sure we’ll be toasty heat if all the pieces shuts down and we find yourself sleeping exterior. A puffy, a beanie, heat mittens, and an additional sleeping bag can go a great distance in an emergency.
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