Using Your RV in Winter

No doubt about it, winter camping in your RV can be a lot of fun if some simple preparations and precautions are observed. RVers can continue to enjoy their RV long after the trees drop their leaves, and seasonal campgrounds close for the winter, and using your RV is the best way to get value from your investment.

A day trip or weekend outing to a ski area, football, basketball, or hockey game, hunting, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snow tubing, tobogganing, or ice fishing are some of the ways you can continue to get enjoyment from your RV during the winter months. An RV provides an excellent base camp for many winter outdoor activities with heat, “fast food,” and other comforts of home.

If you haven’t purchased your RV yet and you know you will be using it in cold weather, make sure it has cold weather features like heated holding tanks, dual pane windows adequate LP capacity, an enclosed underbelly, etc. Some RVs can be adapted for cold weather by adding tank heaters, roof vent covers, and windshield covers.

First, check the area where you plan to travel for campgrounds that are open for year-round camping and find out the services and facilities that they offer. Some have frost-free water connections at the campsites while others have heated bathhouses with showers and toilets. For day trips, make sure that there is adequate level parking and that RVs are welcome.

Check the weather forecast where you’ll be traveling ahead of time so that you can prepare for extremely cold or inclement weather. Try to travel on days when the roads will be clear, and if the temperature is expected to dip well below freezing, be sure your RV is protected against damage to the plumbing system.

Three things must always be considered before winter camping in your RV:
1. The safety of all involved,
2. The comfort of all involved (including pets), and
3. Protecting your RV from unnecessary damage.

Completely understand how your RV’s plumbing, heating, cooking and electrical systems operate before attempting a winter camping outing. If you have just recently purchased your RV, it is recommended that you take three or more camping trips in above freezing weather before winter camping.

There are two winter camping rules that you must NEVER break:
1. NEVER use the stove or oven for heat in your RV (see section below on Carbon Monoxide)
2. NEVER drive your RV anywhere except on roads designed for vehicular traffic (It might seem safe to drive your RV onto a frozen lake or pond, but DON’T DO IT.)

Refer to the winter camping checklist Click Here, and contact service@mediacampingctr.com if you’re not sure whether your RV can be used safely and comfortably during winter weather.

With a little planning and the right gear, winter outings in your RV can be a fun way to experience all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Remember: Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it.

NEVER use your range burners or oven as a source of heat

NEVER use a gas or charcoal grill indoors.

IF YOUR RV IS NOT EQUPPIED with a carbon monoxide detector, purchase a battery operated model designed for use in RV’s.

TEST the carbon monoxide detector for proper operation before each trip.

Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Dizziness, Weakness and Sleepiness, Vomiting, Intense Headache, Nausea, Throbbing in the Temples
Muscular Twitching, Inability to Think Coherently
If you or anybody else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately and if the symptoms persist seek medical attention.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning go to www.carbonmonoxidekills.com.

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