Just because it's winter, it doesn't mean you have to forego traveling in your RV. Wintertime RV camping trips can be quite enjoyable, it just takes some extra preparation. There are plenty of options when it comes to keeping everyone warm, while also making sure your RV stays in good condition. The last thing you need is to have your motorhome run into a problem in cold or snowy weather. Even if you are going someplace warm, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Just like at home, you need to make sure that crucial systems in your motorhome don't end up freezing. Keeping the undercarriage insulated from the cold air can help prevent this happening with exterior tanks and water lines. Using heated water hoses can keep your fresh water from freezing up. Camco Tastepure heated drinking water hoses have a self regulating heat source, and they can be used in temperatures down to -40 F. They have corrosion resistant fittings and operate on 120VAC. On the inside, make sure there is enough warm air circulating around the plumbing, especially in particularly cold temperatures. Keeping cabinets around interior water lines open allows the heat to more readily access them. Portable heaters can provide a lot of assistance in this area, as heat can be concentrated in certain areas or in certain directions.

Portable heaters can be used to supplement the heat coming from the furnace, or they can save you from having to run the furnace more often. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is a propane heater that features protective shutoffs in the event of low oxygen or an accidental tip over. All this extra heat can lead to condensation build up on the inside of the motorhome, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Using a dehumidifier can prevent excess moisture from collecting inside. While you may wish to use a powered dehumidifier during travel, there are other options for when the RV is in storage. DampRid & Star Brite both offer dehumidifying systems that do not use electricity. DampRid uses calcium chloride crystals that dissolve as they take in moisture, and lasts up to 45 days. Star Brite uses pellets that absorb moisture, keeping them in a convenient container.

Some other details to remember: Unlike in summer when you wish to block out the sun, when camping in colder weather, you may want to position your rig so it can take advantage of as much sunlight as possible. Even in the winter, the sun's rays can help warm up your coach's interior. Keep extra supplies on hand, such as food, water, and blankets, in the event that you run into trouble. Make sure the bedding being used is made for colder weather. Thinner sheets & bedspreads used in warmer temperatures are not going to be sufficient. The RV Superbag sleep system has a thin summer side and a winter side that has double the insulation. The Superbag just needs to be flipped over to whichever side is needed. Also, make sure you have a way to re-charge batteries if necessary. You may need some of the same supplies you use at home for your car. This can include a shovel for snow in case you need to dig yourself out, as well as a brush or ice scraper to clear the windows. Pads can keep the RV jacks from freezing to the ground.