How to Survive Winter in an RV
Drive south.
Seriously…if you can, just drive south.
While I grew up here in Ohio, my last 15 were spent in warm, sunny, blue-skied Los Angeles. The land where the weather channel makes zero sense, if it rains, it really doesn’t last long. Snow is VERY VERY rare. (although it did happen while I lived there). It’s either 72, or if you lived in the valley like I did, 100+ degrees in the summer.
I never expected to spend a couple winters back in Ohio when I began RV Life. The plan was to follow the weather with the RV. I really didn’t have any winter clothes and honestly while snow is pretty, the “really” cold aspect of winter, I don’t like. Recently I purchased just the necessary items; Coat, hat, gloves, boots, scarf. Most of my clothes are thin, short-sleeved, LA outfits.
Needless to say while it was necessary due to a global Pandemic and needed knee replacement surgery, I haven’t minded it; other than the really cold 18 degree nights. I’ve been able to stay warm and have since invested in an additional safe heating alternative.
I still have my propane tank, it’s really not something I will probably stop using. It runs my stove, my heat and if I’m not plugged into shore power it can run the fridge. I know a lot of people have moved away from the use of propane. However until I get solar installed, it’s my only option when I choose to camp off-grid.
Prepping the RV for winter.
I spent last winter also in Ohio, I was remodeling the RV with my brother and I was spending time with family I hadn’t seen in years. I choose to winterize the RV last year. Since I knew I was going to stay parked for awhile this winter and I really didn’t want issues with the water tank and worrying about freezing temps, I purchased an extended stay adapter and propane tank monitor so I can attach one of the 20lb portable propane tanks I had on hand. (I purchased one and borrowed one from my neighbor). This allowed the RV to stay put during my knee replacement recovery and keep warm.
I had dumped the black and grey tanks prior to surgery and advice from another RVer, I decided added RV antifreeze to both grey and black tanks, as a way to ensure they wouldn’t freeze. RV antifreeze is not like your normal antifreeze you use in cars, it is non-toxic and the safest for all types of RV plumbing. This antifreeze is non-flammable and does not taint water systems. Propylene glycol is a lubricant and will actually work to extend the life of the seals in your toilets and faucets.
Propane Alternatives
Since it felt like we were filling the portable Propane tanks at Tractor Supply every week due to a much colder winter this year; I wanted to find something that could run off electric. It was adding more work for my mom to have to worry about. I couldn’t drive yet, she was taking me back and forth to therapy, also taking care of my dad and running her essential business, the laundromat. She had a lot on her plate and I wanted to take somethings off it.
So I began to research, while many RVers use electric heaters, I wanted something that I could control the actual temperature and was a safe alternative. After reading a blog about IR heaters, it made sense to invest and purchase a decent electric alternative. I ended up buying the Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 Dual Heating Hybrid Space Heater, 1500W with remote. As long as I am plugged into shore power, this is a perfect option.
The past two weeks, I’ve stayed warm in 18 degree temps but had to also invest in wool slippers, because anyone who has stayed in an RV during winter can understand - the floors are freezing!!
At some point I may invest in an RV skirt, if I ever plan to stay in colder temps again for a long period, as of right now I’m thinking this will be my last winter for awhile.
Ready for Alaska!
Now that I know how to survive winter, it opens a few possibilities for places to visit during the colder months and less busier times. A few places I have on my list, Yosemite, Banff, Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming.
