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Surviving Winter in Your RV

Feb. 10 2021 Seasonal By Allan Dale Trailers & RVs

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The cold winter of Alberta is in full swing, which means that those who travel and live in their RVs all year round may be shivering. If you’re one of those more intrepid souls who prefers to go camping during the off-season or you enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling, then you’ll want to make sure that your RV can stand up to the cold and serve as a warm respite for you and your fellow travelers.

Allan Dale Trailers & RVs, with locations in Red Deer and Edmonton, is your Alberta RV dealer. Here are some ways that you can modify and improve your RV to make it easier to bear Canadian winters.

Add More Insulation

While your RV likely came with some form of insulation, it may not be sufficient for the coldest nights. Fortunately, you can add insulation to your RV to make it warmer. Here are a few recommendations: 

  • Window film over every window will help to prevent cold-air transfer. 
  • Heavy drapes on the windows can further block out the cold. 
  • Foam-board skirting around the bottom of your RV will help protect your water system and keep cold air from lingering under the RV. 
  • Ventilation is important even if it’s below freezing outside, but you can insulate your vents with foam to help reduce heat loss.
  • Inspect your RV inside and out so you can locate and plug up any cracks or gaps where cold air might get through. Check around doors, windows and slide-outs, especially. 

Add Extra Sources of Heat

Finding some more ways to warm up the interior of your RV can also help. You can install a heating system like a propane heater or a pellet stove, or you could invest in small space heaters that are easily carried from room to room. Cooking more can also help to generate heat via the use of your stove and oven. Also, incandescent bulbs burn more warmly than LED lights, so consider swapping out your lighting. Keep lots of cozy, thick blankets in an ottoman, too, and try to dress in layers.

Reduce Condensation

One issue that can plague RV owners in the winter is condensation build-up and excess moisture in the RV, especially after showering or cooking. Make sure that you’re leaving your vents open and try using fans and a dehumidifier to help reduce moisture in the RV. High moisture can increase the formation of mold and mildew and contribute to wood rot and other issues if left unaddressed.

Protect Your Water System

One of the most vulnerable parts of your RV in the cold is your water system. You should add antifreeze to your blackwater and greywater tanks to prevent the contents from freezing (but never add it to your freshwater tank due to toxicity). Make use of your freshwater tank instead of a hookup at a campsite so that you don’t have to worry about water freezing in a hose. When using hoses, make sure they don’t have any water left in them that could freeze in storage. Adding heat strips can help prevent water from freezing and insulating your water system where it isn’t protected by cabinetry will also help.

Of course, you can always upgrade your RV instead of modifying it if you’d prefer, since there are dozens of models that are four-season friendly and designed to withstand extreme temperatures. Seeking RVs for sale in Edmonton? Visit one of our dealerships in Edmonton or Red Deer or check out our website to take a look at our wide stock of new and used RVs for sale. Allan Dale Trailers & RVs proudly serves the entire province of Alberta.