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The best winter RV gear

By Video Editor
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rv in winter, image for post talking about the best winter RV gear

By Cheri Sicard
Winter camping in an RV can be tough, but the right gear makes it comfortable and safe.

In the video at the end of this post, Jared Gillis of All About RVs rounds up practical accessories that keep water flowing, propane burning, steps safe, and the RV interior warm. He also shares a few clever tricks that are easy to miss on the first cold snap.

Outdoor propane solutions

Cold weather drops propane pressure, which can shut down a furnace. Propane boils at about minus 44°F, but as it vaporizes, it pulls heat from the tank surface and lowers pressure. Keeping the tank warm restores a steady flow and heat inside.

  • Propane tank heating jacket: A wrap-style heater blanket keeps the tank at a usable temperature during deep freezes. It plugs in and wraps snugly around the cylinder, which keeps liquid propane converting to gas reliably. It is a simple fix for sub-zero nights. Consider a quality option like a dedicated propane tank heater.
  • Upgrading to a larger tank: A 100-pound tank adds capacity and more surface area for better gas conversion. It can be rented, but check fittings and plan for an adapter and extension hose. Helpful picks include a 100 lb. propane tank, a propane tank adapter, a hose extension, or an etrailer propane extension.

Water supply protection

Frozen water lines are a fast way to ruin a trip. Focus on both the hose and the source.

  • Heated RV hose essentials: A dependable heated hose keeps water flowing in low temps, and there are DIY approaches, too. For options and setup tips, see this walkthrough on an RV heated hose.
  • Insulating the water source: If the spigot freezes, a heated hose cannot help. Wrap the hydrant or use an insulated bag like a simple water supply cover for faster setup.

Sewer and drain management

Freezing gray lines can happen when running a slow drip to protect pipes. Parks may also require heated sewer lines in winter.

  • Some parks mandate heated hoses for connected drains.
  • Sloped hoses work until a storm shifts them.
  • Standing water in a low spot can freeze solid.
  • Heated sewer hose sleeve: A heated sleeve keeps the drain hose clear so gray tanks can stay open during a drip. It helps prevent backups and mid-storm surprises. Check out a heated sewer sleeve.

Step safety

Rain, then freeze, then chaos. Steps can turn into a Home Alone scene fast.

  • Heated step mats and covers: Heated mats melt ice at the source. Measure first for a proper fit.
  • Removable covers: A good non-powered backup. See durable RV step covers and plug-in RV step heaters.

Indoor insulation upgrades

Stop drafts and hold heat with a few quick tweaks. The goal is comfort without running the furnace nonstop.

  • Insulated door cover: RV doors are thin and leaky. A magnetic insulated door cover adds a big comfort boost and stays usable. A ready-made door insulation kit is an easy upgrade.
  • Windows: Reflectix on windows cuts heat loss in deep cold. Window film reduces loss while still letting light in.
  • Vents: For vents, make foam pillows or buy pre-fits.
  • Heaters: For heating ideas and add-ons, see these RV heater options.
  • Heated blankets: A heated blanket keeps colder sleepers happy without raising the thermostat. Try an adjustable heated blanket.
  • Floors: Cold floors sap body heat. Double socks work great as simple RV slippers. Heated rugs add steady comfort in living areas or hallways with either a heated floor mat or a full heated rug.
  • Power: A furnace can drain a single battery on long cold nights. Adding a second battery extends run time and keeps heat on.

Advanced heating tools

  • Xtreme safe heater for wet bays: A marine-grade unit with strong safety features is built to run in tight spaces. It is a trusted option for bays and compartments. See the Xtreme Heater.
  • Skirting: Block wind under the rig and the whole cabin stays warmer. Inflatable skirts are fast to set up and perform well. DIY foam board works for far less if staying put. Both help a lot.

Ultimate winter tip: Chase the warmth

The RV has wheels. Head for Florida, Arizona, or Southern Texas when you can. That beach umbrella in the desert still counts!

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3 Comments

Jim Johnson
7 months ago

We winter in Texas Hill Country. I routinely see two mistakes for folks with heated hoses:

  1. Putting the hose thermostat inside a heated area – means your hose heater may never turn on.
  2. Not heating the entire exterior water line – that can mean the entire above ground water tap, pressure regulator, filter, softener, and all the connections. I put one loop of my heated hose over the tap using the two vertical runs to heat other components. Then wrap the whole thing with a mylar ‘Space Blanket’ to retain the heat. As we are seasonally stationary I put an upside down plastic trash can over the wrapped water devices.
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LugNet
7 months ago

My RV floor had no insulation. I added foam tiles that look like wood flooring and they’ve made a huge difference. Cut to fit with a pair of scissors made the installation quick and easy. The tiles are also easy to take out and put back when I want to clean under them. The tiles have held up very well.

For the door cover, the suggested one is good about not having stitching makes holes through the cover. I’ve tried both and the difference is noticeable. In the summer, we use the hook and loop around the door needed for the winter cover to put up a magnetic screen door.

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Bob
7 months ago

Most doors are aluminum framed and fiberglass bodies. Magnets will not work. There are door covers that use velcro around the perimeter. But these make it harder to exit and enter the door. The covers need to be removed.

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