The Ultimate RV Winter Camping Guide
Looking for even more information about Winter Camping? The video was recently released, so we’re still compiling information from subscribers to include in this blog, but let’s start with some of the things that were not mentioned in the video.
You can visit the KYD Amazon page. All the items we discussed in the video are included below. Using KYD Amazon link don’t cost you anymore money and all purchased are completely private. We reinvest anything we make from Amazon directly into RV gear we can share with you!
Extension Cord with Light
If you have a diesel truck with an engine block heater, it’s good to know your extension cord is actually working. Why Ford trucks don’t have an indicator that the engine heater is engaged is beyond me, but a lighted extension cord is a step in the right direction.
Pro tip: Subscriber Stephen Blinkenberg had a great suggestion in the comments on a previous video to place the extension cord over the driver mirror so you don’t forget to disconnect before driving away. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B0020YHX0E";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "558c59e8485b81d04836fd20401b2a9d";
Dehumidifier
We have heard how essential dehumidifiers are with winter camping, but our experience was different. Perhaps the space heaters were keeping our rig dry. We purchased the below dehumidifier and it did not consume a single drip of water. Our temperature gage read roughly 35% humidity most of the time, but we thought was pretty good. The windows would freeze to solid ice during cold mornings and it didn’t seem there was any way around that. In fact, it was so dry, we could have used a humidifier. We’re still learning on this one. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B01DC5PPWM";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "4bbf4e438769eeb8e422a3d9f909169b";
Propane
Staying warm is priority number one! Standard 20 pound tanks are find for keeping the refrigerator running while driving, cooking and occasionally running the furnace, but for winter rv camping, it won’t take long before you’ll be out of propane. Plus, the exchange programs are a complete waste of money by charging more money for less propane. Also, you can get a three-eights threaded rod from home depot and save yourself from buying the unnecessary propane tank kit.
I would have never thought to buy 30 pound propane tanks of off Amazon, but the savings was about tremendous. These tanks were a better value than other brands and seem to work just fine. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B003UHVVV2";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "b2e64ee00a403c15295cfd90bdc85af7";Temperature Gauge with Three Additional Sensors
This has been one of our favorite upgrades for winter camping. Knowing your rigs temperature is a key to keeping your rig on track in the winter cold. This four gauge thermostat will give you piece of mind knowing what the underbelly is compared to the exterior and interior temps. Just make sure your outside sensor stays out of the sun or you won’t get an accurate reading. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B00FX8ZGOO";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "16d5b5907fd86955ee4eb485dc7e609d";Space Heaters
Save your propane and use space heaters to stay warm. The one thing you need to think about is blowing a fuse. In order to circumnavigate this problem use an extension cord from the main electrical box and fish it through the slide. This will ensure you are pulling power from the correct circuit while keeping your rig warm. The Pelonis space heater has been nice because it has an LED thermostat making it easier to coordinate with the RV furnace. I don’t know why this space heater is more on Amazon than Home Depot, maybe we got our two on sale.
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You will want to make the most of your electrical box when staying with an RV resort in the winter. However, the 110 power will most likely be butted up to the edge making it impossible to put in a splitter. This is where the extension splitter comes to the rescue. Then you will be able to hook up all the different cords that will need power like; the diesel engine block heater, hose heat tape, and extension cord going directly into the rig for your space heater. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B01FX6JSGC";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "beb42e9eb3e9e57eaff1a171c2c82b91";
Roof Vent Covers
If you order two of these, expect a very large Amazon box! Roof top vent covers appear smaller on your rig 🙂 These have been a nice addition to our rig to keep out the elements allowing us to keep our vents open in almost any weather. For winter camping, they are essential to create proper ventilation, especially if you’re funning a propane heater inside your RV. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B000EDOSNI";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "6b0be809f4f7042db4927c07b6396ef1";
Light in the Utility Bay
There are two spots that are most likely to freeze when winter camping – your outlet and inlet. One way to help reduce freezing when the water comes into your rig is by installing a light in your utility closet. This light fixture will help you install the light safely, but keep in mind that this metal can still get hot and left unattended could be a fire hazard.
One thing that was not mentioned in the video was that fact that we don’t use a water filter when winter camping. The filter seems to freeze too easily and stops the water flow. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B001D0WB80";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "2fd7fac58ef5d832eaa567ba18a44e8f";
Heated Hose
As we mentioned in the video, insulating a hose with heat tape is a pain and takes too much time when just staying one or two nights at an RV park while winter camping. Or temperatures are on the cusp of not needing to bring your hose inside and store in the bathroom shower or tub. For these situations, a Camco heated hose is ideal.
A more detailed review of this hose will be coming soon as I commonly question the reliability of any Camco product. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "keepy02-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links";amzn_assoc_asins = "B01ABONAWE";amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";amzn_assoc_linkid = "619a489bfb86ff51725f2b9eaf8aff52";Keeping Water/Snow Outside
Sealant: This was our least favorite job on the rig but arguably one of the most important.
Check for Leaks: The front end of our rig (nose) as been coming apart since day one. This hasn’t slowed us down on our tour through the US or down to Mexico because it has been warm with little rain. However, it was imperative that we fix the issue before we headed into new moisture extremes. Watertight
RV Skirt
If you’re planning winter camping or being in cold temperatures for a long-time or want the convenience of running water and a warm rig on a winter vacation, an RV skirt is essential. As we mentioned in the video, we were a bit skeptical on how effective an RV skirt would be really be and how long it would take to setup and we were surprised on both accounts.
The EZ Snap RV Shirt kept our Travel Trailer roughly 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature most of the time and it only took 11 min to snap and setup. The installation process was simple. It took Trish and I about 1 day to setup (2 half days).
Click the image below to check out EZ Snap RV Skirting for your rig.
Slide Topper
We’ve had issues with our slide since the very beginning. We finally properly repaired our slide by using non-sag Dicor to close the gap on our slide and then added self-leveling Dicor on top for extra protection. If that wasn’t enough, we added 4″ Eternabond tape to cover the seem completely. Now that the slide was fixed, it was time to keep the moisture off completely with a Carefree of Colorado Slide Topper. Not only is the snow not on our slide, but no leafs or debris. Click the image below to check out a slide topper for your rig.
Do you even more suggestions for Winter Camping? Add them to the comments below and if they are super good…we’ll update the blog. This blog will be updated with new ideas all the time, so check beck next winter for even more ideas to help you stay warm in your RV!
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