You should consider choosing the right heating methods and some creativity to heat an RV, which is different from heating a house. In this article, we’re going to share some strategies to stay warm in this buggy without freezing to death.
Insulate the hatch vents
A fact that even though your RV is advertised to be “four-season,” boasting the big roof insulation R-factors, they don’t account for the skimpy walls and windows. From the metal windows, which are too cold to touch when weather lows in the 20’s to the dual-pane models.
Though they’re boasted for double insulation, once the moisture gets between two panes, it will stay there forever no matter which weather is outside.
To avoid breezing through RV windows, attach some insulated blinds.
Aluminum foil insulation is another great idea. It’s sold popularly in any supermarket or RV accessory stores at an affordable price range and usually comes in a big roll.
Insulate the hatch vents
Move on to the hatch vents where most manufacturers of R-rating RVs feel proud of.
The truth is, the “high R-rating feature” is only attached to some solid roof’s parts, not a whole. Not to say that home cheap RVs are covered only by a thin layer of plastic.
Before the winter comes, let secure your hatch vent with an additional insulator or a budget-friendlier way is cutting Styrofoam to its dimensions.
Take advantage of your RV oven
No matter it’s a fresh loaf of banana bread or a batch of tasteful muffins, baking is a good way to warm you up inside out.
After your baking jobs are done and the device is off, let its door widely open for a while to spread the residue warmth through the RV. There is a basic rule of thumb, the longer time it takes, the warm the vehicle.
Choose the right heater
Getting a suitable portable heater in your buggy is considered the best way to stay warm during the winter.
Three important things you should remember when choosing this device are their heating efficiency, kinds of fuel, and size.
Speaking of fuels, though gas and propane are the most common, it might be rarer during the cold days, especially if your RV gets stuck in the snow. From that point, a versatile heater that can run by electricity is the better choice.
An additional portable generator is a wise addition not only to provide enough energy for the heater but also other electronic RV appliances. Why? It’s because the power capacity of your RV is limited to afford for increased needs during the winter.
We also have a blog article talking about this useful equipment – “Top 8 Best Portable Generators For RV” – that is a must-read for any intelligent investors.
Fireplace
For full-time RV-ers, investing in a high-quality propane fireplace isn’t wasteful.
Not only it delivers the same warmth as any industrial-looking heaters but the luxe feels and inviting appearance of the fireplace also help to décor your RV’s interior better.
Out of many types of RV fireplaces, we highly recommend the propane or electricity with vent-free construction, especially if you’re not keen on doing labor jobs.
Protect the plumping
During the winter, water is the biggest enemy. It causes condensation, annoying damp feel, and the worst nightmare is a burst pipe.
To avoid it, there are two things you should insulate:
- Pipes and hoses
- Back tank
To avoid the disgusting mess caused by a frozen black tank, alter your sewer hose to a PVC water pipe. Ensure to keep the tank closed till it’s readily dumped.
Or if you intend to leave it hooked up, layer extra insulation around the sewer pipe. Meanwhile, apply heat tape around valves, pipes, fresh water hose, connections, and exposed piping.
Anti-freezing the black tank and plumping are also important. The simplest way to do is flushing the chemical down your toilets and pour it in the drains.
It’s also best to equip a heat source to protect your RV water pump or water lines. But for people with a tight budget, consider choosing a small space heater isn’t a bad idea. Just notice the advised appropriate distance from the heater to other vents and components to ensure safety.
The last solution is installing RV skirting around the vehicle’s base to block the breeze from damaging the vehicle’s water tank and freezing the interior. If your budget is on the table, combining it with foam boards will give better insulation.
Take care of the RV’s engine
Before heading out for any winter RV camping trips, you should check carefully if its engine antifreeze is at least 50% for temperatures within 20’s to 30’s degrees F.
In colder areas, you should equip it with an engine block heater and run it at least 4 hours before running the engine.
In terms of RV batteries, check if they are in good condition with no damage or corrosion. Don’t forget to charge them fully and connected protectively.
Do exercises
Some modest exercises, yoga, or home workouts in the morning as soon as you wake up will not only help you feel perkier but also warm your body up, even sweating.
Try a quickie round of 25 pushups and sit-ups. You don’t be shivering anymore.
Conclusion
While applying these 8 methods, remember to fill your stomach well on each meal and wear reasonable clothes to ensure you feel warm inside out.
Clothing, no matter they are casual outfits or sleepwear, prioritize the breathable fleece and insulating materials to avoid feeling too cold or too sweaty in them.
That’s all for this article. Thanks for reading!
