How to Get Recreational Vehicles Ready for Winter Camping

Get your RV ready for winter. Image by hmcharg

As the weather gets colder, more people choose to stay indoors. There are less people camping, which is not surprising. However, rather than look for expensive holidays further south, and out of the country, it is worth investing in recreational vehicles and go camping. Just make sure that your vehicle is ready for the cold.

Think About the Plumbing

The majority of motor homes have the plumbing on the outside of them, so this needs to be fully insulated and ready for the cold. The problem with plumbing is that it is required to make the RV useable, especially for the toilet and sinks. The water running through the pipes will freeze and you need to avoid that.

Insulating the pipes on the outside of the RV is simple. You do not need to spend a lot of money and there is nothing too special that you have to buy. Invest in some insulating foam and heat tape. These will work perfectly. Make sure you have spares and check on the pipes regularly, especially if you are opting for a long camping trip and along rough terrain.

It is not just the pipes that you will need to think about. There are many parts to a plumbing system, including the dump valves and the heating tank. Some motor homes come with these on the outside, which means they will also need to be protected from the cold. You can purchase heating pads from many vehicle stores, which are a great investment for winter camping.

Think About Your Spare Tire

Another factor that you will need to consider is your spare tire. Most people will never think about their 5^th wheel until it comes to using it. The problem is that the tread is often low and they will only last for a small number of miles – to get you to a garage. You will need to make sure that your spare tire is ready to use and will get you exactly where you need to. It is also a good idea to check on your main four tires. These need to have good tread to avoid needing to rely on the spare wheel.

You will benefit by being prepared for anything. By being in the wilderness, you will be less likely to come across people who can help you so you need to have anything you could possibly need. This includes some rope to pull yourself out of a ditch and extra oil. Chains are also a good idea for the tires.

Finally, you want to make the inside of the recreational vehicles as warm as possible. There are a few options that you have for this, without having to spend more money on gas to run it. Insulate your windows with normal insulation tape. This will stop the draft coming through during the night and will also make your drive quieter. Also, take a thick blanket to hang up behind the driver’s compartment to keep your heat from escaping through the windscreen.