Let’s get one thing straight: we are not cold-weather campers. Sure, I’m from Michigan, I love the Upper Peninsula, and my Finnish roots mean I probably should thrive in freezing weather. But, I don’t. If it’s below 50 degrees, you’ll probably hear me complaining.
That said, weather can surprise you. You could head out expecting mild temperatures, only to wake up to 25 degrees and frost on the windows. (I mean, Pensacola saw nine inches of snow recently, so anything is possible.) If you’re caught off guard by a sudden freeze, don’t panic—your RV won’t turn into a popsicle overnight. With a little preparation and a few smart moves, you can get through the cold without freezing yourself—or your rig.
If the temperature only dips a couple of degrees below freezing and climbs above freezing during the day, you’re fine. Your RV is designed to handle a little chill. But if the freeze is deep or lasts for a few days, you’ll want to take some precautions. The biggest issue? Your water system.
Here’s what we do when the temps drop unexpectedly:
Protecting Your Water System
Disconnect the Hose
Your water hose is the first thing that’s going to give you trouble in freezing weather. Once temperatures dip below 30°F, any water left inside can freeze and expand, which risks cracking the hose or damaging the fittings. This is why we always disconnect the hose when it’s that cold. (Well, except for that time at the Grand Canyon when we forgot.)
Here’s our routine: Shut off the spigot, drain any leftover water, and store the hose somewhere warm—inside the RV or in a heated compartment. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of hassle.
What About Heated Hoses?
If you don’t have a heated hose (we don’t – they are pricey!), this is the easiest way to avoid problems. Heated hoses are great for those who camp in consistently cold weather. For the occasional freeze, relying on your RV’s fresh tank is just as effective. We always keep some water in our fresh tank for emergencies, and it’s saved us more than once. Even if your hose freezes, you’ll still have water for brushing your teeth, making coffee, or even showering.
Insulate the Spigot
Spigots can also freeze in extreme cold, so you may want to insulate them. Foam faucet covers work well, or you can wrap the spigot in insulation tubing—or, in a pinch, even use pool noodles. Just cut a slit down the side, wrap it around the spigot or pipe, and secure it with tape or zip ties. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Protect Your Tanks
For your tanks, a little RV antifreeze can go a long way. Pour some down the toilet or shower drain to protect the black and grey tanks if the temps stay below freezing for a long time. It’s not something you’ll need often, but it’s a good backup if things stay frozen longer than expected.
Staying Warm Inside the RV
Layer Up the Floors and Walls
RVs aren’t known for their insulation, so you’ll need to get creative to stay cozy. Rugs are an easy fix—they help insulate the floor and keep your feet from freezing. On especially cold nights, I’ve even thrown yoga mats on the floor for extra padding.
In the sleeping area, I’ve found that stuffing sweatshirts or jackets into the cubby holes by the bed makes a huge difference. Those spaces can act like cold air vents, and filling them with extra layers helps block drafts and trap heat.
Rely on Wool
When it comes to staying warm, wool is your best friend. Merino wool long johns are lightweight, breathable, and make a huge difference in cold weather. We always pack wool layers for ourselves and our baby (Woolino is great for baby)—they’re perfect for sleeping or layering during the day. And don’t underestimate the power of a good wool blanket. They’re warm, durable, and keep the chill out, whether you’re curled up on the couch or tucking in for the night.
Keep the Dog Cozy
Our dog, Frankie, also isn’t a fan of cold weather. He sleeps on a fancy Pendleton wool bed placed against the wall, which can get really cold. I tuck an extra blanket around his bed to keep him warm. Or, if it’s really really cold, we’ll bring him into bed with us (which he is all for, but then we’re uncomfortable all night). Oh, he also has a jacket, which he likes to wear if it’s under 50 degrees.
Block Drafts with Reflectix
We also rely on Reflectix insulation for problem spots. It’s not the prettiest solution, but it’s incredibly effective. We’ve put it in the bathroom skylight, on the window over our bed, and in other drafty spots. Reflectix is inexpensive, easy to cut, and works wonders for keeping the RV warm.
Heaters and Propane
Use a Space Heater for Shore Power
Our RV has a propane heater, but if you’ve ever run yours overnight, you know how quickly it can burn through propane. If we’re on shore power, we rely on our Vornado heater instead. It’s low amperage, so it won’t trip the breaker. And it does a great job keeping the RV warm without using propane, which can be very costly in a cold snap.
Backup Plan: Mr. Buddy Heater
If we’re boondocking, we always have a backup plan. We carry a Mr. Buddy heater as an emergency option. It runs on small propane canisters and is there just in case we lose power, our main heater goes out, or (worst case) we somehow run out of propane in both of our big tanks and find ourselves stranded.
Always Keep Extra Propane
Speaking of propane, we always keep two full tanks on hand. That way, when one inevitably runs out at 2 a.m.—because it always happens in the middle of the night—we can swap it out and go back to sleep without freezing.
Warm Up the Bed
For the bed, I rely on an electric blanket or heating pad to warm it up before climbing in. If we’re off-grid, I’ll use heated hand warmers or a warm water bottle tucked into the blankets—it’s not high-tech, but it works.
Other Cold-Weather Tricks
Cover the Door
The door can be a major source of drafts, so we hang a blanket or towel over it for extra insulation. If you’re improvising, painters tape works great to hold it up temporarily. Or you can install hooks for a more permanent solution. Blocking drafts here can make the whole RV feel noticeably warmer.
Manage Condensation
Condensation is almost unavoidable in freezing temperatures, especially if you’re using a propane heater, which adds moisture to the air. Electric heaters are less of a problem since they dry out the air.
We wipe down the windows with a cloth when condensation builds up, especially in the mornings. A little dampness is normal, but excess moisture can lead to bigger problems like mold. We also use DampRid or a small dehumidifier if things start to feel too humid inside. (If you have a memory foam mattress, you may want to read this post to avoid mold.)
Keep Emergency Water on Hand
Always keep emergency bottled water on hand. I recommend 3 liters per person (and dog) per day, so you’re covered for drinking, cooking, washing, and anything else you might need. If your lines freeze, you’ll be glad you have it.
Watch the Slides
If your RV has slides, consider pulling them in if you’re expecting snow or ice. The extra weight from ice buildup can put unnecessary strain on the slide mechanisms. It’s easier to prevent the problem than deal with it later.
Brrr. It’s Cold.
Cold snaps happen, but your RV is tougher than you think—and so are you. There’s something magical about being tucked into your RV when it’s snowing outside. Everything feels so quiet and peaceful. Bundling up with a warm blanket and a hot drink; it feels like your little home on wheels turns into the coziest place on earth.
The key to surviving freezing temperatures is staying flexible, being prepared, and leaning into the experience. With a little prep—disconnecting your hose, insulating your spigot, covering drafty doors, and keeping cabinets open—you’ll be just fine. Keep emergency water on hand, pack some extra blankets, and remember—this is temporary. Somewhere down the road, the sun is shining, and warm weather is waiting.
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