The Ins and Outs RV Camping in the Winter
Winter conditions have arrived in our fair province, so if you haven’t had your RV winterized and stored away yet, you’re either quite the procrastinator or you’re planning on doing a little camping in your RV this winter. Camping in the winter can be a lot of fun and one heck of an adventure, but you really have to be prepared before venturing into the ice, snow, and sub-zero temperatures with your friends and family.
Whether you’re new to winter camping, or have done it before and are looking for a few tips to make winter camping a little easier, we’ve got you covered.
Important Tips for Winter Camping in Your RV
Where Should I Go?
One of the many great things about living in BC is we’re treated to some pretty nice weather compared to the rest of the country. If you’re just starting to get into winter camping, you can play it safe and head to some of the more temperate areas of the province like Vancouver Island. If you’re really looking to experience a true winter camping experience, there are quite a few campgrounds throughout BC that are open all year-long. Generally speaking, the further north you travel the more “wintery” conditions will be.
What’s All This Talk About Insulation?
Insulation is the key to ensuring your pipes and holding tanks don’t freeze when the temperature drops below zero. If your RV wasn’t designed for winter camping, you may also have to add insulated skirting around the exterior of your RV. It’s a good idea to visually inspect all your doors and windows to ensure there are no small cracks or openings; if there are, they can be sealed pretty easily by our service team. For more details on insulating your RV for winter camping, contact our service department for expert advice.
But, What About Heat?
Good question! It really all depends on your RV and where you’re camping. Most campgrounds will offer sites with electricity hookups, so if your RV has an electric heating system you’re all set. To save on electricity costs some winter campers use electric blankets at night because they require little power and still keep you warm. Some RV owners use propane to power a generator which in turn powers their RV, but this tends to be a more expensive option. You’ll only want to go this route if you’re at a campground that doesn’t offer powered sites. When choosing a specific campsite, try to get one that is exposed to the sun as much as possible. The sun rises in the east, so if you’re able to book a campsite that’s relatively open to the east, the sun will naturally heat your RV throughout the day.
Of course, these are just a few key things to keep in mind when you’re planning to use your RV during the winter months. For more information or if you have any questions, contact us anytime.
