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RVing in the Winter

Winter RVing sounds intimidating to a lot of people. Frozen pipes. Slippery roads. Gray skies. But here’s the truth: winter RV travel can be some of the most peaceful, scenic, and enjoyable RVing of the year—if you’re prepared.

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Whether you’re chasing warmer weather or staying put where temps dip below freezing, winter RVing is less about fear and more about planning.


🌡️ 1. Decide: Cold-Weather Camping or Cold-Weather Travel

There’s a big difference between:

  • Camping in cold temps

  • Driving through cold temps

If you’re traveling, your focus is road conditions, timing, and flexibility.If you’re staying, your focus is insulation, water systems, and heat management.

👉 Pro tip from experience: Travel during the day, stop early, and avoid “pushing one more hour” when winter weather is involved.


We learned this the hard way during the February 2021 Texas ice storm, when we were traveling in our RV — an experience we later shared in our video Ice Road RVers.


🧊 2. Protecting Your RV from the Cold (Without Going Crazy)

You don’t need to turn your rig into a science project.

Simple winter basics that matter:

  • Heated water hose or hose insulation

  • Insulated spigot cover

  • Sewer hose off the ground (or only connect when dumping)

  • Cabinet doors open on cold nights

  • Small ceramic heater (used safely)

If temps dip hard overnight, we’ve found a little prep goes a long way—especially in newer rigs.


🔥 3. Heating: Comfort vs. Power Management

Winter camping means making choices:

  • Propane furnace (great heat, uses propane + battery)

  • Electric heaters (easy comfort, but watch your amps)

We usually run a mix of both, especially at night.And yes—this is when you really learn how your rig handles power.

Here is a video on the tips we learned.


🚐 4. Winter Travel Is Slower — and That’s Not a Bad Thing

Winter RVing naturally encourages:

  • Shorter drive days

  • More rest days

  • More time actually enjoying where you are

Campgrounds are quieter. Parks are calmer. And scenic stops feel less rushed.

Honestly? That slower pace is one of our favorite parts.


🌴 5. Snowbirds, Shoulder Seasons & Weather Chasing

Not everyone wants snow—and that’s okay.

Winter RVing doesn’t have to mean cold:

  • Southern states

  • Coastal routes

  • Shoulder-season parks that are packed in summer

We plan routes with weather flexibility built in, because winter doesn’t always follow the forecast.


⚠️ 6. Things Winter RVing Will Teach You (Fast)

Winter has a way of revealing:

  • Drafts you didn’t know you had

  • Weak batteries

  • How well (or poorly) your insulation really works

But it also builds confidence. After one winter season, most RVers realize it wasn’t nearly as scary as they expected.


❤️ Why We Still RV in the Winter

Because winter RVing offers:

  • Fewer crowds

  • Lower campground stress

  • Peaceful mornings

  • Incredible scenery

  • A deeper connection to the journey


It’s not about “toughing it out.”It’s about traveling smarter and enjoying a different side of RV life.

If you’ve been on the fence about winter RVing, consider this your nudge. Start small. Stay flexible. And remember—you don’t need to do everything, just the things that matter.


Safe Travels Y'all,

Karen and Dave

Watts on Wheels

 
 
 

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