Getting Started w/ RV Living, RV Living Tips

Essential Winter RV Camping Hacks: Everything You Need To Know

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January 23, 2025

Winter RV camping can be a magical experience, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy nights. But the chilly weather also presents unique challenges: from keeping your RV pipes from freezing to keeping warm to managing power efficiently. Today, I’m sharing some tried-and-true hacks for cooking, power management, and entertainment that will make your winter RV adventures both comfortable and memorable.

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Protecting Your RV

I’ve spent time in the desert with temperatures dipping into the single digits. I’ve rarely had issues with pipes freezing, but it does happen! Here are some of my best tips for full-timers who may not have winterized their RVs, to keep your RV protected.

If your days are staying in the mid-40s or higher, you rarely have to worry about your holding tanks or pipes freezing, even in temps in the low 20s at night. Any colder than that and I make sure I turn off my water pump and drain all my water lines. I keep all my faucets open. Be sure to put a reminder, like a Post-It note near your water pump to turn your faucets off before using the next morning.
If you’re going to overnight temperatures far below freezing, ensure none of your holding tanks are full. They may freeze solid and expand, causing cracks in your tanks.
My biggest issue was my outdoor shower. It froze one night when the temps dipped below 10 degrees and caused a leak. So, be sure to insulate your shower pipes, ALWAYS drain the hoses, and keep the valves open overnight. This requires keeping your water pump off. Be sure everything is thawed in the morning before turning your water pump back on, or blocks of ice could damage your connectors.
If you find yourself in a long-term cold spell, it might be best to go to an RV park where you can plug in and use your built-in tank heaters. These will not run on DC (battery), so you must be plugged in to ensure your gray, black, and fresh tanks don’t freeze.

Cooking in Winter: Use Your Oven for Warmth!

Cooking in your RV during the winter is all about keeping things simple and satisfying. Here’s how to make the most of your setup:

Stock Up on One-Pot Meal Ingredients: Soups, stews, and casseroles are winter staples. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and keep you warm. Keep your pantry stocked with non-perishable items like canned beans, broth, rice, pasta, and frozen vegetables. And when you live in a tiny space, even a pot of soup on the stove can raise the temperature inside your RV by several degrees! You might want to crack a window to let out any steam/moisture.
Use Your Oven! Baking is a great way to heat your RV. I bake casseroles, potatoes, roast veggies, and bake desserts. My tiny RV oven heats my entire RV fast cutting down how much I need to run my furnace, which extends battery life.
Warm Beverages on Repeat: Keep a thermal carafe handy for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. It’ll save energy by reducing the need to reheat beverages constantly.

Power Management: Stay Efficient in Low Light

Winter months mean shorter days and less sunlight. Power management is critical. Here’s how to keep your energy use in check:

Maximize Solar Panel Efficiency: Keep your solar panels clean and free of snow. Position your RV to maximize exposure to the low winter sun in the south. When I had my solar installed, I asked for outside plug-and-play adapters to enable portable solar panels like the Bluetti PV200, to chase the sun, keeping my battery levels higher longer. Watch that video here: https://youtu.be/8_X867LGBoE
Monitor Your Battery Levels: Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency. Use a battery monitor to stay informed and avoid unexpected power loss.
Switch to LED Lighting: LED lights use significantly less power than traditional bulbs and are perfect for extending battery life.
Invest in a Portable Power Station like Bluetti: My Bluetti Power Station is a must-have for off-grid camping.It’s quiet, can be charged with solar panels, and keeps all my electronics, including a space heater, running on those long winter nights. My latest is the Bluetti Elite 200v2 and it covers all my power needs. Shop here and use my discount code CarolynBU5O to save 5%.

Entertainment: Beat Cabin Fever

Winter nights can be long, but with a little creativity, they can also be fun and fulfilling. Here are some ideas to keep you entertained:

Download Movies and TV Shows: Load up your favorite streaming apps with downloads before you hit the road. A cozy movie night with blankets and popcorn is a winter camping classic.
Crafts and Hobbies: Knitting, journaling, painting, or even cooking elaborate meals can be fulfilling ways to pass the time.
Plan Outdoor Activities: Snowshoeing, hiking, or even a simple walk in the snow can break up the day and let you enjoy the winter scenery.
Stay Connected: If you have internet access, consider virtual meetups with friends or family, online gaming, or streaming live events. Just be mindful of your data usage.

Final Tips for Winter RV Camping

Stay Warm: Invest in a heated jacket, vest, or blanket, like my favorite from Venustas. With a small, fast-charging battery, this will keep you warm and cozy all night long!
Stay Safe: Always check the weather forecast, keep emergency supplies handy, and have a plan for extreme conditions.
Stay Inspired: Take time to enjoy the unique beauty and serenity of winter camping.

With these winter camping hacks, you can embrace the colder months with confidence and enjoy the peaceful charm of RV travel. Whether cooking up a hearty stew, conserving power for a cozy evening, or diving into a favorite hobby, your RV can be a warm and inviting haven even in the chilliest of seasons.

Other Winter RV Living Resources:

DISCLAIMER: Carolyn’s RV Life is viewer and reader supported. When you buy through the links on my site, I may earn a commission – at no additional cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!

Carolyn’s RV Life and Carolyn Higgins share her experiences, thoughts, opinions and ideas in this blog post and on this website for entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, instruction or guidance. Viewers/Readers should consult with professionals before pursing any actions or behaviors exhibited in this video. Carolyn’s RV Life or Carolyn Higgins cannot be held liable in the event of any accident or injury that may occur as a result of application of procedures and information provided in this video.