Must Haves for Winter RVing in Canada
Think RVing is only a warm weather activity? Think again! Winter RVing is totally possible and in some cases, totally necessary (especially if you’re a full time RVer). If you don’t opt to head to Florida or the West Coast from November to April, chances are you are going to encounter some winter weather in your RV.
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Some folks seek out the snow, especially if you enjoy winter sports. Did you know the Whistler RV park is open year round? Time to load up those snowmobiles and pull out those skis!
There are a few items you’ll need to ensure you stay warm, dry, and comfortable in the snow and cold. Here are our must haves for winter RVing in Canada (or anywhere!).
Heated Water Hose
If you have access to a water hookup in the cold weather, a heated water hose is an absolute must have for winter RVing.
Heated water hoses are also very handy when RVing in the shoulder season (spring and fall), as temps can drop below freezing overnight despite being warm through the day. It is not uncommon to wake up to a frozen water hookup in October! A heated water hose is a must have for any RVer.
A Large Propane Tank
RVs typically come equipped with two 30 lb propane tanks. If you are relying on your propane furnace to keep you warm through the winter, you’ll be refilling those tiny tanks very, very often.
While buying a large 2- or 300 lb tank doesn’t always make sense, propane companies often rent these larger tanks. And they’ll come to you for refills!
Research propane suppliers in your area for your option. Trust us when we say you don’t want your little tanks running empty at 2 am when it’s -30° out!
RV Skirting
If you are going to be mobile throughout the winter, then RV skirting isn’t really an option for you. However, if you choose to be stationary for the duration of the season, then RV skirting is highly recommended.
Skirting is exactly what it sounds like. It is often made from vinyl, though some DIY options use foam insulation boards or other materials.
You may find suggestions for hay bales, but we don’t recommend any material that will make a cozy home for animals.
Snow makes a fantastic insulator. If you’ve got plenty of snow in your area, you can push it up against your existing skirting for extra padding.
Skirting will keep the underbelly of your RV much warmer than the outside air. It will help to keep your pipes and tanks from freezing, and keep the wind from stealing all of the heat from your rig.
It can often be a big investment up front. However, the savings in propane and electricity make skirting worthwhile, especially if you use it for multiple years.
A few of our winter hideaways in the RV: Southern Ontario (left), and Tofino, BC.
Dehumidifier
You’re probably thinking: “Why would I want less humidity in the winter?” And you’re right; we often need humidifiers in winter to combat dryness. However, propane heat creates moisture. On top of that, RVs are poorly insulated relative to standard homes. Condensation is easily created due to the clash between the cold weather and warmth indoors. This creates the perfect storm for mold in your RV. The answer? Dehumidifier!
It can also be wise to put Damprid in your closets and corners that don’t get good airflow. This will help keep things dry. There is nothing worse than mold in your RV! This is a must have for winter RVing.
Ceiling Vent Insulators
Vent insulators are essentially square pillows that fit snugly inside your ceiling vents. They do a great job of keeping warm air from escaping out of your vents. A very simple, reusable solution to heat loss in your RV!
As a bonus, these can be used year round! One side is made of a reflective material, reflecting sunlight back away from your RV.
This will help to keep your space cooler in the summer, giving your AC a break during hot weather.
We hope these help you stay warm and cozy in your RV during your next winter adventure. Just getting started in full time RV life? Check out our guide to full time RV life next!
