RV Heating Tips to Stay Warm

When the temps drop down, camping in your RV can quickly go from feeling cozy to feeling like you’re camping in a meat freezer. However, there are several ways to keep your RV warm, even as Jack Frost knocks at the door. Stay warm when the days and nights are cooler with our top RV heating tips.

Explore On-Board Heating Upgrades

One of the best ways to make sure that you are comfortable in your RV regardless of the outdoor temps is to purchase an RV that is upfit with on-board heating options. Many luxury RVs will offer added upgrades, such as built-in fireplaces to increase the comfort of the space.

On-board heating options are the best choice for staying warm for two key reasons:

1. They are designed to heat the specific size of your RV. When you add in heaters later, they might not be the ideal fit for the space you are attempting to heat. Heaters that are built into your RV from the manufacturer will be best equipped to heat the entire interior space adequately.
2. They are safe. One of the most important considerations when heating your RV should be safety. Never use an open flame or a heater designed for residential spaces inside your RV. This can lead to fire or electrical failures.

Purchase Additional Heating Options

While built-in heating is ideal, it is possible to purchase heating accessories for your RV down the road. When purchasing an additional heating option, such as a propane or electric heater, make sure to keep the following in mind:

• Look for a product that is specifically designed for interior RV use. These heaters will often have built-in features that will turn the heater off should it tip over or malfunction.
• Purchase enough units to heat each space. Rather than relying on a single electric heater to provide warmth for your entire RV, purchase a few units that can be used in individual spaces. This will prevent putting too much strain on a small heating unit.
• Install extra safety features in your RV. If you plan to use a propane heater (one that is specifically designed for RV use), it is wise to also install a propane sniffer. This will help detect any leaks early on.

Properly Seal Your RV

A small hole in your roof or a gap between your door and flooring can all contribute to a colder RV interior. Before you head out into the cold, take the time to give your RV a thorough once over.

Repair any seals, cracks, or gaps to ensure that warm air is trapped inside and cold air is kept out. For bigger jobs, consider taking your RV into the shop for repairs. Your RV service team can even recoat your roof for added protection, and many RV service centers offer additional insulation options to help keep cold weather outside.

Use Window Coverings to Your Advantage

In an RV, one of your main sources of heat loss will be your windows. Covering your windows with a thermal layer can help trap the heat.

One great option is to use reflective thermal foil foam to cover up windows when you are in camp. Additionally, many RV centers will sell window covers designed for your specific RV make and model.

Set Up Insulative Skirting

If you are going to be parked in camp for more than a day during frigid temps, setting up insulative skirting around the base of your RV or travel trailer is worthwhile. Skirting will help cut down on the amount of cold wind blowing underneath the bottom of your RV. This helps keep your floors warmer and will increase your overall interior temperature.

Cover Your Roof Vents

Another area where your RV can lose a large amount of heat is through roof vents. As hot air rises, any openings in the roof will quickly cause the hot air to travel out of your RV.

One simple way to prevent this heat loss is by installing roof vent lids during the colder months. These lids provide increased insulation and prevent hot air from escaping through the vents.

Add Cozy Rugs to Your Floors

Unless you have upgraded to heated floors, they can be one of the coldest places in your RV. Rather than stepping out of bed onto an icy floor, add a few rugs to rooms in your RV that feature non-carpeted flooring. A cozy rug can go a long way in keeping your toes warm on cold winter mornings and nights.

Invest in Warm Layers and Bedding

One of the best ways to keep yourself warm is by purchasing quality clothing designed for cold temps. If you aren’t accustomed to living in a cold climate, take a trip to your nearest outdoor gear shop and invest in warm layers.

In addition to pulling on your wool socks and bundling up in a fleece-lined jacket, you might also want to consider investing in warmer bedding. Down and synthetic versions of down are excellent choices for keeping you toasty throughout the night. You can also add a few warm throws throughout your RV to make daytime seating more comfortable.

Become a Snowbird

At the end of the day, if the thought of camping in the cold is not for you, consider chasing the warmer weather down south instead. One of the benefits of owning an RV is that you can take your vacation, retirement, or work-from-road life anywhere you want to go. For many in the community, cold weather is the perfect opportunity to explore the southern tip of Florida or bask in the warmth of the Baja of Mexico.

Stay Cozy with an Upgraded RV

If your RV is showing its age, it might be challenging to keep the interior warm no matter what you do. If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new RV today, the staff at Transwest are here to ask about the latest and greatest heating options, such as built-in fireplaces. Find a Transwest location near you to check out the latest inventory.