Help! My RV Is Freezing

If I’m being honest, winter camping has brought my wife and I some of the fondest and most stressful memories in RV life. Winter camping in an RV can be magical — snow-dusted forests, cozy nights by the heater, and the tranquility of off-season travel. But when your RV starts to feel like an icebox, the dream can quickly turn into a chilly nightmare. No one is enjoying anything if their RV is freezing.

Whether you’re braving subzero temperatures or facing an unexpected cold snap, this guide will help you tackle freezing conditions and keep your RV warm, functional, and comfortable.

Why Is My RV So Cold?

RVs are not always built with harsh winter conditions in mind. Thin walls, minimal insulation, and draft-prone windows make it easy for the cold to seep in. Add to that any gaps or cracks in seals, and your RV can feel more like a refrigerator than a cozy home. But don’t worry — there are plenty of solutions to keep the cold at bay.

Step 1: Inspect your RV for drafts and leaks.

Cold air creeping in through cracks and seals is one of the main culprits when it feels like your RV is freezing. Start by inspecting these critical areas.

• Windows and Doors. Look for drafts and gaps around frames. Use weather stripping or non-sag to create a tight seal. If you want to know what sealants to use in different situations, you check out this RV sealant article. 
• Roof and Vents. Examine your roof seams and vents for cracks or deteriorating sealant. Self-leveling sealants are a go-to solution for patching these areas. 
• Slide-Outs. Check the seals around your slide-outs for damage or wear. Flexible sealants can quickly fill in any gaps and flex with movement.

Pro Tip: Use a flashlight or incense stick to detect drafts. Shine the light or waft the smoke near seals. If you see light or the smoke moves, you’ve found your culprit.

Step 2: Add insulation where it matters most.

Insulating your RV is crucial to fighting those freezing temperatures. Here are some quick upgrades to help trap the heat.

• Windows: Cover windows with reflective insulation like Reflectix to prevent heat loss. For added coziness, hang thermal curtains or shades.
• Underbelly. If your RV will be parked for an extended period of time and has an exposed underbelly, add foam board insulation or skirting to block cold air from circulating underneath.
• Vents and Skylights. Foam vent cushions can help seal off these areas, which are often significant sources of heat loss.
• Floors. Use small area rugs or mats to insulate floors and create another layer between your feet and the cold floor.

Pro Tip: Even something as simple as a draft stopper or “door snake” under your entry door can make a big difference.

Step 3: Heat your RV efficiently.

The key to staying warm isn’t just generating heat — it’s keeping it from escaping. Here are the best ways to heat your RV.

• Furnace. Your built-in furnace and is your first lines of defense, but furnaces can drain propane quickly. Make sure they are well-maintained and use propane sparingly, because in some cases it is your only heating and cooking source.
• Heat Pump. Some rigs have a heat-pump combo with their A/C unit, and if you have a good generator or are connected to shore power, they can be a great source of warmth.
• Portable Heaters. Electric space heaters are a great backup for maintaining warmth in small areas. Look for energy-efficient models with safety features like tip-over protection. Know that they draw a lot of power, so if you are off grid, then always monitor your battery levels.
• Heated Accessories. Heated mattress pads or blankets can make your sleeping area toasty without overworking your furnace. A regular heating pad that you find at a pharmacy is also a cheap but effective option for warming up under the covers at a lower electric draw.

Pro Tip: Use a combination of heating sources to distribute warmth evenly while conserving energy. Know that propane and electricity can drain quickly if you are off-grid and using these methods. So, setting the temperature for a bearable level like 60 and wearing layers helps to conserve resources. 

Step 4: Protect your water system from freezing

Frozen pipes and tanks are a winter camper’s worst nightmare. Here’s how to keep your water system functional.

• Heated Hoses. Invest in a heated water hose to keep your fresh water flowing. Plug it in before temperatures drop.
• Tank Heaters. Install heating pads on your freshwater, gray, and black tanks. These will prevent freezing even in frigid conditions.
• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation or heat tape to keep them from freezing.

Pro Tip: If it’s particularly cold, leave a faucet dripping slightly to keep water moving through the system and prevent freezing.

Step 5: Plan for power and propane.

I touched on this before, but keeping your RV warm in freezing temperatures often means relying on power and propane. Here’s how to stay prepared.

• Stock Up. Always carry extra propane tanks if possible and/or fill up often to prevent running out.
• Monitor Usage. Track your propane and power levels closely so you never run out of heat or battery power.
• Portable Power. A good solar/battery setup or portable generators can help ensure you’re never left without power for heaters, electric blankets, et cetera.

Step 6: Stay comfortable inside.

Finally, don’t forget about creature comforts to make your RV feel like home, even when the weather outside is frightful.

• Layer Up. Wear several layers of clothing to stay warm without overworking your heating system.
• Hot Drinks or soup. For us, nothing beats a cup of hot coffee in the morning, but hot cocoa or tea on a cold night goes a long way in the winter—keep a thermos handy to enjoy throughout the day. Personally, I’m a big soup guy too, so any tasty soup for lunch or dinner helps warm me from the inside.
• Extra blankets. Adding extra blankets and throws around the rig always helps, and it’s a great way to get cozy for movie night. Whether it feels like your RV is freezing, or not, it’s a good idea to keep these on-hand if you’re a four-season RVer.
• Curtains. In some RVs, adding something as simple as curtain to separate a cold room from one that you are trying to warm can save on resources and keep the temperature where you are more comfortable.

Warmly Embrace the Winter RV Adventure

Yes, winter camping in an RV has its challenges. But with proper preparation, it’s an experience like no other. From snowmobiling Yellowstone to skiing and snowboarding just steps from our home on wheels, we have had some amazing winter RV experiences. That’s why recommend trying it — at least once. And if you follow these tips on how to insulate your rig, prep your heating sources, seal up drafts, and keep your resources in check, you will be able stay cozy and enjoy the magic of winter landscapes. Embrace the adventure, and remember: A well-prepped RV is a happy RV, even when the temperatures dip below freezing!