Cold Weather RVing

Winter is coming. No that’s not a teaser for another season of Game of Thrones. It’s just a fact. If you live in a warmer climate, you may never know the trials and tribulations that cold weather brings and even though I love snow and winter in general, I wouldn’t blame you for choosing to live in a region that may never see a flake fall. There is always plenty of preparation needed to get ready for those long dark winter months – from filling the freezer to chopping and splitting enough wood to keep the cabin cozy. The change of season brings a change in routine and as that thermometer drops, it seems to instill a sense of urgency unlike other times of year. Winter gets your attention, to say the least.

For us RVers, winter can mean the end to the travelling season. Many of you might park or store your rig for the colder months in anticipation of more trips and adventures when the weather improves. If you’re unaccustomed or intimidated by travel during the winter, this is an easy option to avoid the preparation and overall work required to operate an RV in the cold. But it’s not the only option. Whether you are driven by a pure love of the road, bold ambition, or simply the desire for adventure, RVing in the winter is still possible and with a little preparation and know-how you can have an amazing time out there on the road even when the days are short and the snow is falling.

Related Read: How to Prepare Your RV for Winter

Safety

First things first, when it comes to RVing in the winter, safety should be your number one priority. Safety always needs to be a priority when driving and operating an RV, but with the variable and adverse conditions that you are sure to encounter during the winter, extra attention needs to be given to keeping your rig safe on the road.

A key element to being able to operate your vehicle safely during the winter is having good tires. You might be able to get away with older tires with less tread when you are just driving on the highway in summer months but when snow and ice start to stick to the roads, bad tires can lead to bad situations in a hurry. You don’t necessarily need dedicated snow tires for your RV in the winter. The weight of your vehicle is to your advantage and can help keep your vehicle from slipping and sliding. Adequate tread is necessary for safety and for traction, however and if you are unsure if your tires have enough tread, chances are you need new ones.

Snow tires can provide extra traction and if you are really serious about winter RVing, it’s recommended that you get your vehicle equipped with these. You can change out the tires for regular radials come spring at a tire shop really easily. Another option that works well is to get your RV equipped with all-season tires. These tires will provide ample traction in the snow and ice but also perform well on the highways in the summer and give you the confidence to explore some back roads for boondocking. A good list of tires can be found here, be sure to check out the all-season specific tires for winter purposes. If you decide to head out during the winter in an RV, it’s also highly recommended to keep a set of tire chains onboard. These chains can get you out of a pinch or over a snowy mountain pass if conditions really take a dive.

Winter Driving Tips

Driving in adverse conditions demands extra attention and focus. You should always practice good driving habits when behind the wheel of any vehicle but especially a large one like an RV. These tips are great to follow any time of year but during the winter, they can make the difference between a fender bender, getting stuck in a ditch, or worse.

Always go slow and give plenty of space to the vehicles in front of you. If road conditions are slick, your vehicle will take longer to get under control if you have to stop quickly. RV’s take longer than an average car to slow down due to their size and in the winter it can take even longer to slow the rig down. If you keep your speed slow and steady (think 30mph or less if conditions are really bad) you can easily keep everything under control and lessen the risk of an accident.

If you do have to stop quickly, remember to pump the brakes versus slamming them. This lessens the risk of you going into a slide or skid where your RV could turn sideways and be completely out of your control. Slow and steady applies to braking and slowing down as well. Take turns and corners at a moderate to slow speed and never hit the gas when going around a big turn to further lessen your chances for a skid or spin out. If you do happen to go into a slide, don’t panic. Keep your hands on the wheel, take your foot off of the gas or brake and slightly turn the wheel towards the direction of the slide and you can get it back under control.

Related Read: RV Winter Driving Tips

Other Tips

A few other tips to keep you safe on the road during the winter include having good wiper blades and making sure your defroster and heater are fully operational. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months or less and defrosters are crucial in keeping your windshield from building up snow and ice. Also remember to check your washer fluid reservoir frequently to make sure you can clean the windshield when needed. All of these are essential to maintaining proper visibility on the road which is extremely important during the winter driving season.