As winter approaches, it’s time to make sure your RV is ready to face the challenges of cold weather. Properly winterizing your RV not only protects your investment – it can also ensure your comfort and safety on the road. FlexArmor is here to provide you with all the essential RV cold weather tips to weatherproof and prepare for the winter season.
Preparing Your RV for the Winter Season
Before you hit the road for winter adventures, prepare your RV properly by keeping these tips in mind:
Protect Your Water Pipes
Frozen RV pipes aren’t just an inconvenience – they also risk damaging your plumbing system. Because water expands when it freezes, frozen pipes can cause fitting or line failure in your vehicle. Consider purchasing a heated water hose or wrapping your regular one in a heat cable to prevent this.
Drain and Flush Tanks
Before the winter season, be sure to drain and flush your vehicle’s black and gray water tanks as well as your water heater. This step prevents freezing and keeps your RV’s plumbing system in good condition.
Pour Antifreeze Down P-Traps
It’s also important to pour additional antifreeze down the drain of each sink, shower, and toilet in your RV when preparing for cold weather. This way, you can prevent your exterior termination pipes from freezing over.
Get FlexArmor for RVs
Consider investing in FlexArmor, a tough, leak-proof polyurea designed exclusively for RV roofs. Its remarkable tear strength and flexibility offer unmatched protection against winter’s harsh conditions. With over 600% elongation, it is extremely flexible to move with your RV during temperature changes.
Keeping Your RV Heated in the Winter Season
To keep your family warm and comfortable during winter adventures, take advantage of these helpful heating solutions:
Internal Heaters
Consider using internal heaters, such as a Dr. Infrared brand heater or an electric fireplace heater. A portable space heater can also be a useful addition to your RV, providing warmth where you need it most.
RV Skirting
Installing RV skirting provides a barrier around the bottom of your vehicle to help keep cold air and wind from getting under the camper. This can keep your vehicle warmer inside and prevent water pipes and holding tanks from freezing.
Insulating RV Windows
Covering your RV windows with plastic can significantly reduce heat loss, ensuring your RV stays cozy during chilly nights.
Driving in Winter Weather Conditions
Driving an RV in winter weather requires extra caution and preparation. Here are some tips for safe winter driving:
Look Far Ahead
Be sure to maintain a longer following distance in winter weather conditions and anticipate potential hazards by looking further down the road.
Heed the Stability-Control Light
If your stability-control light blinks while accelerating, it’s warning you that your wheels are slipping. Ease up on the accelerator to regain traction.
Control the RV During Skids
In case of skidding, remember to ease off the gas for front-wheel skids and turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the rear for rear-wheel skids.
Use Your Anti-Lock Brakes
If your RV has ABS, push the brake pedal down hard and maintain pressure if you can’t recover from a skid.
Use Good Judgment
Ultimately, if the weather conditions become too hazardous, it’s better to wait it out or adjust your travel plans. Safety should always be your top priority on the road.
Cold Weather RVing Made Easy With FlexArmor
Don’t let winter stop you from embarking on your next exciting RV adventure. With proper preparation and the added insulation of FlexArmor for your RV, you can confidently face the challenges of the cold season. To get started, visit any of our nationwide locations for a free RV roof inspection or a FlexArmor quote.
