Winter RVing in Freezing Weather - Cold Climate RV Survival Tips
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ธ.ค. 2020
- We're RV snowbirds, which means we don't usually spend winters RVing in cold weather. But we occasionally want to participate in cold weather camping activities, or visit friends who live in places where temperatures can drop below freezing. Since RVing in the winter requires some special preparation, we're sharing some of the winter RVing tips we’ve learned over the years to make winter RVing trips as successful as possible.
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Peter Knize & John Sullivan host The RVgeeks channel on TH-cam, and co-host and co-executive produce The RVers TV show on The Discovery Channel, PBS, iTunes and many other outlets. Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, they share DIY RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks they've learned in nearly 2 decades on the road.
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WEBSITE: thervgeeks.com
INSTAGRAM: / rvgeeks
THE RVERS: thervers.tv
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We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and The RVgeeks participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But our opinions are our own, you won’t pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.
#WINTERRVING #RVWINTER #COLDWEATHERRVING #RVGEEKS #RVLIFE #RVDIY #RVLIVING #FULLTIMERV #RVREPAIR #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Great info, guys! You're always so on point and present the info so professionally. 😁👍👍
Thank you! Coming from fantastic presenters like you, that means so much. Better get down here for some hugs and drinks! 🥂🥰
Excellent tips. So much of this is good for any type of RV, not just the Class A. Thanks for sharing.
Never noticed until this video that your sewer hose support has ties to ensure that the hose stays atop the support; what a great idea! :-) Of course, ours lacks them. :-( We have a Sani-con system, but your video makes me rethink exclusively using it. Also, the way the hose expands and contracts pretty much precludes using a support for it. Certainly gave me much to consider. :-)
I noticed that you failed to mention heated floors in describing how to keep the inside warm. So long as we have power, we use ours when it gets chilly outside. Heating the wet bay with a worklight is such a great idea. Have seen others use an unprotected light bulb, but having the cage around it seems much safer. Thank you! Have a great week! Safe travels! :-)
Thanks Neal! We use a slunky sewer hose support, and love it: amzn.to/2MBpoP8 We probably forgot to mention heated floors because we're so jealous of people who have them! 😂
Great tips as usual. Always look forward to your new content.
Great winter camping tips. Thanks. Looks like you enjoyed the hot water lol. Safe travels.
Thanks guys, another great video.
*Very helpful. Thank you !*
Good tip Howes (product you used)has a guarantee to not gel when in tank before in cold temps to not gel. Only thing id say is fallow direction that bottle is capable of treating 250 gallon if my memory is correct!
Very nice video and no music , wonderful.
Glad you liked it!
Love!!
Glad you like them!
Very helpful. Thanks
Great tips and great to see you guys again on TH-cam.....
Thanks, Hector! Hope you're doing well!
Excellent tips. Thanks.
Great tips. One thing I've always noticed. Your coach is always well presented. I really appreciate how well you guys take care of your rig.
Thanks so much, Michael! At nearly 16 years old, it’s starting to take a bit more effort, but it’s a labor of love! 😄
Very informative video. I watched your earlier cold RVing video and this video is a great complement to it. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Jim! Glad it was helpful.
im going to be winter camping exclusively!!!!
Great info...as always!! Please Sir I Want Some More!!! lol! Thx!
Another fabulous upload! Keep up the great content. stay safe and warm.
Thanks! You too! 😄
Love the video helped so much also Notification squad
its so interesting seeing how you guys set up ur rv
Another great video guys, thanks stay warm, we are headed to the cold this Dec also.
Thanks, Tobe! Hope you stay warm... and have fun!
Good information. 👍👍👍 Thanks for sharing 😁 Be Safe 👋
Always enjoy your tips even though we may not have a need to use them....👍🏻 stay safe & healthy guys !!
Thanks so much Lola! You too!
Good tips
Another great vid Peter and John you guys rock stay warm this winter or cool lol wherever the open road takes you guys
Thanks so much Ed! You stay safe and warm or cool too! 😄
my winter camping tip, come visit us in florida, we'd love to have you, god bless, you guys are the best
Thanks guys! I’m wintering here on Vancouver Island for the winter. So far only one night below freezing. Fingers crossed it stays like this! I used heat strip for my water hose and incased it in foam tubing, but I think a heated hose would have been easier. I was worried that a heated hose wouldn’t help at the connections. I considered getter a larger propane tank like you showed, but the company I was going to use said I would need to get a certified gas fitter to make the connection. I decided it wasn’t worth it, so I’m using my electric space heater, except when it does go below zero. Then I will use my furnace to heat my tanks and lines in my 19 ft Airstream. 🤞
Have a great winter, Karen! Sounds like you’re in good shape, especially in the “Florida” of Canada on the island! Our home base in the Lower Mainland in a close second. 🇨🇦😁
I really like the tip of changing tire pressures in advance and only having to make small adjustments on your travel day. That would take out little bit of stress and time out of what is usually a stressful day.
Keep the great videos coming in we appreciate the tips
Thanks so much!
Take a piece of memory foam and place around your Sewer hose also at the exit point. It will expand and seal around the hose if you have to leave it hooked up. This will keep your bay warmer also as no large opening is there...
If you don't have a pass thru like Dutch Stars have you can use it around your electrical and fresh water hose also....
Thanks so much for the great additional tip!
Hi Guys we find ourselves in Prescott az for the winter,no snow yet but over night Temps in the teens,thanks for the refresher course, hope you both are well,Merry Christmas from the Mittons and their Kittens 😸😻✌✋❤
Thanks so much! Stay safe out there!
Nice overview guys. My preference is to simply avoid the cold! 👬😎
awesome video good job very good info 🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦🛠️
Thanks 👍
Roughing it in the hot tub! Great tips for cold weather camping. I would like to add: Although a tank dump on the morning of departure should softened up the sewer hose be extra careful during handling as the plastic could become brittle. Safe travels !
Thanks Wayne! Great additional tip!
Great info. Thanks. :-)))) :-))))
Thanks David! ☺️
Interesting how geography can change things. Here in Finland is quite rare to need antigel treatment because here we can pretty much just check calendar when we need summer/winter diesel and when fuel stations have that.
Only time I have had problems with gelling was when I didn't drive my car in three months. Luckily vw golf has a heated fuel filter, we just used block heater and heated every visible part of fuel system with hot water (in a plastic bag). After that there was no problems, it was 15 km drove to fuel station. it was about -20C(-4F) and (summer)diesel in the tank was rated to use warmer conditions than -10C(14F) or -15C(5F). We filled the tank with arctic diesel which is good to about -38C(-36F).
Cold is interesting thing, you can survive it with quite easy steps, but you just have to know them.
Thanks for the informative video!
Considering the climate in Finland, we’ll take your input as about as authoritative as it can get! Thanks so much!
There is a contact time that the Lysol must stay wet on the hydrant for it to do anygood. It may need to be reapplied to stay wet for the duration of the contact dwell time.
Howes is really good stuff. Been using that stuff since the 80s in big trucks too. Still use it today in my Duramax. But you could have got three fill ups out of that jug!LOL
We know, Gary! We normally add the required amount and keep the rest, but since we're a little low on storage space, and we don't plan to need it again this winter, we just dumped it all in! LOL
Great video. For a diesel fuel additive I use Diesel Kleen. They are the only ones recommended by Cummins.
www.cummins.com/news/releases/2017/05/10/cummins-inc-officially-recommends-power-service-diesel-kleen-cetane-and
Having camped in cold weather before I agree you don't want your sewer hose to freeze. It takes a long time to thaw out that big popsicle.
Right now on my MADP I am running the Oasis on AC heat and set to 48 degree to make shure the basement stayes nice and warm. We don't get many freezes in the Fort Worth area but it was 28 last night.
Nice video if you have a big rig with all those bells and whistles, but what about a small Travel trailer that the sewer line is already close to the ground? I do use the "Sewer Solution" not the stinky slinky. What if your water tank is under the trailer and you can't get to it? Again nice video but really mainly for fancy big rigs not small travel trailers, By the way we don't all have that fancy tire monitor what about that.
Lucas anti-jell is the good stuff. And I have to laugh at your reference to 15 degrees being “pretty cold”. That ain’t cold! All good tips, btw.
Were we revealing how thin-blooded we’ve become since we started snowbirding? 😂
I love how low the diesel prices where then now can't afford to go anywhere!
RVing in cold weather is a choice we sometimes make. This year we’re snowbirding in the desert SW, just back from a 5-week RV trip in France, Italy and Spain!
There is no need to add Anti-gel to diesel if you are filling up in a cold place. The fuel will have it in already. There are different formulations based on regional temperature differences.
Excellent point, Brian! In our case we were filling up right around the transition time from summer to winter blend, and heading into a colder climate in the mountains not far away, so we couldn’t be sure the diesel was winter blend yet. The anti-gel additive is a bit of cheap insurance to make sure.
Great tips but brrrrrr, I think we will stick to staying south for the winter if thats ok LOL!!!
Sounds OK to us! 😄🌵
Excellent tips. I am curious, do you have any idea how your electric space heater compares to a RV fireplace?
Hi Hermes. We haven't had the pleasure of experiencing an RV fireplace... but it would all come down to the wattage of the heater. We'd guess it was comparable (most heaters, whether "space" or "fireplace", are in the 1,000W to 1,500W range because of limitations on electrical circuits). Of course, placement of the heat source is important, too... so if the fireplace isn't blowing its heat toward where you're sitting, it won't seem as effective as a space heater you can cozy up to! 😉
Honestly, the idea that you 2 put diesel anti jelling in the fuel is honestly a smart move. My dad and grandfather's friend are or were mechanic's, and they can tell you all the times that they've gotten trucks with jelly for diesel fuel in the tanks either because the person who used the truck didn't fuel up the truck with their specific winter treated diesel fuel, and it jelled up on them. My dad bought a john deer tractor, and he had a few times where he had the fuel in that jell up on him. Diesel fuel is good in above 40 degree F weather, and can be a nightmare in climates that get below 40 degrees F. It's interesting that you 2 are taking a different approach to cold climate birding this year outside your 2's 2 previous video's.
Hi Morgan! Thanks for all the great additional information. And don’t worry. We’re not spending much time in cold climates. As a matter fact we already left! 😁
@@RVgeeks Ah, one of those video's that are delayed a few weeks?
@@morganrussman Just a few. We were actually there just about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Now back in warmer weather like the good Snowbirds we are. 😁
@@RVgeeks Ah, I see.🙂😏
So I guess dual citizenship made crossing the border right now easy huh?
Could you tell us where that beautiful outdoor hot springs is at. It looks so inviting.
Sure thing, Finn! That's Ouray Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado. And yes, it's wonderful! ourayhotsprings.com
Pagosa Hot springs is another great resort area.
Looks like you may be at crazy creek in Canada? Thomyt
Good guess, Thomas! But we were in SW Colorado. 😄
Great tips, thank you! :-0). Is the diesel winterizin/ antigel also recommended for all diesel? Regular Pick up truck too?. Great tip about the water spigot I never thought of that !
Diesel anti-gel additive also prevents icing if there’s any water in the system, and we’d suggest it’s cheap insurance for taking any diesel-powered vehicle into climates where the temperature can drop much below freezing. That’s especially true if you may end up staying longer than anticipated, or if you’re not sure if you have winter diesel in the tank, which already has additives to help deal with cold weather.
@@RVgeeks I did not know there was winter diesel at the pump! I have a Baby Duramax Colorado, so, its one Antigel mix with every fill? Sorry, I am bombarding you with my questions at different videos:-0). Winter Canada camping, I have many projects but don't want to go outside to execute 😅🥶.
I use the same sewer hose gloves but mine are black
Good information today. Another thing you might think about too, is you can put kerosene in with diesel as it will mix and will stop the gelling too. Kerosene is also good if your fuel is already gelled to get it going again. I don’t know what the mixture would be though.
Good thought Ralph, but we’re with you on being unsure of the mixture.
@@RVgeeks I just realize to on watching further down the video that that light you put in your well should be an incandescent bulb as they get hot. I don’t think that will work for LED bulbs. Just a thought, safe travels my friend.
Yup. Should have mentioned “incandescent” in the video (added that to our blog post). An LED sure would make it bright down there though wouldn’t it?! 😂
Thanks for the great tips! One question, though, do you rinse or wipe off the water spigot before you connect the guage and hose? I'm a bit worried about Lysol getting into the fresh tank. Or am I being overly concerned since it's such a tiny amount of Lysol?
Great question Steve! We always run a small amount of water up through the spigot after using Lysol, mostly just to flush some fresh clean water through, not specifically because fo the Lysol (but that too)! We didn't show that here because the video was getting a little long and we edited it out. 😊
@@RVgeeks Too long?!? LOL! You're videos are waaay too short! You're info is so helpful we're happy to watch you for at least double your usual time.
That’s just regular camping for us here in the UK! AND we do it all on just 16 amps 😂
You guys have a great advantage with 240 volts vs our puny 120! 😂
@@RVgeeks Fair point
Light bulb heat. I have a fake rock that covers my water well head. I have been using a light during winter for 25 years.
My first winter in my Motorhome have listened to many of your videos.
After all your years in your Motorhome do you still feel the De'Longhi Convection Panel Heater is best or would you install something different for electric source ?
Also, curious on propane backup source alternative to onboard you would recommend
Thank you for all you do!
Hi Jolene! We didn't have an especially good experience with that heater, and replaced it with a small 1,500-watt space heater. (we bought two of them for those occasional times we don't snowbird). There are tons of them out there, but here's the type of thing that takes up very little room, and puts out quite a lot of heat: amzn.to/3vsqiA6
As far as propane heating, we boondock a LOT, so that's the primary way we heat. But our furnace blows through propane, so we use a portable model, which we love. It's similar to this one: amzn.to/3G5E4h3 but there's a more popular brand out there called Mr Heater that we've heard great things about: amzn.to/3Q51VC2
Hope this helps a bit. Safe travels, and Happy New Year!
@@RVgeeks Yes. Thank you for the reply. Safe travels and Happy New Year
@@RVgeeks Yes. Thank you for the reply. Safe travels and Happy New Year
My RV isn't made for winter camping. Found that out few years ago when he stayed in our RV's when we went to NYC(stayed in Jersey City). Burned up most of my propane as the furnace basically ran all day.
Really cold temps are a big challenge for sure, even in a well-equipped rig.
@@RVgeeks I tried using ceramic space heaters but they didn't work too well. I'll stick to warm weather camping I guess. LOL
Just watched this video again, and I have 1 question, I have a Kountry coach and I just want to know when I turn on the basement blower, does it run all the time, or only when the furnace is on ???
THANKS, Lonny
Hi Lonny! We don't know of any RV that runs the basement blower all the time... they only work when the furnace comes on.
@@RVgeeks thanks I'll look into it and find out what's going on...
I figured as much, but wanted to know form some with more experience than I... THANKS
Light bulb CANNOT be a led or fluorescent. To be a heat source it needs to be an old incandescent. Great tip as I had never thought about using a light in the MH, even though I have done that many times around the house.
Hi Ralph! I should have included “incandescent” when I mentioned the light bulb, but we did include it in yesterday’s blog post on our website.
@@RVgeeks hmmm, I don’t know of any led “60 watts” 💡, nor any fluorescent bulbs shaped like a 60 watt 💡, so that was obvious to me. 🍻
Is a DZ license truly required for a diesel pusher in Canada? I know because of the weight it technically is but I hear they don't enforce it at all. I also can't see taking a $6000.00 truck driving course just to drive a nice RV. Any insight? Thanks
Hey Cutlass. It varies by province/state. In BC, we had to take a course and get an air brakes endorsement on our license in order to be able to drive our diesel pusher, since it has air brakes. So licensing requirements will vary depending on where you live.
@@RVgeeks Thanks, in Ontario you need the DZ + the air brake endorsement for anything with air brakes over 24,250lbs but apparently nobody cares and drives them anyway but I can see major implications if I were to get into an accident with the wrong license.
Too bad your MA is pre Oasis. Those diesel burners are awesome
We agree David! Might be time for a new RV. 😉
I am curious tho, how warm is your RV fuel tank after an hour of driving?
That’s an interesting question that I’m not sure how to find the answer to!
@9:31 CHIPMUNK!!!
Good spotting! We had to hire him as an extra! 🐿
We’re do you fill diesel for 1.97$ ?
This was a year ago. Can’t get it that cheap now. ☹️
The temperatures you are talking about are not nearly cold enough to worry about diesel fuel gelling
We probably should have stressed the additional benefit of anti-gel additives, which is anti-ice. We like the cheap insurance of these additives in case there’s any water in our fuel filters, we stay longer than planned, the temperature drops slower than expected, or the fuel we bought before arriving in the mountains wasn’t winter blend.
$1.98 per gallon for diesel? Quite the increase since then.
How long have you all been full timing?
Since 2003!
@@RVgeeks wow
wish we still had that fuel price
LOL! We know how you feel, Ryan!
All diesel fuel has winter antigel at the pump now, no need for an additive
True (although you're relying on the particular blend or additive level the station you're fueling at is using, which may not be sufficient for where you're heading). But we actually filmed this at the end of October at a low-elevation location that likely wouldn't have "winterized" their fuel, yet... and were headed to a high-elevation location where a cold front was going to drop temps below freezing. So we figure we'd rather be safe than sorry. The cost of the additive was cheap insurance.
Why were you not filling up at a truck stop and using EFS card?
Hi Bill! We find that we are able to meet or beat those prices almost every time through judicious use of Gas Guddy. We also prefer to avoid fueling at truckstops as a general rule, because, as a retired professional driver, I’m sensitive to people who are out recreating potentially getting in the way of truckers who are trying to fill their rigs and get going with their job. We also tend to avoid interstates, and truckstops are much less plentiful on secondary roads.
👍👍👍
Most northern truck stops put anti-gel in fuel already
Exactly. Winter diesel versus Summer diesel. At 15 degrees an additive is nothing more than snake oil and a waste of money. On the other hand, winter diesel is ratio mix of #2 and #1 diesel, you can never really trust the mix that the station is providing you, so for a limited use RV it will at least give you piece of mind.
Your money. Your peace of mind. Nothing wrong with that
Absolutely Uriah! Our only concern is when travelling from warmer low elevation areas into mountainous ones we have no idea what kind of fuel we’ve got, so we agree that the additive is cheap insurance.
Don’t forget to add the high percentage rubbing alcohol to your windshield wiper fluid if you’re are traveling
What model year is that?
‘05. Thanks!
Pv=nrt
0:03 not if you live in southern states!
In that case, the “special preparation” can be as easy as stocking up on sun block! ☀️😎
Where does someone get diesel for $1.97? Wow!
Nowhere now. This was December, 2020.
Oh, wait! A 110V 20 amp extension plug inches from a water spigot??? OMG! A formula for electrocution.
That’s just the way RV parks are. All the hook ups are usually right next to each other. Haven’t heard about anybody being electrocuted at the pedestal, which might be due to the protective circuit breakers.
Russians actually get in a pool of water during freezing temps....I think it makes their immune system stronger....though I'm not positive of there personal reason 😁
Uh…$1.97 for DIESEL. Sitting here with my 1984 Mercedes 300D paying 4.99 LOL
That price was last year in Colorado. We sure miss those days.
@@RVgeeks for sure
@@RVgeeks I sold the RV last year, but thanks for all the immensely helpful tips as usual, Who knows maybe I’ll come back to it. Once an RVer always an RVer 😊
Americans lol
We’re Canadian.
@@RVgeeks Than you should know. Just ad some gasoline and spend it somewhere else.