Can You Live in an RV in the Winter

Yes, you can live in an RV in the winter, though winter RV living involves careful planning and consideration. You will need to find ways to keep yourself warm and cozy in the rig throughout the winter. Whether you live full-time in an RV or just spend part of the year in cold climates, this guide will cover everything about living in an RV in the winter and how to prepare your RV for colder temperatures. 

One of the essential things you will need to consider is the solar-powered generators. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful and portable charging solutions capable of charging 99% of RV appliances, such as RV heaters, lights, TVs, outdoor electric grills, etc. This guide also reveals the essential items that will keep you fully prepared to start the winterization process. 

Plan Ahead for Winter RVing 

When living in an RV during winter, you should plan ahead. Check the weather forecast to avoid hard freezes and snowstorms whenever possible. Also, carry an emergency supply kit with essential items, such as a first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, solar generator, etc. 

• Sleeping bags/pads
• Extra socks
• Fuel for outdoor cooking
• Pillows
• Sunscreen
• Water bottles 
• Extra batteries 
• Firewood 
• Personal items
• Toothbrush and toiletries 
• Warm rainproof clothing 
• Biodegradable soap
• Blankets 
• Camp chairs
• Flashlight 
• Gloves 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Hand warmers
• Hat 
• Headlamp
• Jackery Solar Generator 
• Emergency roadside kit 

Looking for Campground & Stay Stationary 

When camping or RVing in cold weather, you need to consider the location. Not all RV parks and campgrounds are open year-round and remain closed from late fall to early spring. 

So, if you want to camp in your RV in the beautiful snow-covered winter, you will need to verify that the chosen location offers winter camping. 

Once you have chosen the right location, consider keeping the RV stationary during a hard freeze. This way, you will have access to the electricity and water hookups and other ways to prepare the RV. 

Choose the Right Indoor Heater 

An indoor heater is one of the most important things to consider when keeping the RV space warm. You can charge the space heater with the help of a solar-powered generator, ensuring the RV stays warm even if you don't have a nearby electricity outlet in the campground. 

Depending on the RV's size and layout, you will likely need to invest in a heater or two. The two most common types of indoor heaters for RVs are electric and propane. 

• Electric Heater: If you have electricity access in the RV campground or a solar-powered generator to charge appliances, an electric heater would be an ideal choice. It will help you reduce your dependence on the RV's furnace, especially if you are using multiple heaters in the larger RV. 
• Propane Heater: This type of heater uses propane gas as a fuel and can be a bit more expensive than electric space heaters. When using propane heaters, make sure the area is well-ventilated and there are no flammable objects. It's always a better idea to keep a fire extinguisher close in case of an emergency. 

Plug into Electric When Possible 

Try to plug into the electricity outlet whenever possible to keep the RV space warm and comfortable. For example, you can stop at a campground for the night that offers an electrical hookup. Even a 30-amp hookup can ensure essential appliances like heaters can make a big difference in winter RV living. 

As a clean and renewable energy source, solar energy sounds like a reliable investment that ensures essential appliances remain powered regardless of where you are. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, and the power station charges appliances whenever needed. 

Keep the Water Safe 

When you keep the water flowing in an RV during the winter, it can make the space feel cold. You should consider filling the water tanks using the heated hose and then packing and storing the hose. 

It can be risky for the spigot to stay connected all the time because certain parts can freeze, even if you are using a heated hose. 

Tank heaters work similarly to heating pads to heat freshwater tanks in the winter months. If the water pump is in the same area, you can even consider using a little space heater.

Install Skirting to Protect Exposed RV Parts 

Many RV owners think that insulation applies only to the interior, but that's not the case! One simple way to manage extreme cold temperatures is to use some type of skirting around the RV.

In simple words, skirting is a material that can be attached to the bottom of the RV. It acts as a barrier between the RV and cold ground, which keeps the RV warmer in the winter. So, can you live in a camper in the winter? Yes, as you can see, proper planning ensures your RV is prepared for winter camping. 

Other Tips for Safe RVing in Winter 

If you plan an RV living in winter or a cold climate, it's essential to follow some other tips to prepare yourself and your RV for extreme temperatures. 

Dual-Pane Windows: You can use thick fabric drapes to block cold drafts around windows and keep warm air inside the RV. Alternatively, you can consider insulated curtains. 

Heat Tapes for Pipes: Use heat tapes or strips to prevent pipes and hoses from freezing. Locate the water pipes outside the RV and wrap them in heat tapes. 

Add Antifreeze: Consider adding antifreeze to all the inner pipes, including black, grey, and water tanks. It will prevent any wastewater from freezing and bursting the pipes. 

Keep RV Dry: With the heat pumping the RV, you will need to keep the RV dry. And a dehumidifier can help you out! It will prevent moisture buildup in the RV, ensuring the inner space remains comfortable. 

Check Tires: The RV tires should have proper tread to ensure safety while traveling. Outdated or worn tires can also pose safety risks, so they should not be outdated to improve overall safety. 

If you are wondering if you can live in an RV in Minnesota in the winter, it also depends on the legal laws of the state. Remember that it's legal as long as you follow the state regulations and camp in designated long-term RV campgrounds. 

Solar Generators for RVing in Winter 

Winter RV camping trips often take you to secluded spots with no access to electrical hookups. That's where the need to invest in solar generators comes in. Jackery is a renowned solar product manufacturer that manufactures solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. 

According to a recent survey by Jackery, 14.7% of customers use solar generator for RV life. The Jackery Solar Generators are portable and powerful, ensuring most RV appliances remain charged for hours. Here we will recommend the best Jackery Solar Generators for RV living in winter: 

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an expandable solar-powered generator that can supply steady electricity to most RV appliances for long hours. The solar generator emits only 30dB of noise, which is less than a refrigerator's hum. It keeps essential appliances such as mini-freezers, electric blankets, and CPAP machines charged during the night, ensuring the RV remains warm and cozy without compromising comfort. 

Customer Review 

“This is the second generator we have bought, and we love it. This one is in our cabin. It's easy to use, and it's nice that it is totally silent. I will recommend this to everyone.” — Karon Owen.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro 

Snowstorms can make the RV cold and uncomfortable. The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a large charging solution that can act as a reliable power source to charge appliances such as RV heaters, lights, heating pads, etc. The powerful battery ensures you can run heating systems, charge devices, and keep the lights on even in the most isolated locations, giving you the freedom to explore without worry.

Customer Review 

“I think the Jackery 3000 is going to be exactly what we need to run part of our appliances whenever our electric power is out. It is lightweight enough to move it around as needed.” — Anita Brock.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is one of the most trusted solar-powered generators that can charge almost all RV appliances for long hours. Its dual-voltage support ensures appliances working at 120V or 240V remain powered. For example, you can charge a clothes dryer working at 240V or even a refrigerator working at 120V. Despite its large capacity, the solar generator is easy to move thanks to the pull rod and double wheels.

Customer Review 

“The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus boasts an impressive energy capacity, which allows for a wide array of needs. This versatility is particularly advantageous for users requiring power for camping equipment, medical devices, electric vehicles, or emergencies.” — Customer.

Depending on your power needs, you can calculate the answer to “What size generator do I need for my RV.”

RV Living in Winter FAQs 

How cold is too cold for RV living? 

Generally, "too cold" for RV living is considered to be around -20°F to -30°F (-28°C to - 34°C). The temperature makes it difficult to maintain a comfortable interior, potentially leading to frozen pipes, engine starting issues, and an increased risk of frostbite.

Can you live in an RV full-time in the winter? 

Yes, you can live in an RV full-time during the winter, but you need to protect your plumbing and other systems from freezing temperatures, especially if you are in a frigid climate. You need to ensure your RV is winterized and has adequate insulation to handle cold weather conditions.

How do I make my RV livable in the winter? 

You should prioritize proper insulation by adding weather stripping around windows and doors, using thermal curtains, and applying reflective insulation on walls and the roof.

Can you sleep in an RV in the winter? 

Yes, you can sleep in an RV during the winter, but proper preparation is required to ensure that your RV is adequately insulated and equipped to handle cold temperatures, including a reliable heating system.

How do you keep an RV from freezing while living in it? 

You should adequately insulate the entire vehicle, including the underbelly, pipes, and windows, use heat sources like space heaters, and ensure your water lines are protected with heat tape or by keeping a constant flow of water when temperatures are near freezing.

Can you live in a camper in negative temperatures? 

Yes, you can technically live in a camper in negative temperatures, but it requires preparation. However, it is less recommended as it can be very challenging due to the risk of frozen pipes, inadequate heating capabilities, and potential discomfort even with proper insulation.

Do I need to winterize my RV if I live in it? 

Yes, you should winterize your RV if you live in it during the winter to improve overall safety. It includes protecting the plumbing, insulating the RV, adding space heaters, etc. 

Conclusion

While the answer to the question of whether you can live in an RV in the winter is yes, you need to prioritize proper planning. For example, you should install double-pane windows, have a heater, and invest in a solar generator like those from Jackery. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful and portable charging solutions that can keep essential RV appliances powered during cold days and nights.