| Hitting the Road in the Winter |
| Additional considerations when RVing in the Winter |
Hitting the Road in the Winter?
While some RVers hit the roads for cold weather activities such as visiting family and friends or
recreational skiing, ice fishing, and snow-mobiling, most are snowbirds beginning the annual trek south
after Thanksgiving in search of sunshine, palm trees, beaches, deserts, and golf courses.
Whether heading north or south, RVers traveling through areas along their route should be prepared to
encounter sub-freezing temperatures along with snow, rain, freezing rain, ice, and trip delays.
Start the trip with a full tank of propane because you may have to run your furnace while driving as well as
overnight until you reach the warmer locales. Carry appropriate coats, hats, sweaters, gloves and blankets
suitable for cold weather.
Be prepared for delays in the event of severe weather. Select local radio stations that provide periodic
weather forecasts while you are driving. We recommend also carrying and using a NOAA Emergency
Radio. Also consider using a mobile phone service provider and cell phone that provides weather
information to keep track of weather.
While many RVers top off fuel every three to four hundred miles during mild weather, consider refilling your
fuel and propane more often. Use an Interstate Guide and your Woodall’s Campground Directory to keep
track of rest stops, open RV resorts and campgrounds, and other possible places to stay in the event of
trip delays.
Driving on slushy roads not only throws ice up on your windshield, it can also collect and refreeze on your
electric step mechanism. If you step appears to be binding when you lower it, turn it off immediately and
clear any accumulated frozen ice before lowering the step.
An extra set of windshield wipers will be invaluable if you drive through areas of bad weather where salt or
sand is used on roads because these conditions can cause very rapid wear of wiper blades. You should
also carry lots of windshield de-icing and cleaning fluid and be prepared to top off the windshield cleaner
tank at every stop.
Pouring RV antifreeze in your holding tanks will keep the contents and gate valves from freezing when
driving through areas with subfreezing temperatures. An electric dryer can be used to thaw out frozen gate
valves or electric steps (you may need a long extension cord).
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While some RVers hit the roads for cold weather activities such as visiting family and friends or
recreational skiing, ice fishing, and snow-mobiling, most are snowbirds beginning the annual trek south
after Thanksgiving in search of sunshine, palm trees, beaches, deserts, and golf courses.
Whether heading north or south, RVers traveling through areas along their route should be prepared to
encounter sub-freezing temperatures along with snow, rain, freezing rain, ice, and trip delays.
Start the trip with a full tank of propane because you may have to run your furnace while driving as well as
overnight until you reach the warmer locales. Carry appropriate coats, hats, sweaters, gloves and blankets
suitable for cold weather.
Be prepared for delays in the event of severe weather. Select local radio stations that provide periodic
weather forecasts while you are driving. We recommend also carrying and using a NOAA Emergency
Radio. Also consider using a mobile phone service provider and cell phone that provides weather
information to keep track of weather.
While many RVers top off fuel every three to four hundred miles during mild weather, consider refilling your
fuel and propane more often. Use an Interstate Guide and your Woodall’s Campground Directory to keep
track of rest stops, open RV resorts and campgrounds, and other possible places to stay in the event of
trip delays.
Driving on slushy roads not only throws ice up on your windshield, it can also collect and refreeze on your
electric step mechanism. If you step appears to be binding when you lower it, turn it off immediately and
clear any accumulated frozen ice before lowering the step.
An extra set of windshield wipers will be invaluable if you drive through areas of bad weather where salt or
sand is used on roads because these conditions can cause very rapid wear of wiper blades. You should
also carry lots of windshield de-icing and cleaning fluid and be prepared to top off the windshield cleaner
tank at every stop.
Pouring RV antifreeze in your holding tanks will keep the contents and gate valves from freezing when
driving through areas with subfreezing temperatures. An electric dryer can be used to thaw out frozen gate
valves or electric steps (you may need a long extension cord).
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