Family around the campfire near the motorhome

Looking for a winter getaway? We live in a great location with many options for taking our RVs on a winter getaway. The Cascades are minutes away. As is the Pacific Ocean. You could head up to British Columbia or down to Oregon and California. Maybe you can stretch out the miles and head towards Nevada and Arizona.

With so many destinations in mind, there is always a sense of adventure when you take your RV into a colder climate – especially places close to the Puget Sound area. You are already challenged by snow, ice, wind, and other elements that can make an RV trip difficult.

Why do a winter RV trip?

As Outdoorsy states, “because cold weather RVing can get you into some of the best places to hang out in your camper. You could live close to a ski hill for a fraction of the cost of a condo, you could hang right by certain national parks and have them nearly all to yourself, or you could just stay in an area you want to stay in despite Mother Nature’s wrath.”

What’s the best way to enjoy a winter RV trip?

First of all, make sure your RV is warm. If you have a four-season RV, the heating system should work to keep you comfortable. For those of you with three-season RVs, there are a few things to do. That includes adding more insulation, skirting your RV, adding multiple safe forms of heat, including an outdoor campfire, and packing for colder temperatures.

If your RV is equipped with a heater, you might want to do some maintenance on it. This should be done before the onset of winter. That way, you can ensure the heater is in good working order before braving the cold temps. Again, RV trips should be comfortable for everyone.

Inside your RV are pipes that run water and waste. To make sure they work for your winter RV trip, use a heated hose to keep the water flowing. You should also use your RV’s internal freshwater tank if you do not have a heated hose or run from a municipal water source. Your RV’s heater will also help keep the pipes warm. You can use a low-temp heat tape on your hoses to keep them thawed. If needed, let the water drip.

When it comes to your black and gray water tanks, be strategic in dumping the waste out of your RV. Don’t leave them open all of the time, especially when it’s cold outside. Only dump them when they are nearly full. You should also use antifreeze in your black and gray tanks to prevent them from freezing.

Before you go on your winter RV trip, make sure you pack warmer clothes, gloves, sleeping bags, and blankets. Extra lighting, propane tanks, a shovel, and tire chains could also come in handy.

1 miles

$17,111