If you’re planning on camping in your RV during winter, you need to do a bit of preparation to protect your vehicle from the harsh elements and yourself from the cold. It’s also recommended that you call campsites ahead of time to ensure their availability since camping without hookups can be detrimental if you get stranded in a storm and run out of supplies. Once you’ve settled on a destination, spend a day or two prepping for your trip.

Replace any worn seals along windows, doors and seams; then add weather stripping to these same areas, along with the edges of access panels. Empty the black and gray water tanks and then add RV antifreeze, which is for water systems and not the same as the type you use for cars.

Insulate pipes with foam pipe insulation if you’re traveling to a milder climate or heat tape if you’re traveling to a very cold climate. Install insulated curtains and close them at night to retain heat. Another option for handy individuals is to cut insulating foam board to fit around the base of your RV between the frame and the ground when parked, which helps the cold air from reaching tanks and pipes.

Clean the furnace area with a soft brush and compressed air to remove debris. Test the furnace before leaving to ensure proper function. If your RV relies on a heat pump or heat fins, you may want to bring an extra source of heat such as an electric space heater and/or an electric blanket to provide more warmth.

Once you’ve finished prepping the vehicle, you’ll need to pack some emergency supplies to help you survive if a problem arises. Gather supplies such as tire chains, a weather radio, extra blankets, sleeping bags rated for freezing temperatures for everyone traveling, at least five gallons of drinking water in the cabin, a camping stove that doesn’t need propane, a generator, a blow dryer for thawing frozen pipes, a GPS system, a cell phone and charger, road flares, a flashlight, a multi-tool and anything else you find necessary.

Don’t let the winter blues keep you from traveling. Call Casey Insurance Group at 888-537-1412 for more information on Florida RV insurance.