For those in the northern half of the country, winter brings freezing conditions. If you’re an RV owner, that can bring some serious problems. Cold weather can do huge amounts of damage to your RV which will take major time and money to fix. Camping in cold weather can also be a hazardous activity because severe storms and inclement weather can cause you to get stranded in an isolated location, or worse. Before you head out camping in your RV during the colder months, it’s important to have some information about cold weather camping. This short guide will teach you the basics of cold weather camping. If you are looking for an all-seasons RV or need parts and services for your current RV, stop by Modern Trailer Sales. We’re located in Anderson, Indiana, near Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Muncie, and Carmel, Indiana. Stop by today to learn more!

What Makes an All-Seasons RV?

Having an all-seasons RV is extremely helpful when you’re camping during the coldest months. Not all RVs are designed to handle cold weather, but all-seasons RVs are designed specifically for that purpose. So what sets them apart from the crowd?

Insulation

One of the most important features of an all-seasons RV is added insulation. Many all-seasons RVs feature an extra layer of insulation in the walls, with even more layers in the floor and ceiling. Some manufacturers choose to add a reflective film to help reflect heat back in and keep cold temperatures out.

Pipes

In cold weather, pipes can easily shatter. The best all-seasons trailers have pipes that are designed to deal with extreme temperatures. Some models simply keep them in more insulated areas of the trailer, others actively heat the pipes to keep them above freezing temperatures.

Wrapped Underbelly

Another good feature on some RVs is a wrapped underbelly. This feature helps to increase the insulation under the floor, which is one of the main places where an RV can lose heat. It also helps to shield components under the RV from water and road salt which can be extremely corrosive.

Windows

All-seasons RVs often have improved windows that are better at handling the cold temperatures. Sometimes these will have multiple panes, other times they will have a reflective coating that will help to keep more heat inside.

Road Conditions

The trip to your campsite can be one of the most hazardous parts of your entire camping trip because bad road conditions can lead to traffic accidents. Before you head out, make sure you check the road conditions so you know what to expect. In general, you’ll need to drive slower and more carefully when pulling a trailer. But if the road conditions are bad, you need to drive extra slow and be willing to pull off the road if things get hairy.

Emergency Equipment

No one wants to be faced with an emergency while camping in cold weather, but sometimes it will happen. If you have the right equipment, you can reduce the danger. A flashlight with extra batteries is always helpful. Some road flares can come in handy, and a space blanket will help to keep you warm if the heat goes out. You’ll want some waterproof matches or some other reliable way to start a fire.

If you want to get setup with everything you need for cold weather camping, stop by Modern Trailer Sales. We are located in Anderson, Indiana, and we proudly serve the areas of Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Muncie, and Carmel, Indiana.