How to stay comfortable no matter what the weather’s like
Certainly one of the best parts – if not the best part – of owning an RV is that it gives you the freedom to go almost anywhere. Without needing to buy plane tickets or rent a car, you can head out on a trip pretty much whenever you want. Of course, depending on where you’re traveling to, you will need to pack properly, and this means bringing along the right clothes for the area. Getting your RV ready for the climate will also help you stay comfortable wherever you go.
Staying warm in your RV
Parts of America look even better with a sprinkling of snow, and if you’ll be heading to the mountains during the colder parts of the year, you are in for a treat. You do, however, have to plan for very low temperatures, but you can stay nice and toasty in your RV with these tips.
Ensure the furnace is in good shape
Before leaving on a trip to a cold climate, one of the first things you should do is check out your RV’s furnace. Make sure it’s working well and give it any necessary maintenance. A furnace not in optimal condition can waste propane, which will waste your money. A further way to save propane is to keep the temperature setting as low as possible while still being warm enough.
Find and seal any air leaks
Unless you have a brand-new RV, chances are good that there are some spots where air is leaking out. In addition to letting cold air in, this means that your precious warm air is escaping. Looking for cracks or holes is another good thing to do before you go. Closely examine the seals around the windows and doors. If they are cracked or very hard, they should be replaced. For holes, often spray-foam insulation will do the trick. Even just putting one of those draft stoppers in front of the door when it’s closed can be helpful.
Use some decorative insulation
An easy way to maintain warmth in an RV is to keep the shades or curtains closed. You can also buy some thermal window coverings or improve what you have with some DIY magic. RV floors usually don’t have insulation, but you can fix this immediately by putting down some thick throw rugs.
Staying cool in your RV
Just as traveling to very cold areas can be a challenge to your comfort, the same is true for very hot areas. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep cool as the mercury climbs.
Check your AC
If you’re headed south or west, you don’t want to leave without ensuring your air conditioning is working well. Even if you don’t plan to use it much, if you find yourself in a spot where the temperature is approaching triple digits, you will be glad you have it.
Park smartly
When the sun is scorching, finding some shade for your RV can make a huge difference. In many cases, when reserving a space at a campground, you can claim a spot that has a nice amount of shade. If this isn’t an option, you can park your RV, so the side with the most windows isn’t getting hit by the sun.
Block the light
Even if you can park in the shade, light – and the heat it brings – will inevitably come into your RV. You can avoid this by putting up shades on your windows or applying reflective insulation. Attaching an awning is another good option, and this is also a great way to get a shady spot for yourself when you sit outside.
No matter where you’re thinking about traveling to, it’s always good to prepare carefully and this includes planning ahead for both you and your RV. For more tips and information, consider joining the RV Advisor community.
