Forum Discussion

RampantRoamer's avatar
Apr 17, 2016

FT RV Living in Winter conditions

Greetings all.
I am considering moving into an RV for full time living. I am a single guy with no children to be concerned about and am now looking at a BT Cruiser style RV, still undecided on weather I want an RV model with sliders or not due to leakage issues.

anyways, I live in western Canada and spend about 7 months a year in colder below freezing temperatures; its' pretty rare in my area for temps to fall below -20c.

What I want to know is how 'full timers' live in their RVs during the freezing winter months, and how they avoid freezing pipes and other winter issues while living.
I also want to know how well insulated RVs are built, and any other information that anyone can offer.

thanks all. :)
  • We avoid freezing pipes by heading south. Someone once told me that is why they put wheels on these things.
  • n7bsn wrote:
    Lot's of good info in this thread
    except in # 3' about the heated hose, Dianne does not explain that the thermostat on the hose must be exposed. All heated hoses, home made or made. somewhere else have a thermostat at one end, or the other.
    That thermostat must be open to the weather., not in aservice compartment. Of course thecamp has to have equally heated water site supply, or the issue is moot?
  • I wintered over in Coronach, Sk,(81) The Pas, Mb, ( (86) Coteau du Lac, PQ, (82) Winnipeg ( 87, 89) andWhitecourt, Ab.(2000))in 3 different TT.'s
    Very difficult to find and maintain water facilities from freezing.
    It wasnt cost effective , or fun to winter in an rv in such places. I did it for my work, and because no matter the difficulty, I preferred my rig to a motel or apartment. Therefore the difficulty and cost was not an issue. My family and dog could come along.
    mods must be made to almost any rv ,and special attention to water supply and disposal regardless of mfgr. claims to ensure its extreme weather service.
  • Many oilfield workers have spent the whole winter or more in North Dakota during the oil boom and they did it in various types of RVs

    We have spent 'some limited' time in winter weather with -19*F temps and 2' plus snow

    PROPANE PROPANE PROPANE

    Run that Furnace 24/7 and you will stay warm
    Waste tanks/drain lines/fresh water tanks........that depends on whether or not underbelly is insulated and enclosed with source of heat to the enclosure

    We have furnace duct to enclosure
    Would prefer heater pads on tanks and drain lines PLUS furnace duct.

    Furnace duct alone was marginal------


    Propane Propane Propane

    We went thru 30# (7 gallons) each day during that -19*F stint

    Anytime temps go below 20*F and stay low it becomes a on going effort to keep water from freezing.....waste tanks/drain lines/fresh water tank are most susceptible and plumbing lines running behind/thru cabinets next to outside wall can also be problem areas (leave cabinet doors/drawers open at night). Outside showers .....stuff the opening with insulation.

    Maintain 55*F as minimum

    60W light bulb in outside fridge compartment will help fridge to continue to work


    Propane Propane Propane

    Electric space heaters can be used to keep immediate area warm but lack heating ability for tanks/lines.
    RV Furnace needs to run


    Pioneers did it in covered wagons
    Man since the dawn of time as survived living in cold climates
    Just need to be self sufficient, hearty and determined
  • We stayed in our RV throughout the harshest winters. We just put 1,500 miles between the RV and the frozen tundra. I got cold just watching the folks on the Weather Channel dealing with 2' - 4' of snow and below freezing temps. Sometimes I couldn't finish my pina colada. Actually I don't know of an RV brand that can handle that temp or a roof that will handle that much snow. Just my opinion and I could be wrong.