Stay Toasty: Our Top 5 RV Upgrades for Comfort in Cold Weather

There’s a special kind of magic to camping in the cooler months. The air is crisp, the trails are quiet, and the night sky seems to shine a little brighter. But as the temperatures dip, the thought of being cold can send even the most seasoned RVer packing.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Your RV furnace is a great start, but with a few smart upgrades, you can transform your rig from a three-season getaway vehicle into a cozy, four-season haven. Whether you're a full-timer, a winter traveler, or just want to extend your camping season, these upgrades make a world of difference.

Here are five must-have RV upgrades for comfort in cold-weather months:

1. RV Skirting

If you plan on staying in one spot for an extended period in the cold, skirting is a game-changer.

• What It Is: A barrier of insulated vinyl, foam board, or inflatable tubing that runs along the bottom of your RV, sealing the gap between the rig and the ground.

• Why It Matters: Skirting blocks the harsh wind from blowing underneath your RV, which is where your holding tanks, water lines, and floor are most exposed. This creates a pocket of insulated, warmer air that acts as a buffer against the cold.

• The Benefit: A dramatically warmer floor, better protection for your plumbing against freezing, and a more efficient heating system since your furnace won't have to work as hard.

2. A Heated Water Hose

For anyone camping with city water hookups in freezing temperatures, this is not a luxury—it's a necessity.

• What It Is: An electrically heated, drinking-water-safe hose that plugs into a power outlet. A built-in thermostat automatically turns the heating element on when the temperature drops near freezing.

• Why It Matters: A standard RV water hose will freeze solid overnight when temperatures fall below 32°F (0°C). This cuts off your water supply and can damage the hose, the campground spigot, and your RV’s water inlet.

• The Benefit: A continuous and reliable supply of fresh water, no matter how frosty it gets outside. No more waking up to frozen pipes!

3. Window Insulation Film

Your RV windows are a major source of heat loss, but there's a simple, inexpensive fix.

• What It Is: A clear plastic film that you apply to the inside of your window frames with double-sided tape. You then use a hairdryer to shrink the film until it's tight and transparent, creating an insulating air gap.

• Why It Matters: Most RVs have single-pane windows that offer very little insulation. This kit essentially turns them into double-pane windows, trapping a layer of air that slows heat transfer.

• The Benefit: You'll immediately notice fewer cold drafts near the windows, less heat loss, and a significant reduction in interior window condensation.

4. Vent Insulator Pillows

Heat rises, and a standard RV ceiling vent is a prime escape route for all the warm air your furnace is producing.

• What It Is: A square foam pillow, often with a reflective backing, that fits snugly into the opening of your overhead vents.

• Why It Matters: The thin plastic on a standard vent offers almost no insulation. These pillows create a thick thermal barrier.

• The Benefit: This is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to stop a major source of heat loss. It prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from seeping in.

5. An Automatic Changeover Propane Regulator

There is nothing worse than your furnace quitting at 2 AM because a propane tank ran empty.

• What It Is: A device that connects to both of your propane tanks and automatically switches to the full tank when the first one runs out. Most have an indicator that turns from green to red, letting you know it's time to refill the empty tank at your convenience.

• Why It Matters: It eliminates the need to brave the freezing cold in the middle of the night to manually switch your propane supply. It ensures your furnace runs without interruption.

• The Benefit: Peace of mind and uninterrupted warmth. You can sleep soundly knowing your heat will stay on all night.

Don't let the cold cut your camping season short! With a few of these key RV upgrades for comfort in cold weather, you can confidently chase those beautiful, quiet off-season adventures. Speaking of adventures - Whispering Pines is open for RV camping all year! Visit our site to learn more about what we have to offer, and to make a reservation! With a short distance to the slopes, and an even shorter drive into cute, quaint Cle Elum downtown, our grounds are the perfect place to spend the off-season!

From all of us at Whispering Pines, happy camping, no matter the weather!