Winter weather driving is not something that springs to mind when we think of RVing. However, most recreational vehicle owners have or will be exposed to it at some time during their travels. It can occur to snowbirds during their journey to the Sun Belt or during their spring trek back home. Winter conditions can present themselves in higher elevations or during mountainous travels on an otherwise tranquil day. Deteriorating winter-like conditions can descend without warning. Many travelers can’t avoid crossing a wintery area to reach a destination or to escape an approaching weather system.

Some of the challenges that winter weather can produce are freezing temperatures, precipitation in the form of snow or freezing rain, icy, slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility in blowing snow and vehicle ice buildup that hampers windshield wiper function and forward vision, to name a few. These conditions can make travel extremely challenging, or at times, impossible.

Eluding Inclement Conditions

So, let’s look at ways to help avoid winter hazards and some tips that may help RVers deal with these wintery perils.

First, the best way to mitigate the risks of such events should be obvious: Avoid traveling any routes and times that may be subject to this type of weather. While this strategy may work, it also seriously limits RV travel plans.

Managing waste correctly is key to enjoyable RV experiences, and it’s also the courteous thing to do for your campground neighbors. Without properly maintained RV holding tanks, things get ugly, smelly, and downright unsanitary in a hurry. 

There’s much to learn about RV holding tank maintenance if you’re new to RVing. Fortunately, the resources below will teach you everything you need to keep the holding tanks in your RV in tip-top condition.

Top 5 RV Holding Tank Maintenance Tips

Don’t flush anything besides waste and RV-friendly toilet paper. Empty your tanks properly (black, then grey) when they reach two-thirds capacity. Use enzyme-digesting tank treatments regularly (every 5-10 dumps for full-timers; after each trip for part-timers). Sanitize your fresh water holding tank annually (in the spring when de-winterizing your RV). Deep clean grey and black holding tanks annually (using RV sewer chemicals and your black tank flush, if applicable) 

How to Find RV Dump Stations

Photo by Camping World

Knowing how to empty your tanks only helps if you know where to dump them. RV parks and resorts with full hookups make things easy, but learning about all the places to dump your RV waste gives you choices when you’re on the road.

Here are five options: 

No matter how often you go RV camping, it’s always nice to make your campsite feel like your own personal retreat. We love creating a space we can enjoy while relaxing and unwinding from the demands of daily life. No matter the time of year, these eight simple tips will ensure you have a cozy campsite.

Add Outdoor Patio Lighting

Photo by Chase & Lindsay @WereOutNAbout

Nothing adds to the coziness of a campsite quite like outdoor patio lights. They set the mood and create the atmosphere you want to achieve. When it comes to lights, you can go as wild or simple as you’d like. 

We’ve seen plenty of campsites with party disco-ball lights that change colors. We personally love running warm white LED string lights around the trees or the side of our camper. It adds the perfect soft glow.

If you’re looking for some outdoor lights, check out these Edison bulbs from Camping World.

Or, shop all outdoor lighting to find the lighting you love.

It’s not a spot any RVer wants to be in – realizing you must unclog your RV black tank. Honestly, there’s a lot you can do to prevent this from happening, and these resources will help you learn how to avoid clogs in your RV’s septic system: 

How to Operate and Maintain an RV ToiletIs it Really Necessary to Use RV Toilet Paper?How to Empty Your RV Holding TanksHow to Use an RV Black Tank Flush

What Causes RV Toilet Clogs?

Photo by Camping World

Clogs happen. So let’s start with an overview of the types of RV toilet clogs: 

Issue #1: You left your tank valves open when connected to sewer hookups

Leaving tank valves open when connected to sewer hookups allows the liquids to drain out and leaves the solids behind, resulting in a dreaded “poop pyramid” in the bottom of your black tank.

Issue #2: You stored your RV without first dumping your black tank

Now you have compacted or hardened solids in the bottom of the tank. This can happen if you leave your tank valves open, but it’s a more significant issue for RVers that leave waste in their black tank when their RV is in storage. Liquids evaporate while solids dry out and harden.

Issue #3: You used your RV toilet improperly

Improper toilet use is the leading cause of clogs in the pipes leading to and from your RV black tank. By improper use, we mean using too much toilet paper, insufficient water, non-RV toilet paper, and flushing items other than TP and bowel movements. 

Winter camping in an RV can be a gratifying experience, especially in parts of the US where the weather is snowy and cold, but not extreme. But finding this balance is a challenge. In the Great Lakes region, stunning snow-covered landscapes provide a wonderland setting, but extreme weather fluctuations can make for risky winter RVing. Southern states offer winters so mild you can enjoy summer activities in the off-season — like biking or boating — but these locales lack the wintry backdrop we picture at the mention of winter camping. 

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is an exciting middle-ground. The colder environment allows for a proper winter experience, but it’s often milder — wet instead of iced-over, snowy at high elevation but usually temperate once out of the mountains. Then there’s the coast which offers its own unique winter camping experience. 

So if you get the winter RV camping bug this season, consider a PNW adventure, and prepare with these winter RV camping and travel tips. 

Leave the house prepared for winter camping.

Winter RVing requires some additional forethought before hitting the road, even in the PNW where winters are comparatively milder. Without proper preparation, you and your RV could be at risk. Prep for the road and campsite with these recommendations. 

Plan for wet conditions as much as cold conditions. 

Rain is likely in the winter months of the PNW, with some parts of Washington receiving up to While many winter RVers are thinking about sustaining themselves through colder temperatures, PNW travelers should have rubber boots, good-fitting rain gear, pop-up tents, tarps, and old towels to wipe off mud. Also, general comfortability driving on wet roads goes highly recommended. 

Winter RV camping is more accessible than ever with improvements in RV technology. That’s why more people seek winter destinations for RV getaways and live in RVs full-time during all four seasons. 

If you camp in the cold, you’ll need to prepare for it. If you’ll be camping in cold temperatures this winter, here’s what you need to know to keep your RV and yourself healthy and happy.

How to Get Water For Winter RV Camping

Photo by Camco

Maintaining the health of your RV’s water system is arguably the most important factor of winter RV camping. Getting clean drinking water for your RV is always important, but when outside temperatures drop below freezing, water can freeze in your pipes and your freshwater hose.

Frozen water expands, which can cause your pipes to burst. Even if your pipes don’t freeze completely, a frozen section can increase water pressure enough to stress pipe joints to the point of bursting.

You might think RV showers can’t rival the luxury of your showers at home – but think again! 

RV showers might be shorter in duration since you’re limited to the size of your water heater (unless you upgrade to a tankless water heater). However, they can still have the same amenities we all love – good water pressure, storage for our toiletries, and functional items that keep the bathroom clean. 

There are several ways to upgrade your RV shower – a simple shower curtain replacement can dramatically affect your shower’s ambiance. So let’s explore how you can make your shower experience more enjoyable in your RV.

Upgraded RV Showerhead

Photo by Camping World

RVs are limited to a certain water pressure due to the design of their plumbing systems. This can make getting good pressure in the shower challenging, but you can’t replace your existing showerhead with just any model. 

There are people who do their holiday shopping in July. And then there’s the rest of us. If you’re as panicked as I am about finding the perfect presents for RVers, relax. Your search for the best gifts for RVers is over. Check out some of my favorite holiday picks for campers, whatever your budget.

RV Stocking Stuffers

Kids aren’t the only ones who get to have fun with Christmas toys. Even adults can enjoy one of these presents under the tree.

Realistic Die-Cast RV Models for Big Kids

 

Do you know someone who’s dreaming about the RV life? These adorable and affordable RV collectible toys inspire and encourage future road-trippers to chase their wanderlust. Available in a collector’s series box, the realistic die-cast models look great on any desk and include a truck and fifth wheel trailer, cute SUV and travel trailer, modern Class A coach, a Class C motorhome and boat, or a rugged jeep and off-road camper.

Whenever you plan your adventures with your family, you’ll want to have one of these Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Black Label travel trailers in tow. These incredible travel trailers feature luxurious appliances, high-quality construction, and plenty of space for you and your family to enjoy. Learn more about our five favorite designs in this Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Black Label travel trailer review.

Find more travel trailers for sale near you at RVing Planet today.

2023 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Black Label 23DBHBL

Right now, you can save $13,000 on this Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Black Label 23DBHBL travel trailer. Inside, you’ll find features like sleeping space for up to eight and a set of double-sized bunks. This unit also offers outdoor storage with plenty of space and a backup camera system to make it easy to park your RV.

Additional Features:

Double-Size BunksU-Shaped Dinette Dual EntryOutside StorageThis incredible dinette has enough seating for your whole family.

2023 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Black Label 23MKBL

If your family of six is looking for an RV that will make everyone feel at home, check out this new 2023 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf Black Label 23MKBL travel trailer. Inside, you’ll find a private master bedroom with plenty of wardrobe space and a TV mount. Additionally, you’ll love that the kitchen in this unit offers all the appliances you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Additional Features:

If you’re going to be RVing for the winter holiday season, you must spend a little time preparing for the special day. No matter how many friends and family are joining you at the campsite to celebrate, it’s a smart idea to take time to prepare for extra guests.

Here are some tips to make the holidays camping in your RV a major success.

Decorate Your RV

Photo by Camping World

If you were in a house for the holidays, you’d probably spend some time decorating to set the mood. You should do the same for your RV. Decorations can do wonders to get you in the holiday spirit. No matter what you celebrate during this time of year, make time to outfit your RV accordingly.

While you can’t do things like a full-size Christmas tree, you can still decorate with outdoor patio lights, window decals, throw pillows, some holiday snacks—like candy canes—and more. Don’t forget to do something on the outside, too. You can add a wreath to your door or put up some string lights outside and around where you’re parked.

Less is more when it comes to decorating to celebrate the holidays. You just need a few simple touches to transform your RV and impress guests when they arrive.

Here’s a cure for the winter blues: Good Sam has added 52 campgrounds to its network in America’s Sun Belt, giving RVers more chances to find savings and value on the road while enjoying warm-weather adventures. Good Sam members can save big with the 10 percent discount, and while you’re having fun in the sun, discover all of the RV campgrounds in the Good Sam Network. You’re bound to find a warm place under the Good Sam halo.

If you’re not a Good Sam member, it’s easy to join: Purchase a membership at any Good Sam Campground or sign up online. Check each campground’s link to determine seasonal availability and to make reservations.

Alabama

Gulf Shores RV Resort, Gulf Shores

Located on the Gulf Coast, this resort offers 170 sites, most of which enjoy waterfront locations on stocked fishing lakes. Campers relish the splash pad, pavilion and pickleball courts.

Arkansas

Catherine’s Landing At Hot Springs, Hot Springs National Park

Nestled on 400 acres on the shore of Lake Catherine, this resort helps guests fulfill their boating and fishing dreams. Prefer warmer water? Hot Springs is only five minutes away.

Life on the open road only lasts as long as your funds do. That’s why creating a budget is essential to a stress-free RV trip. For the adventure of a lifetime to truly last a lifetime, consider a job or side hustle that supports your travel plans. Luckily, there are countless ways to make money while traveling in an RV. 

We compiled this list with the help of you – the RV community. We love hearing about full-time RV life and how everyone does it their way. Some work from laptops, some work at campgrounds, some make art, and some offer their talents from an office that goes anywhere. There’s an idea here for everyone. Think of your own special skills and experiences as you use this list to brainstorm job ideas you can do on the road.

Find the right RV for you and start your adventure working from anywhere.

Digital Creator Ways

Photo by Camping World

Digital media has become a big business with the prevalence of smartphones, apps, and social media. Digital nomads create digital content on the road and earn money from producing that content. The biggest perk? Inspiration is all around you.

The camping season can continue even when the weather gets colder. If you love to keep the adventure going into the late fall and winter, these RVs for year-round camping will help you stay comfortable. Learn more about four of our favorite deals on RVs for year-round camping today.

Find more amazing fifth wheels for sale at RVingPlanet.com.

2022 Coachmen Brookstone 290RL

If you’re looking for the perfect couple’s coach for traveling in the colder months, this Coachmen Brookstone 290RL fifth wheel is an excellent option. Right now, you can save over $31,000 on this unit when you order today. There’s sleeping for up to four, with an optional king bed in the master bedroom and a Hide-a-Bed sofa in the living room.

Additional Features:

Free-Standing Table78″ Tri-Fold Hide-A-Bed SofaPantry/Linen ClosetXL Articulating LED TVShower with a SeatQueen Bed Slide OutThe residential refrigerator will make it easy to store drinks and leftovers.

2022 Heartland Big Country 3851MO

Whether you’re looking for a spacious family RV or something to allow you to take multi-family vacations, this Heartland Big Country 3851 MO fifth wheel is a perfect option. You’ll love that this unit offers a multi-purpose room that can double as a second bedroom or an office space. There’s a loft for additional sleeping and storage space.

Additional Features:

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Enjoying the great outdoors is one of the greatest perks of RV travel. But sometimes you just can’t miss the game or your favorite show. Fortunately, the right RV can help you enjoy the outdoors without giving up the comforts of home.  

Your RV entertainment system options are as plentiful as home entertainment options. From basic cable to satellite TV and streaming services, here’s the full spectrum of choices to help you design the ultimate RV entertainment center.

Satellites & Receivers

Click to view slideshow.

Basic cable can be a standard amenity at most RV parks and resorts. You’ll still find cable hookups at these developed campgrounds, but modern satellite dishes and receivers have revolutionized RV entertainment no matter where you camp. 

Network providers like Spectrum and Dish now offer RV-specific packages that provide the same channel selections as your home address. You can still tune into local news broadcasts or sports programming even when you’re camping far from home. 

About 50 miles west of the Arizona-New Mexico state line on old Route 66 lies Petrified Forest National Park. Created from ancient river beds and inland lakes, the area is known as the Painted Desert because of its colorful sandstone and mudstone deposits.

What sets it apart from other desert landscapes are its numerous petrified forests, created when the plant material from trees was replaced with quartz over millions of years. Today, the park glistens with multi-hued rock layers and exposed fossils, enticing visitors to explore an out-of-this-world setting for a closer view of nature’s handiwork.

Why Visit Petrified Forest National Park in Your RV?

Photo Credit: NPS Jacob Holgerson

The park is a perfect destination for RVers, with navigable paved roads and spacious pull-outs. Many hikers love the idea of heading off into the hills for an hour or two and returning to the comfort of their RV for shade and a bite of lunch before cruising to the next park highlight.

The park encompasses over 221,000 acres and is home to hundreds of plants, animals, fossils, and rock formations. As of June 2018, the park achieved International Dark Sky Park status. It is also one of the few national parks allowing leashed dogs on most trails.

When to Visit Petrified Forest National Park

The park is open year-round, but with a location in the middle of the Arizona desert, temperatures range from above 100℉ to below freezing. This semi-arid desert grassland is home to plants and animals that know how to adapt to these extremes, so you’ll need to be able to as well. 

If you struggle to get comfortable when you go camping, it’s time to upgrade your RV for an RV with a king bed. Today, we’ll show you six incredible RVs with king beds to help you improve your sleep at the campground and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Learn more below.

Find a great deal on all the features you love.

2022 Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 259FKDS

If you’re looking for a camper for a family of four, this Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 259FKDS travel trailer is the perfect answer. You’ll love that the outdoor features on this RV include a full camp kitchen with a sink and a mini fridge and an 18′ awning. There’s a king bed in the master bedroom and a slide-out in the living room with a Hide-a-Bed sofa for the kids.

Additional Features:

Full Camp KitchenUSB PortsMicrowave OvenPass-Through StorageDual Entry BathYou’ll love having this space to make easy meals at the campground.

2023 Dutchmen Astoria 2913FK

One of our favorite features in this Dutchmen Astoria 2913FK travel trailer is the massive walk-through bathroom with a dual vanity sink. There’s a front kitchen that’s perfectly designed to make it easy to make all of your favorite campground meals. Enjoy plenty of counter space, lots of storage, and all the features you need to make the most of meals at the campground.

Additional Features:

Diesel Pushers are a whole different breed when compared to their gasoline powered cousins.  Not in cost as some top of the line gas coaches can be higher in cost than an entry level DP.  But, when it comes to complexity and things that are similar and can be related to that of an automobile, it becomes clear, the DP is a totally different animal.

But, by reading their vehicle manuals and their years of general automotive mechanical knowledge, the diesel RV owners manage quite well. However, there are operational mistakes that many make.  Most of these we were probably unaware of and are not found in the operator’s manual.  So let’s take a look at some.  See if you were aware of all or some.

Air fully Up Prior To Moving:  Failure to fully enable your air suspension to ride height prior to moving your coach may result in front fender body damage.  If the air suspension is not fully inflated the turning wheel cut may cause the front tires to come in contact with the fender flares.  This can grind off, or rip, a portion of the fenders if the steering is turned at a fair angle.  Additionally, driveline universals joints can be damaged if high torque is applied due to an acute angle between transmission output and the differential.

Applying Hard Service Air Brakes While The Parking Brake Is Enabled:  Applying the brake pedal hard while the park brake is on, an air brake equipped vehicle has the potential to cause mechanical damage. This damage can be done to the brake cams, push rods, and related components.  Fortunately, for many years now, anti-compounding valves have been standard on all domestic air braked vehicles that prevents this issue.  However, it is a common practice to avoid such action to safeguard an issue should the valve fail.

One of many luxuries of modern RVs is the ability to create shade with a button. RV awnings protect you from light rain and sun and create an outdoor patio space perfect for grilling, relaxing, or hosting tailgate parties.

RV awnings aren’t complicated, but you must know how and when to use them correctly. Otherwise, you could wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of your awning ripping off your RV because you forgot to retract it before bed. 

Here’s everything you need to know about RV awnings. 

How to Open and Close an RV Awning

Before you operate an RV awning, it’s important that your RV is parked, leveled, and stabilized properly. Check out this video to learn how to level and stabilize your RV: 

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With more than 8,000 acres of open space, San Bernardino County Regional Parks offers natural, diverse outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone to enjoy whether your taste is for camping, fishing, picnicking or even exploring a ghost town. We have it all at a low cost for the entire family.

Amenities range from playgrounds and splash pads to swimming pools and waterslides. A golf course, equestrian center, archery and Olympic shooting range are available at Prado. Adjacent to Cucamonga-Guasti is a brand new Topgolf entertainment venue. Our parks also are home to native species of plants, birds and wildlife, and offer great photo ops for nature enthusiasts.

Tent and RV campgrounds are available at Calico Ghost Town, Glen Helen, Mojave Narrows, Mojave River Forks, Prado and Yucaipa. Calico also offers cabins and bunkhouse rentals.

A new RV rental experience is now available at Calico, Mojave Narrows, Prado and Yucaipa, with 22-, 28- and 30-foot Evo Select travel trailers by Forest River to choose from. Photos and details can be found on our reservation website at sbcountyparks.com.

For a visit to the untamed Alaskan wilderness, where your survival depends solely upon you, find your way to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. There are minimal named locations on a map of this park. In fact, there are no roads and no services — just mountains, rivers, wildlife, and solitude.

Visitors come to this region above the Arctic Circle to really get away from it all, at a rate of fewer than 10,000 people per year.

Why Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park?

Photo Credit: NPS by Laurie Smith

Imagine ecosystems that haven’t been tampered with, vibrant colors as far as the eye can see, and the northern lights in winter. Gates of the Arctic is a frontier of glaciers, rivers, and wildlife unseen by most, making it a bucket list adventure for any traveler.

Because there are no roads into the Gates of the Arctic, visitors must take an air taxi or hike into the park. Drive your RV to Fairbanks, as several RV parks can act as your home base in this part of Alaska. Then catch a bush plane into any region of the national park for hiking and backpacking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter.

When to Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park

Photo Credit: NPS by Laurie Smith

Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park, open year-round to those seeking solitude and exploration. Time frames to come to the park are dependent upon visitors’ activities.