As a Canadian RV owner, I know winter can be both a magical time for travel and a downright disaster if you’re not prepared. Last year, I learned the hard way when my water hose froze solid during a frigid night. Picture me with a hairdryer trying to thaw it out in -20°C. Not fun. That moment taught me two things: one, I need better preparation, and two, investing in the right RV parts is a game-changer.
So, let me share the top 5 must-have RV parts that made my winter RVing experience not only bearable but enjoyable. I’ll also sprinkle in some DIY tips and hacks I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Heated Water Hose: Your Winter Lifesaver
Let’s start with the hero of my winter camping story: the heated water hose. Without it, you’re looking at frozen water lines and a lot of frustration. A heated hose keeps water flowing even when temperatures plummet.
Pro Tip: Look for a hose with built-in thermostatic controls—these automatically heat when the temperature drops below freezing. I use one from Camco, and it’s been a lifesaver (literally saved my sanity).
DIY Hack: If you’re on a tight budget, you can wrap your regular hose with heat tape and foam insulation. It’s not as reliable, but it’ll work in a pinch.
2. RV Skirting: A Warm Blanket for Your Rig
When I first heard about RV skirting, I thought, “Do I really need to dress up my RV?” The answer is yes, unless you want icy drafts underneath to suck all the warmth out of your home on wheels. Skirting insulates the bottom of your RV, helping to trap heat and prevent freezing underneath.
Options:
- Custom Skirting: More expensive but worth it if you’re a frequent winter camper.
- DIY Plywood or Foam Board: I went the DIY route last year, using foam boards and duct tape. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked!
Extra Tip: Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent wind from sneaking in.
3. RV Antifreeze: Protect Your Plumbing
Trust me, frozen pipes are the last thing you want to deal with. Adding RV-specific antifreeze to your water system can save you from an expensive repair bill.
How to Use It:
- Drain your fresh water tank.
- Add antifreeze to your system following your RV manual’s instructions.
- Run the antifreeze through all faucets, toilets, and drains until you see it come out pink.
Bonus Tip: Keep a jug of antifreeze handy for emergency use—it’s great for dumping into your tanks if you’re worried about freezing overnight.
4. Portable Space Heater: The Cozy Companion
Your RV’s furnace works hard in winter, but it guzzles propane like there’s no tomorrow. A portable electric space heater is a great backup (and quieter, too). I keep one in the living area and another in the bedroom for those extra-chilly nights.
Safety First:
- Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection.
- Don’t leave it running unattended.
Energy-Saving Tip: If you’re camping with hookups, use the campground’s electricity for your heater to save on propane.
5. Thermal Insulating Window Covers: Keep the Warmth In
Windows are notorious for letting cold air seep in. I learned this after waking up to frost on the INSIDE of my windows—lesson learned. Thermal insulating window covers or reflective insulation (like Reflectix) are great at keeping the warmth in and the cold out.
DIY Idea:
- Cut Reflectix to the size of your windows and secure it with Velcro or double-sided tape.
- For an extra cozy touch, layer heavy-duty thermal curtains over the Reflectix.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about your skylights! I cut insulation for mine, too, and it made a huge difference.
Bonus Tips for Winter RVing in Canada
1. Invest in a Dehumidifier
Canadian winters are cold, but they’re also damp. Condensation builds up fast in an RV, leading to mold and mildew. A small, portable dehumidifier keeps the air dry and your RV smelling fresh.
2. Protect Your Propane Tanks
Propane is your best friend in winter, but it doesn’t flow as well in extremely cold temperatures. Wrap your tanks with insulated covers to keep them warm and functional.
3. Keep Your Black Tank Warm
If you plan on using your bathroom, invest in a tank heater or insulate your black and gray tanks. Frozen tanks are not only inconvenient but also gross to deal with.
4. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Here’s what’s always in my RV during winter:
- Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
- A snow shovel and ice scraper.
- Road salt or kitty litter (for traction).
- Emergency food and water.
My DIY Winter RV Setup
If you’re like me and enjoy a good DIY project, winterizing your RV can be oddly satisfying. Here’s what I did last year:
- Homemade Skirting: Foam boards from the hardware store, secured with zip ties and duct tape. Cost me $100 instead of $1,000.
- Insulated Vents: Cut Reflectix to size and taped it over ceiling vents to prevent heat loss.
- Extra Insulation: Stuffed pipe insulation around all exposed water lines.
Not only did these hacks save me money, but they also kept me warm through a week-long snowstorm in Alberta.
A Few Lessons Learned the Hard Way
- Always keep your freshwater hose disconnected when not in use. Trust me, a frozen hose is a pain to deal with.
- Test your heating system BEFORE heading out. I once discovered a broken thermostat mid-trip—thankfully, I had a space heater as backup.
- Don’t skimp on propane. It’s better to overestimate how much you’ll need than to run out in the middle of nowhere.
Final Thoughts
Winter RVing in Canada doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right parts, a little DIY effort, and some preparation, you can turn your RV into a cozy winter retreat.
So, grab that heated hose, slap on some skirting, and hit the snowy road! And if you’ve got winter RVing tips or funny mishaps to share, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them.
Stay warm out there! 🚐❄️
For all your winter RVing needs, check out our selection of RV parts and accessories at My Ivvi RV Parts. Let’s keep those rigs rolling all year long!