Most R.V. owners take their rigs out on the road to explore the highways and byways of America in the summertime. After all, the weather and temperatures are great, and the highway conditions are ideal.
However, there are a select few who decide to head out in the wintertime. Cheaper campground/hookup rates, less traffic on the road, and the chance to see beautiful, snow-covered scenery are just a few of the many reasons they do so.
Driving an R.V. on the open road and into remote areas presents several challenges. Cold weather, snow, ice, and equipment failure due to low temperatures can wreak havoc on those who come unprepared.
Read on to learn more about how you can prepare your R.V. for a winter trip.
Plan Ahead
Before you head out onto the open road, take a few moments to adequately prepare. This goes above and beyond bringing winter clothes and hot cocoa. For example, look at the upcoming weather forecast of your destination and the roads you will travel to get there.
The last thing you want is to be caught out on an interstate highway in the blizzard of the century. Once you’ve got your trip itinerary and details dialed in and survival gear packed, it’s now time to prepare your rig for your winter excursion.
Replace Your Batteries
The various batteries that power your motor and quality of life devices can be negatively affected by cold temperatures. R.V. batteries from Continental will not only provide you with the on-demand power you need but are specifically designed for rugged durability.
When taking your R.V. out on the road and into the wilderness in the wintertime, it’s better to be safe than sorry. This is why many R.V. owners will buy and store an extra battery if their primary one fails. The last thing you want is for your battery to fail when you’re camping in a very remote area when the temperatures are dip below freezing.
Tire Chains
Unless you live in the Amazon rainforest, chances are you’re going to encounter snow and ice on your R.V. trip. In addition to buying DOT-approved snow chains, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with how to install them before you hit the road.
Otherwise, you might find yourself on a mountain road, in the middle of a freezing snowstorm, trying to decipher the installation manual. Keep in mind that different states have different snow chain requirements.
Freezing Temperatures and Your R.V.
The various engine fluids of your R.V. can freeze just as quickly as your water. Antifreeze wiper and diesel fluid can help prevent significant problems down the road. You’re most likely going to need to use your windshield wipers when traveling in the winter, and frozen diesel fuel could prevent the motor from starting or running smoothly.
If you’re planning on traveling in more extreme cold environments, an aftermarket engine block heater can help prevent the engine from failing to start. You’ll need an electrical outlet to run the heater, so be sure that you have a generator capable of providing the necessary power. It’s generally advised that you run the block heater for at least 3 hours before starting the motor; however, some R.V. owners will let the heater run overnight in extremely cold climates.
Keep the Cold Out
You should also weatherproof your windows and insulate your pipes before driving your R.V. in freezing weather. Much like a house, the pipes of an R.V. can quickly freeze over and cause major damage and quality of life issues. Many home improvement stores sell inexpensive pipe insulation and heat tape that you can use to protect your pipes and seal up your windows.
R.V. Batteries from Continental Batteries
Heading out in your R.V. in the wintertime can make for a memorable and scenic trip. By following the above tips, you can have peace of mind knowing that your rig can stand up to anything the elements can throw at it.
At Continental Battery, we’ve been providing our customers with high-quality batteries for well over 85 years. We’re dedicated to developing and maintaining great, and long-lasting customer relationships backed up by our superior quality products.
Contact us today to learn more about our company and line of solar, car, marine, and golf cart batteries.
