Insulate all overhead vents and windows by inserting insulated Styrofoam panels. For windows, use blankets or heavy curtains. Use Plexiglas to cover skylights in the shower or bath areas. If the interior is being redone with additional insulation, use a vapor barrier to keep moisture from building up on the inside of the RV.
Plumbing can be problematic during the winter. Use tank heaters on water and holding tanks to keep the tanks warm. Keep an electrical heater in the plumbing compartments to add extra heat. Open the cabinet doors to allow heat from the furnace to reach the plumbing area. Keep the water tanks full as opposed to using outside hookups if only staying in a place for a few days. Connecting to outside hookups could cause your water hose to freeze. For longer stays, invest in a heavy duty sewer hose, and drain it after each use. If not, the hose may crack due to extreme cold weather.
Don't use your ovens or stoves for heat, especially if they use propane. If propane is burned in this way for just a few hours, levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can become deadly. Use the furnace if available or a propane heater rated for RVs. Always clear away debris or other obstructions from water heaters, refrigerators or vents. Regularly clean these appliances to reduce the incidence of CO build-up. Buy a CO detector for extra protection.
Always stick to the main roads, especially during bad weather. Carry chains, and use winter tires. RVs have different traction levels than regular vehicles. Carry emergency materials, including a hand-crank radio, blankets, water, flashlights, extra batteries, a GPS unit and food in case you do get stuck. Stay with the vehicle as hypothermia can set on fast, especially in cold, wet conditions. Let friends, family or park rangers know where you are headed in case something does happen. Carry your cell phone. Certain conditions or just bad service, however, could make your phone useless so always carry emergency materials.
