If there is one thing that unites the residents of British Columbia, it’s our unwavering love of the great outdoors. While many people pack up their camping gear in October and settle into the off-season, us Canadians know that when the temperature drops the fun has just begun! RV camping year-round is quite accessible, so long as you’ve got the right gear, tips and tricks. That’s why we’ve put together this handy winter RV camping guide to help you get started!
Four-Season Trailers
Not all RVs are suited for four-season camping. Most trailers will keep you quite comfortable in the 10-30 degree temperature range, but if you are going to be winter camping then your RV will need added features. Some important things to ask about and consider are:
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Insulation. Your RV needs to be well insulated, including the ceiling and floors. The underside of a trailer is particularly susceptible to heat loss when wind and snow move underneath it, so this is quite important.
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Windows. Double-pane windows will help trap heat and reduce condensation inside the camper. You may also want to opt for slightly less windows in a four-season trailer, as the extra windows provide more opportunities for heat to escape.
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Dehumidifier. Moisture is never a friend in an RV, and it adds that extra chill that will make winter camping less comfortable. A dehumidifier, plus good ventilation, will help remove moisture from the air and keep you dry and toasty.
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Underbelly Protection. The underside of a trailer is the perfect tunnel for icy winds and snow to blow through. Since this is where a lot of essential equipment (like your water tank) is held, it’s vital to keep the underside of your trailer warm and protected. Four-season RVs should come with fully covered tanks and a heating system on the underside of the trailer. If your water tank does freeze, a portable heater will be vital for bringing it back above zero so that you can have running water.
Comfort and Convenience
If you’re going to take on winter RV camping, you’ll want to be as comfortable and safe as possible. Of course, we know that things such as a shovel, batteries, first aid kit, space heater, extra food and thermal blankets are essential for just about any camping trip; but let’s have some fun talking about the unique accessories that will turn up the comfort level on your winter camping adventure:
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A heated seating pad, so that your buns can stay toasty while you sit outside and enjoy the quiet winter wilderness.
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Coffee maker and filters – because coffee is vital! Bonus: filters can be used in an emergency to filter snow for drinkable water.
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Layers of clothing in fibres like wool and microfleece will help regulate your temperature. If you get too warm, remove one layer of clothing at a time. Contrary to how cold it may feel, you can still sweat easily if you are overdressed and become colder when that sweat starts to dry and freeze.
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Binoculars will take your star-gazing and Snowy Owl searching to the next level. Remember that the constellations look different in the winter sky, so you will have an opportunity to see the stars in a way that many others will never experience.
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For cozy nights inside your RV, quiet activities like board games, adult colouring books, or learning a new skill like knitting or needlepoint will keep your brain stimulated while you stay disconnected from tech.
Start Adventuring!
Here in Kamloops, we have so much amazing wilderness to explore right in our own backyard. From the nearby Thompson Valley to the extensive network of trails near Sun Peaks Resort, you’ll find endless options for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. Many local RV parks are open year-round, including the popular Kamloops RV Park, with many more options available across British Columbia. With a well-equipped RV, you have the freedom to simply start driving and see where you end up: maybe you’ll brave the Rockies, roll into wine country or make it all the way to Florida. If you pull up next to a beach in January, it still counts as winter RV camping, right?!
Wherever your adventures take you this season, Jubilee RV is here to help you every step of the way. We have a huge inventory of trailers, campers, toy haulers and motorhomes, including brands like Coachmen and Dutchmen who have years of experience designing sturdy RVs that can handle year-round adventuring. Our team can help you select a new RV that will work for your needs, or our Parts Department can walk you through customization options to turn your current camper into a four-season companion. We can’t wait to help make your winter RV camping dreams a reality!