1.5hrs. to set up, Stay Warm & Protect Your RV

Freezing temps are on the way AGAIN. How to Protect your RV-BEFORE-a cold snap hits and stay warm.
We are full timers, so we do not winterize our RV. We have to be prepared for any type of weather regardless of where we are. In todays case it’s being prepared for a cold snap like the one that's coming. They are predicting 24º for many hours warming up a little in the day then back down in the 20º’s. This is going to last for 3 or 4 days. If you live in your RV, whether it’s in Southern TX like us, Arizona & yes even Florida, you better have a plan in place BEFORE these types of events threaten you and your RV.
Very important:
• If you haven’t watched my extensive video on how to insulate, heat & protect your RV, you need to watch this video here:
• 😰 INSULATE, HEAT & PR...
This has gotten nearly a 1/2 a million views. It will make all the difference in the world by doing extra insulation, tips on how to stay warm and protect your RV’s plumbing.
Wet bay
• Dump all waste tanks and gray water
• Fill fresh water tank
• Put away all hoses, exterior filters, water regulator, water softener etc.
• Run extension cord and hook up a light in the wet bay - I have the light & the proper bulbs in my Amazon store
• Install temp sensor in the wet bay & monitor temp (also in my store)
Electric outside
• I’ll con’t to run on shore power but if we lose grid power, I’ll use an extra 12/3 extension cord and a dog bone to plug my shore cord into. This extension cord then goes into the RV and I’ll start using my Bluetti AC200P to power the whole RV. Complete video below on how all that works:
• Using a Bluetti AC200P...
2nd Wet bay
• Turn on 2nd light to keep bay warm
Next outside
• I’ll be running the Fridge on electric unless we loose power. In that case I’ll either switch over to propane or con’t to run it from my Bluetti AC200P. So when you see freezing temps coming get prepared and get your propane tanks filled
Battery Bay
• Put another 75watt light in my battery bay to protect my batteries
Inside
1) I bought some 4” foam. Cut two pieces and placed them up front to stop that front draft
2) Bought some weather stripping from Home Depot and placed them in the window slides
3) Pull shades down so they fit tight at the bottom
4) Bought a collapsible, adjustable shower curtain rod and bought two queen flat sheets
5) Two dehumidifiers up on the dash
6) Vent pillows in all the vents, except one where you want to keep it cracked open a little
7) Turn on water heater and keep it on to protect it from freezing
8) I do not use our Propane Furnace in these situations unless I absolutely have to as a last resort and that would be when all my back up plans have failed
9) Open bottom cabinet doors - this will allow heat from the inside to protect pipes that run under and behind your cabinets
10) Put door cover over the steps
Last Minute items:
1) Get all laundry done
2) Go shopping and stock up on groceries
3) Fill up your daily driver with gas and if you have a portable generator make sure you have your gas cans topped off too
4) Pets - I highly recommend you get carpet step covers on your outside steps. If it rains and then freezes, your fur babies can really get hurt going in and out of the RV. I have the best covers available in my Amazon Store if you’re interested. They’ll last for years, won’t retain moisture, won't rust your steps and make it much safer for people & pets going in and out of the RV
Check out my PLAYLIST page here:
/ rvstreet
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EVEN IF WHAT YOU NEED IS NOT IN OUR AMAZON STORE, YOU CAN STILL CLICK OUR STORE LINK, THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO OUR STORE, SHOP AND SEARCH ON AMAZON LIKE YOU NORMALLY WOULD, PUT YOUR ITEMS IN THE CART AND CHECK OUT. Using our Amazon Store to buy your RV gear, parts, maintenance items “AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU SHOP FOR ON AMAZON” is a great way to say "Thank You" Martin for making these videos and helping the RV community.
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DISCLAIMER:
We are in no way experts or professional mechanics. But being a journeyman millwright for years & being EX Military, has proven to be very helpful in my lifetime learning how to care for & maintain all sorts of machinery & equipment like: helicopters, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles & many types of other vehicles. That, along with 18 months preparing & upgrading our RV before we went full time, & now traveling for several years has gained us a lot of knowledge. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Work you perform or products you purchase based on any information we provide is at your own risk.

[@RVstreet]

More info on controlling condensation here….. RV furnaces are usually propane powered, and propane appliances do create water vapor. When temperatures start to drop, we naturally want to turn the heat on in the RV. But running the propane furnace inside increases humidity levels in the RV which contributes to condensation. To help keep humidity down in cold climates, we use electric heaters instead. Electric heaters produce a different kind of heat and don’t cause levels of condensation like the propane furnace does. We also use portable dehumidifiers inside as I showed and a DampRid canister outside in the electrical bay to control condensation in that area. I’ve shown this in other videos. In order to help guard against the effects of condensation in your Motorhome or RV here’s a list of “do’s” and “don’ts”: *DO* • Be conscious of activities that generate moisture and humidity • Open a window or roof vent slightly when camping in cold conditions • Use your range hood fan when cooking • Open your bathroom vent when showering • Avoid generating unnecessary steam from boiling water or running hot faucets • Check enclosed areas, such as cabinets and wardrobes, for signs of moisture accumulation • Wipe up damp or wet areas as you find them • Check washer/dryer vents frequently • Thoroughly clean any areas of mold or mildew • Avoid drastic thermostat setbacks *DON’T* • Bring unnecessary sources of moisture into the coach - snow on shoes, wet clothes, etc • Put items in storage when they are damp or wet • Hang wet laundry to air dry inside the RV • Allow condensation to dissipate on its own • Overfill storage areas with little air circulation • Park over wet or muddy surfaces that may increase moisture levels within or under the RV

[@waltcooke9522]

The combustion gases from the propane burner of the furnace are exhausted to the outside air and not to the inside of the RV. So, unless gases are somehow entering the RV (open window, leaky seal) there would be no increase in humidity caused by the burning of propane. Always enjoy your videos and have adopted many of your tips.

[@americanpatriot1323]

@@waltcooke9522 Maybe he is thinking of the buddy type propane heater. They have open flame in unit.

[@waltcooke9522]

@@americanpatriot1323 I bet you are right. Now I am back on board with Martin being the number one RV maintenance guru.

[@rjw8316]

Glad to see that you're back Martin. Praying that your cancer is under control. Thanks for your video it really helps.

[@jamesscott1932]

This is one of the top quality videos for us DIY classy people. 🎉❤😅 Thanks for being there for us! Of course we’re worried.. . I hope you both find strength in our prayers.

[@DrWinkles]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 you’re vídeos have helped personally so so much. Positive healing vibes!

[@marystankiewicz1720]

Dearest Martin know that you are in our thoughts and most importantly our prayers. We are offering to Our Lord the suffering you may go through for the goodness of health. Our hearts are with you every day and we want to thank you for your time and many talents that you share with all of us. Keep us posted on your journey ahead. Gods blessing to you and your sweetheart 💙💕🙏

[@RVstreet]

💕 💕 💕

[@martharitaville3074]

Thank You to my BEST FRIEND Martin AKA Chachi for all the hard work you ( and Jonnie ) have done the past few years helping all of us in the RV community. We have followed y’all since the beginning and your videos have done nothing but gotten better and better. Always in our prayers! Oh, great video also.

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Martha so much. I always like it when you take the time to comment

[@Fsudore]

I drove my 99 Fleetwood through the PolarVotex in December. The westher got the best of me and when I arrived to Florida discovered EVERY WATER LINE BURST ! (Thank God no drain or holding tanks ruptured) Found a great plumber and although it cost $2500 - The twenty year old pvc was brittle and replaced with new PEX. FLEETWOODS ARE SOLID ; and the former owner took great care this cost and 2 House batteries is the only money put into this coach. ( Not including oil change / roof seal / cosmetics. ) This channel is a GREAT RESOURCE !! LISTEN TO JEDI MASTER MARTIN 🤙

[@RVstreet]

Have you watched this video I suggested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6K9m3hqlqqim80

[@Independent_DIY]

This is our second winter living in our 34' Winnebago in Minnesota. We survived -49 windchills over Christmas because of your videos. Watching this video we picked up a couple more things to add to our arsenal. Thank you very much, we hold you and your channel in the highest regard.

[@bendemby924]

Martin we are praying for you and Joanne. That you will be strong, as you go through this phase of your life. 🙏🙏🙏

[@nancycook3733]

Growing up in northern Ontario Canada as kid, we use to live in some houses with crawl spaces and yup that's where the plumbing was and to those questioning the light bulb trick well at minus 30 degrees celcius those 100 watt incandescent light bulbs (not LEDs) did unfreeze the pipes and kept things going and as for all the other tricks love them ! Great job thank you for sharing info

[@sjcarlosballi337]

It’s Carlos from Victoria Tx. Loved the video great info. How is your medical condition going, me and Alice have been praying for you. I have learned so much from your videos. I have a 5th wheel but have been planning on buying a used class A. So I have been attending the Martin school of hard knocks, Love your videos please keep sharing your knowledge with us, We need it. 😎

[@RVstreet]

thx SJ. Health updates will be coming down the road

[@billchesney8949]

Another option is to bring in your slides you don’t need overnight. Less square footage to heat

[@johnbellavich3063]

Another enlightening video, thanks for that Martin. We use a electric heated mattress pad on our bed, that kept us toasty during the recent cold snap in the southeast. It got down to 17 degrees at Myrtle Beach, SC during the week before Christmas. I also carry a battery charger/maintainer which protected the toad battery at night. BTW, the campground water lines did break and and the water was off for 3 days. In addition to keeping a full freshwater tank I have two collapsible 5.3 gal. water containers. We would get those filled near the campground, people were happy to help. FTA: Fun, Travel and Adventure, just like when we were in the Army 🤣 Take care brother.

[@awabbievet]

Excellent information Martin. Hope you're doing ok and I'm sure Joanie is taking good care of you.

[@mikerademacher4188]

Thank you Martin for your service to our country and the informative videos you and your wife make for us!! I will try to remember to use your amazon store for my future purchases! I also have an industrial mechanical background working as a maintenance technician on packaging equipment for Coca Cola and Budweiser. My wife and I are RV newbie’s and have had a great time our first year(2022) in a 2021 Class B Roadtrek Chase model. Hang in there dealing with the cancer and you both will be in my thoughts!! Greatly appreciated! Mike

[@RVstreet]

Thx Mike so much. That's interesting. When I was a Millwright, one of my biggest customers was Coca Cola and Budweiser. I worked on the can printing machines and everything upstream & down stream on those systems. Loud and hot can plants for sure. About my store - If you click my store link below it will take you to my Amazon Store. When you get there, in the upper right hand corner there will be a button that says FOLLOW. Click that. Now it will say FOLLOWING. I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think whenever you go to Amazon after that, it will take you to my store automatically first. You'll have to check that out on your end. But in any case, once you're there at my Amazon home page, you just shop on Amazon like you normally would whether it's stuff in my store or not. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet

[@michaelj1232]

good morning martin , i saw your new post , great to always hear from you sir , how are you and joannie doing , i sincerly hope you are holding up, from our home to yours , be well, stay positive , details comin up on rv street ,gota love it

[@timothyculliver1993]

Glad to see your back helping others, you two are great together and also in our prayers! Thanks

[@gereshomeE]

Hello Martin from an Englishman 🇬🇧 watching from Saudi Arabia! I was just thinking and praying for you when I checked my phone et voilà! May God bless you and your wife! ✝️🙏

[@brhayne648]

Thank you Martin for all the useful information. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers ❤

[@ricktaylor6373]

All I can say to you two is: more quality information!

[@robertaustin7757]

This is the most detailed and well explained video I have ever seen . Thank you Martin. God bless and greetings from Oklahoma!

[@rpweiss1]

Another great Video Martin and Joanie! Hope you are doing better. Please keep us all updated on your progress. Love you guys and the support you give to all RV'rs across North America. Our prayers are with you. Bob & Lynda, Montreal Canada

[@marshaadams5501]

I’ve got George winterized while I go through my surgery and then we plan on getting to the warm weather! Praying for you both!

[@mikeblack3082]

Hey Martin! I hope all is going very well with your treatments. I want to pass along my grateful thanks to your cold weather Video from the Winter of 2021 as well as this recent update. I have been in Athens, TX for two weeks at a RV Inspectors course and we had two power outages due to the glorious Texas freezing rain. The first was only 6 hours, the second was 18 hours. Because I remembered what you said in 2021, we arrived at our campground with close to a full tank of gasoline and the 18 hour outage was no problem for us as we had plenty of fuel for our onboard generator. I probably would not have thought about this “what if” if it was not for your video. Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you do. Prayers for your battle with your cancer.❤

[@RVstreet]

Good job Mike 👍

[@teachergirltoo]

I always refer people to your channel for rv maintenance. Thanks for another good video. Appreciate it.

[@steverobinson1598]

Hey there my online family. Thanks for the winter refresher. Pray that you are doing well. Always got your back. Steve Robinson

[@kokanut92]

Recently discovered your channel. Amazing how every single video I've watched is just full of reliable information and clever tips. Best RV channel on YT

[@RVstreet]

Thank you

[@kathleenrutherford733]

As Always Martin & Joanie give the best advice! I am extremely grateful for you guys, thank you ❤️

[@davidpatrick1813]

Very good and showing more than I even thought of. Good work... Drive safe.

[@yavapaiduke4676]

Martin & Joanie~ seems we're in a Solar Minimum & cold is increasingly our game. Martin you said you'd content set to go...you bahstid 😆 a bit too cold for too long in Northern Arizona! Glad y'all are exactly where you're supposed to be with the "A Team" in Texas! Keep on~keepin on!

[@larryv4249]

I would add 1 more thing......can't recall where I seen this......but I take a pair of sock and cut the toes out of them. Slide them onto my arms. They keep my arms warm, and protects them when I am doing projects. You might want to consider this too.........🙂 Good seeing you, keep the strength.

[@RVstreet]

You probably saw that on my channel. I wear socks on my arms every time I work on the RV

[@glennboudreau9204]

Thank you Martin for your service to our country, to us RVers and to God! You and Joanie are in our daily prayers! Peace.

[@patriotpreppermama]

You're the best out there Martin, thank you for all you do!

[@rickcampbell4920]

You are awesome Martin! Thanks for another great video! I pray you are fantastic!

[@kayc2579]

Always great. Your videos are always very helpful and very well presented. .I've seen the one you linked a couple of times already and will go watch it again. My fifth wheel is new to me. Prayers. (In 2020 I was diagnosed with aggressive advanced cancer and the doctor was not sure that she would even put me on a "curative" plan. She did and it was successful. There are a lot of advancements in cancer treatment. I have decent odds that it won't return. Best of luck. I hope your care team is good and can get assistance if needed from MD Anderson.)

[@rvfreedomtrail4290]

I've learned so much from your channel that I've become addicted to my RV, in a good way👍. Those weep holes in the windows were driving me crazy. Thanks brother, God speed with your recovery and keep up the lords work.

[@joanneleiser1044]

Great video and glad to see you! I am in Yuma AZ work camping. Appreciate the tips. I have class c and block off my cab with insulated curtains. They work great and better than sheets. Thanks for tip about insulating under the dash! I use vent cushions and they help a lot. I also use foam panel sheets in my windows with insulated roller shades over and insulated curtains too. Reflectix in back of all interior cabinets on exterior wall side or underneath bench seats or beds fixed to underside of platforms means warmer sitting and sleeping too. Fyi stay warm!

[@annam1969]

Great video. Thank you and your wife. May many follow your preparedness skills. Subscribed and follow. Cool things on Amazon on your list. PRAYING for good health this year. Awesome tips.

[@joygriess2591]

When you are living in an RV full-time especially in the winter you will notice that there are cool spots maybe in corners behind the bed maybe in a closet I put moisture things in those places that absorb moisture found in your stores either in the laundry area stuff some are refillable some you use and then you throw they collect moisture they stop condensation in those areas it protects against mold and moisture when it's really cold sometimes I open some of the cupboards so they get some air flow

[@RVstreet]

Have you watched the video I talked about in this video. It's a must see. Lots of details and dozens of great tips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6K9m3hqlqqim80

[@jimmymcclosky3786]

I love all of your videos. They are always packed with lots of great information. Thank You!!

[@glennandpamlang190]

Martin, Another outstanding video! I live as close to your videos as I can as I learn more and more to be a successful Part time RVer. We hope you are finding a good path forward as you battle the big “C”. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Glenn and Pam Lang

[@lyndawagner7293]

Glad to see you back!!

[@podline16834]

Thanks Martin. All the best to you

[@GoByYourself]

Thanks Martin and Joanie .. bigtime helpful with every aspect of unexpected cold weather.

[@gordschultz1980]

Excellent advice and tips as always Martin! Thanks for sharing.

[@WilHershberger]

Great video, Martin. Hope you’re doing well. Thank you.

[@waynec3121]

We bought a couple dehumidifiers for our unit because of moisture it was a big help. Thanks Martin

[@bobabooie6389]

It's good to hear from you again Martin. I hope you're feeling okay. God bless you

[@andrewsharman4419]

Really thorough and practical advice. Thanks both.

[@dadams19111]

Glad that you did another video on this. I am equally glad that you are doing well too.

[@pharoah786]

Great to see you Martin - I hope everything is going ok for you!

[@resthavenranch]

Looking good hope you're doing ok I have to thank you for your tip about the foam noodles to put in the slides to keep air out I couldn't find the ones you suggested so I used pool noodles cut them in half an it was super easy fast I think I spent less than 3.00 game changer it works thank you 🤩

[@gusmedina5205]

"If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. Improvise Adapt Overcome!!🪖

[@andrewsharman4419]

Prior preparation and planning prevents a piss poor performance!

[@andiemorgan6046]

Another great video with great tips and useful information. These RGV freezes are tough enough to deal with in our semi tropical homes and are much more challenging in our motorhome. Especially like your insulated tubing in the slides. Thanks for that tip. Still praying for your successful treatment and victory over the demon.

[@Medic102b]

Another video loaded with tips and info. Thanks for this!

[@americanrascal53]

Very well produced video with excellent info! Our 38 Q has a few more areas that need attention (Washer and dryer) somewhat unique to the design in the area around the tanks pump and basement opposite the wet bay. When we are not using the rig, I blow out the water lines, drain the hot water tank, gray and black to keep it all dry. Then add the pink stuff to the washer and traps. Your thoughts on propane are spot on! Get well soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..

[@davidjackman5773]

Another great video, Martin. When you are as adverse to cold as I am, elec mattress pads are an absolute necessity for me. Again, if you are plugged in to shore power, you are using their electricity. Luckily for us here in the Canyon Lake, Texas area, any freezing weather we get only lasts 3-4 days and it's over. The great freeze of '22 notwithstanding. That episode damn near made me move somewhere I didn't really want to live. Hope you are doing well, old buddy. This old retired Navy Chief thinks of you and Joannie often. Hang in there.

[@jeffbarnard3050]

Love to see you! Great video. I would occasionally user the propane furnace as to keep it exercised and tested. 15 minutes of running the propane furnace will not use very much.

[@robertroth287]

Great video and quite helpful. I hope you and Joanie are doing well.

[@williamsneedjr4129]

Thanks for sharing your information

[@donaldbrisboe3639]

Thank you Martin. For another great video. Thanks Don

[@gallom325]

Martin you did it again man! This is an awesome video. I really enjoy your instructions, inventions and every thing in between. Thank you and the Mrs. for another awesome production! You are appreciated my friend. Blessings in the New Year brother.👍🏽👍🏽⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@robertaustin7757]

Another great video guys . You are in my prayers 🙏.

[@1CAdian]

Thanks!

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Yang for the generous tip 😎

[@wendieboudreau4710]

Another great video!

[@industrialexitstrategist2022]

Thank you for your video! I hope you are well.

[@The2Time4792]

Great video

[@MyMy-tv7fd]

a forgotten parameter - atmospheric relative humidity can be measured. Keep it below 68% for prevention of black mould. The best way to get about 600w of heat and keep the condensation, and therefore the mould down, is to run a Peltier-type dehumidifier. Lower humidity makes eerything feel dryer and warmer and stops mould before it starts.

[@nancyhooper839]

Thanks so much!

[@joygriess2591]

If you go on the internet I've been in my RV for full-time there is a product it's called a car karcher it sucks the condensation off all your windows after you take off your silver insulation or open your blinds used to use rolls of paper till I bought this it's made for this it's like a squeegee with a motor awesome rechargeable

[@joygriess2591]

Karcher specifically made for RVs and condensation

[@joseconcepcion3159]

Hello Martin How are you doing, you look great

[@Heugh1]

Thanks Martin

[@jamesscott1932]

Helpful comment!

[@larrymiller8210]

Thanks again for the great ideas!

[@joygriess2591]

I live in Nebraska

[@RVstreet]

🥶

[@campervanmark3410]

God bless you !

[@jerrycarroll4463]

🚂Hi Guys,,im still in progress of -my 35 FLEETWOOD MARTIN instead of FLEETWOOD MAC (its just a (RUMORS)album/get it

[@kennethdebbiedavis865]

Hey guys, responded to your ? From a video last month and sent you a message via FB messenger. Sorry for the delay

[@RVstreet]

Yep I saw it. No problem. thx guys 👍

[@The_Budleys]

This comment has nothing to do with cold weather but would appreciate any help from Martin and /or his subscribers. I have a Class A Motorhome that has water from the roof that drips down from between the rain gutter and the awning when the awning is closed. Went up on the roof and the water is pooling in the area by the entry door to the coach. The coach is level when this happens and do not see any cracks or openings in the rain gutter or the awning where it attaches to the rain gutter. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

[@RVstreet]

*do not see any cracks or openings in the rain gutter * Don't just look for cracks or areas in the sealant that may be failing. Actually take your hand and push inwards on the fiberglass crowned area of the roof, down by the edge of the gutter and THEN LOOK for areas where the sealant has been compromised.

[@kathyweber793]

So if you did you an incoming water line, couldn't you put pool noodles around the hose to help insulate it from cold weather?

[@RVstreet]

absolutely.......excellent idea

[@walnutcreekwoodworksofjack3520]

here on the farm, out at the well house, I use a hair drier on low setting to keep the pipes warm, from Tractor Supply I use a Themo coupler to turn it on when the temp gets low and turn off when the temp gets warmer. Would that work better for you?

[@RVstreet]

I'm really not sure if that would work for me. Martin has passed away and he was the brains of the crew. Thank you for your input and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@joygriess2591]

I would like to know what the quick disconnect is

[@RVstreet]

The best in the world. They're in my Amazon Store in the "Everything Water and Sewer" category. They just came back in stock and sell out quickly. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet

[@joseconcepcion3159]

Why don’t you tell every one about the propane valve that is added to the system so you can use 6 gallon propane tank in leu of the house propane tank

[@steverobinson1598]

Hope you don't freeze your assets off. Lol. Kinda cold here in Benson Arizona

[@sterlingingram6875]

Promo*SM 😉

[@davidpatrick1813]

I have a product idea but couldn't figure out how to let you know so came back here... For small van camping etc. TRIPTIPS 2022 Upgrade Retractable Portable Toilet Travel Toilet Adjustable Height Camping Toilet

[@caseymartin6692]

Great video