DON'T FREEZE! - Insulating RV for Winter with Reflectix, Foam Board, & Skirting - RV Life

Don't freeze during the Winter in your RV! Use Reflectix radiant insulation for RV windows, foam board in open spaces, and skirting!
☆ITEMS SHOWN IN VIDEO:
Reflectix Radiant Insulation: amzn.to/3gzk2OF
Foam Board Insulation: amzn.to/2W2mowk
Electric Space Heater: amzn.to/3qUU8dc
☆PATREON SPECIAL ACCESS:
/ fateunbound
☆FATE UNBOUND RECEIVES A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU SHOP THROUGH THIS AMAZON LINK:
amzn.to/2UaGUZx
☆SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: / fateunbound
Facebook: / fateunbound
Check out the rest of our videos: / fateunbound
☆SPECIAL THANKS to our Patrons who have pledged $5+ at / fateunbound to help make this video possible!
⭐ Allan & Karen K.
⭐ Allen H.
⭐ Andy U.
⭐ Bill & Cathy O.
⭐ Bob K.
⭐ Bridgette & Ryon
⭐ Bryan A.
⭐ Caroley
⭐ Chad K.
⭐ Chris & Doreen W.
⭐ Clay A.
⭐ Colette K.
⭐ Crystal C.
⭐ Curt E.
⭐ David & Brenda H.
⭐ David C.
⭐ David D.
⭐ David E.
⭐ David R.
⭐ Debra B.
⭐ Donald W.
⭐ Doug S.
⭐ Franklin G.
⭐ Gary & Diane H.
⭐ Greg L.
⭐ Jason C.
⭐ Jeb & Barb B.
⭐ Joe & Cheryl P.
⭐ John A.
⭐ John C.
⭐ John L.
⭐ John T. L.
⭐ Joseph H.
⭐ Kari S.
⭐ Kathie S.
⭐ Kathleen M.
⭐ Ken & Hariven C.
⭐ Kyle O.
⭐ Larry M.
⭐ Larry O.
⭐ Laura C.
⭐ Lisa H.
⭐ Lucinda M.
⭐ Lydia W.
⭐ Mark & Melinda A.
⭐ Mark & Eva B.
⭐ Matthew H.
⭐ Melissa M.
⭐ Mike E.
⭐ Mike O.
⭐ Nancy D.
⭐ Nathan & Stacey R.
⭐ Rachel B.
⭐ Ray G.
⭐ Rily C.
⭐ Robert C.
⭐ Ron & Susan H.
⭐ Ron B.
⭐ Ron B.
⭐ Schylar B.
⭐ Scott @ Go Small. Live Large!
⭐ Scott & Charlotte R.
⭐ Steve C.
⭐ Susan R.
⭐ Sybil C.
⭐ Thomas E.
⭐ Troy P.
⭐ Vern & Kathy J.
*Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@FateUnbound]

Join us on Patreon for Special Access and More! www.patreon.com/FateUnbound Fate Unbound receives a small commission when you shop through this Amazon link: amzn.to/2UaGUZx Thank you for supporting the channel ♥ If we've done our jobs we've inspired someone to chase their dreams!

[@RVingwithG]

Size the Blue formboard up to fit and CUT it in half. then put in one piece (side) at a time with string pulling them out and lock the string down with the door. ..??

[@johnnyellis9760]

Regarding the foam near the battery storage. Put the foam on the back of the doors. This way it will be present and easily access that area.

[@duncanyoung5482]

Exactly what I was going to suggest.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Greetings; I love your videos and would really like to try RVing full time but I have no idea how to make money remotely while traveling. Can you give me any advice please? Thank you so much for your awesome videos and any advice you can give me would be great.

[@AM.000]

I know I'm late, but for the pass thru foam. You need to just make duct tape loops. So top to bottom in the back, you have duct tape on the foam, then go toward the front extended as tabs to pull...and loop the tape to stick to itself, so the tabs are not sticky. Apply the duct tape, and loop indoors. Roll, to make sure it has adhesion. Give it 24 hours indoors, before you take it outdoors to the cold.

[@mimijohnson7714]

We did this exact same thing in our previous camper a 2013, it DID help with keeping us warmer BUT we also had A LOT of condensation and unknowingly mold developed inside the walls. Ended up taking a huge loss on the camper. 😟😗 So if you can find a good dehumidifier DO and pull those away from the windows and check for moisture (at least once a day). Just a heads up I’d hate for someone else to go through what we have.

[@meredith2277]

Thanks for this heads up, Mimi :)

[@kellyjford1]

I used a lot of the Moisture bags XL from walmart in my camper and they help tremendously. I also want to get a humidity sensor also. Great comment/advice, thanks!

[@susans7091]

And using propane to heat and cook puts a lot of humidity into the air.

[@colty7764]

ventilation is important.. just some small openings to the outside to keep dryer air inside will do the trick. Reflectix prevents radiant heat transfer... conduction and convection are the other 2 ways heat is transferred. A small opening allows some convective heat loss, but the net loss is relatively small if the openings are small. The dryer air makes it feel warmer and keeps mold away.

[@MrGwizyadig]

@@colty7764 how do you make a small opening?

[@ssteele1812]

Having done 5 full time winters in central Iowa, skirting is a must. First year I just used plywood. Second year, I made my own tarp skirting with oiled tarp that I bought from a truck tarp mfg. Last few years I used 2" blue foam board. I just learned it up against the side of the camper and taped the seams. The shape and rigidity held it to the camper. I also made some "cleats" from lengths of 1x3 with a hole drilled thru them. I bought several 12" sections of rebar and hammered them into the ground behind the panels. Last winter hit -40 for several days with some days having 20-30 MPH winds. Foam board held up perfectly. Pro tip, taking the fender flares off the camper makes the foam board sit flush up against the camper walls in those areas. As for windows. Best results I got was from using the clear film on the inside and outside of the window. If you do both, it creates a large "air gap" and prevents drafts. No need to leave the weep holes open either because condensation can't form between the layers. You think the drafts are bad, wait until you realize that aluminum is a heat sink and all the window frames and door frames are made from aluminum. Even with it 70° in my camper there were days that all my frames were frosted over. This year, we are headed to AZ.

[@dsclassic6568]

Thanks for the tips!

[@homesweethome1494]

What about condensation on the windows or frames? You're very informative and have some great ideas

[@kennethjohnson7973]

I'm going to do the same thing to my camper thank you cuz I was going to just put it next to the frame but now you saved me alot of hard work so thank you.

[@BigDaddy-nn8kf]

What’s this clear film you speak of?

[@tom1959100]

I wonder if one can't take some thick, high quality duct tape and cover the outside aluminum portion of your doors and windows to prevent the "frosting" of the inside part during extreme cold temps. Also...use some thicker plastic to cover the inside and outside of your windows....kinda like what you get with the cheaper picture frames at Walmart. Then use some adhesive weather stripping next to the window, then again, use the heavy duty duct tape to hold it in place and help to seal it.

[@camerongawd01]

Something I have done as well to help draw the heat into the cabin is to put black cloth on the outside of the reflectics... so instead of reflecting away the heat, it draws it in. The inside part of the covering is very warm. In the Summertime, I simply flip the covering around and it reflects out the heat, lowering the temperature inside by at least 10-15 degrees.

[@Maven0666]

I forgot about that. I have reflective white shades in winter. No wonder it is freezing.

[@NCCaliGirl23]

how do you know which side is which

[@theaveragejoebody]

​@NCCaliGirl23 it doesn't matter unless you have silver on one side and black on the other. Black facing out during winter silver facing out during summer

[@outbackeddie]

Maybe spray painting one side of the reflectix black would do the same thing. I may give that a try.

[@scottdiemer8006]

Put bubble wrap between window and reflective will help even more.

[@arthurperrea3714]

what Scott said , that would be the way to go

[@anaw.876]

They make bubble wrap reflective. All in one.

[@joellenbruce1423]

to insulate those front bay door....cut hard foam to fit the inside of the door....use double stick tape or velcro it to door...IE like an Attic entry board in a house

[@MamaBaer54]

Thats what I was going to suggest.

[@patriciat2609]

My thoughts exactly.

[@robbyboozer4122]

Velcro.

[@phillipcooley83]

Use some washers and screw cabinet door handles to the foam insulation for easier installation and removal. We also do this with our ceiling vents

[@sandras1524]

watch out for the condensation on those windows

[@phillipcooley83]

And the head of thier bed. Mildew can be a problem up there

[@julibryant1662]

Big bubble bubble wrap works great for this. It lets the light in and there is a lot of air space which helps with insulation. Once you cut it to fit the window you just have to spray the window with water and it sticks.

[@in_8_ly]

This works well in old houses too.

[@lil_Marie_Red]

I do that in my cottage. plus it allows the sun to warm RV with sunlight during the day. Walmart sales rolls for about $45 to $50. I think. Dont throw any away during off season. Save it. I perfer the smaller bubbles for glass.

[@bigdaddeo76]

Here's an idea for those 2 storage doors: cut a piece of blue board the size of the lip. Then glue it to the inside of the door.

[@dianapearson1771]

Or use the gas tape so it's removable

[@mikemills4608]

Been FT stationary in Colorado for almost 2 years, & skirting helps a heap. Got ours custom-cut & installed, and it keeps it about 30 degrees warmer in the underside than the outside air. Only saw it drop down below freezing a couple times when it was below zero outside. Also, little tip for the shower vent cover - leave it up year-round. We bought an RV vent insulator (basically a foam pillow with reflection on one side) off of Amazon, & makes a huge difference. You want to put the reflection facing up to reflect heat in the summer. Ours would get so hot on the reflection side that you cannot touch it. I attached a cloth handle on the bottom so you can remove it everytime you want to use the vent.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

This is just what we needed to watch!! Thank you! We are full timing in our 5th wheel in PA this winter and are way behind with preparation! Safe travels! ~Renee and Kyle

[@harlandfazardo799]

Makes it nice and dark for day time sleeping as well

[@kathleenhartman5972]

thanks guys, Fate Unbound was one of the 1st KZbin’s we started watching in preparation to become a full timer, nearly 3 years ago. Oct 2020 we finally got our RV and we still come to KZbin to see what you two are doing. We did get a skirt made for our RV as we are skiers as we plan on spending the winter near different areas. The skirt was custom made for the ORV by Extreme Covers in Boise Idaho for $2600. It folds up into a Rubbermaid container. We have it staked to the ground. So we are pretty snug. We also keep our gas furnace at 55 degrees and use an electric space heater when we are awake. We hope to see you on the road sometime. Kat & Rog

[@mstonitoni7381]

Skirting can be made from tarps and noodles and mounted using velcro. Cheaper and no drilling into exterior. Also, to mitigate the boxed in feeling that tends to come with reflecting all your windows you might consider using art either paintings, attached to reflectix or on the window blinds.

[@kontopoulos3107]

Or magnets, as I found Velcro in hot climate looses it's stickiness & falls off (if not sewn /stapled down) 😢

[@stevethune6780]

The lack of sunlight would drive me nuts, but the actions and work make perfect sense and are needed in cold weather. I would encourage you to look at some sort of dehumidifier as the propane heat puts out moisture - not to mention the moisture created by your entire family!

[@georgekatsinis5224]

They said they were using 2 x 750w electric space heaters with great success.

[@cmcdar]

@@georgekatsinis5224 The lack of sunlight drives me nuts too so I cut out a smaller 12x12 inch "window" in the Reflectix and taped in clear bubble wrap inserts. Now we get daylight in camper.

[@brucegillingham2793]

We purchased rolls of velcro and then attached sections to the window frames and the back of each windows reflectix.

[@KirkKramer]

My insomnia was kicking hard, about half way through your video I started nodding off. THANK YOU! No medication to get to sleep tonight:)

[@FateUnbound]

I fall asleep to KZbin videos too, it really does help haha

[@crystolperry5150]

We love winter camping we had pop up campers for a few years and this stuff is amazing in winter and even in summer it reflects so much!!!

[@TKnEarl]

This is exactly what we were looking for! Even though we're staying mostly in the south during the winter, the nights can get near freezing. I'm stingy when it comes to the propane, so using the space heaters and insulating with your suggestions is going to be a big help. Thanks!

[@Robyrob7771]

Reflectix helps a ton. With everything you’ve done the floor will be your biggest heat loss. Throw rugs for the floor and stuff in batte insulation in the stove vent.

[@RoamingwiththeRamsays]

For the storage bay doors, cut the foam board insulation to the size of the door and use double sided tape to adhere it to the door. For ease of opening and closing the door you may want to take a knife and chamfer the edges at a 45 degree angle to make sure it doesn't catch when opening or closing.

[@skeeterforever6475]

We spent a winter in Alaska in our fifth wheel and we just took the skirting and just wedge it around the trailer. Worked awesome. Great job keeping your trailer warm.

[@Banagal]

I LOVE how Sweety gets up to bark & howl goodbye! :) Stay warm and toasty in the mid-west.

[@NormRidg]

Great tips! We took our all season camper to KC when it was suppose to get down to 25 F. One morning was 3 F instead. We discovered reflectics. Windows went from open door refrigerators to something respectibile. Night and day difference. A must have for RV's in cold weather. Access door. Glue blue board to back of door, needs to recessed on edges to clear the door frame when it closes. Attach blue board from the inside to the opening with the blue board opening slightly larger than the actual opening. Sized so when the door closes the blue board on door and blue board around the back of the opening mesh. Works best if the blue board edges are at 45 deg angles.

[@laragreene8328]

tHE INSULATION FOR THE Storage DOORS ON THE OUTSIDE.....Raise the door,tape the insulation to the door and close the door 👍 Great video👍

[@loriw2661]

You can use the “Pink” household insulation and hand stuff it into the oven vent. You can use insulation board, cut to size for the skirting.

[@johnkelleher8230]

Use the foam pipe wrap cut a small notch in the middle for the bar it will be easy to remove and re-install and will fit tight in the vent

[@krisg3984]

👌 true. Cold air seeps . And robs heat. You guys look prepared

[@mcp9930]

All good to keep cold at bay. Having said that, closing off windows like this with no view outside for us would equal 100% ‘major depression’. We’re fulltimers and are in Vancouver Canada right now. We’ve used 3M window insulator kits before in ours previous RV and they work great! Haven’t done anything yet this year.

[@TheHunTwo]

Rock wool is great for insulation, sound proofing, fire proof and water proof. This stuff is expensive, but outstanding.

[@dancingbearhollow7193]

Love you videos. We are new this year to RVing. But we did still figure out some of the installation issues. They actually make "pillows" that fit into the vents. They are easy to put in and take out. Because even if it is cold we use our vent when showing. Our windows are smaller so I bought windshield covers at a discount store which is same material as you used. But I cut ours the same shape as the outside edge of our windows. Then using four (one in each corner) Command velcro strips to attach our window installation to windows at night. And because we used the windshield covers they fold up nice and neat for storage! The other thing we did was in our understorage under our bed (like yours) we actually installed foam sheets cut to size between the studs. When I say studs I mean like where you have that utility light hanging from. Love your videos!!!

[@gerrypolinsky3305]

A couple of ideas: You can insulate the vent above the stove by filling the outside vent with a piece of memory foam. You can sometimes get scraps from places that work with that material. As to the doors to your battery compartment, you can hot glue foam board to the inside of the door. Cut it just wide enough to be able to close the doors and it will make a good seal. Added bonus, you won't need to remove the insulation to get at the working bits enclosed in that compartment.

[@guywood67]

For the skirting you can cut foam board and just wedge it around the trailer.

[@EfficientRVer]

Kinda ghetto for moochdocking. Better to keep things looking high end or at least respectable.

[@kirkgarner7381]

I always find it interesting when a husband and wife have the same haircut. (Super cute, tho.)

[@stinkysrvadventures8620]

might want to put some insulation on roof of storage bay. will keep your bed warmer.

[@TKnEarl]

I was thinking this too. That should help out a lot.

[@Nomadic_Justin]

Been doing this for years and it works great. Also nice to not be woken up by the light every morning .

[@rogerstillwater6800]

Insulating the inside restricts air flow to the window which causes condensation that will lead to mildew problems. Insulate the outside while keeping air flow through out the rig.

[@mimijohnson7714]

🎯

[@kingofthetrack8424]

I live in Florida with the wind we get putting anything on the outside hasn't stayed i have a 27 ft coachman and have shore power so i have used those small electric heaters for four years now successfully. I have those outside doors near the bed i use the foam board for the door itself but i use cord sealer to seal the gap , that stopped the wind . for my windows I am using a clear covering that is double sided taped on the inside and you use a hair dryer to shrink it , it's an air tight seal that you can see out . on my slide out the wind blows past all the seals with ease so i use the flex seal tape on those areas on the outside and it seals it perfectly they sell it in white and it blends in ..my water hose gets that black foam as well. The roof vents get foam inserts that are used on the inside for when it gets really cold and i pull them out in warmer weather. We have short winters and i put it back to normal when the warm weather returns. Well worth the effort

[@codeslob2464]

@@kingofthetrack8424 Great ideas thank you.

[@petertousignant6566]

How do you water proof the material you are using for insulation? What did you use to adhere it to the outside?

[@athroop1321]

I made a set for our camper two years ago. Used them the other night here in Indiana also. Work wonders in the summer and winter.

[@asadventures_moriicoddiwomple]

We do all of it for winter camping. We made our skirt out of reflectix (painted black) and used parachute cording around the frame under the edge. Then, we used Christmas light clamps attached to the inside edge of the reflectix so they can hook to the cord. We also put a few extention rods on some places between the ground and bottom of the trailer to help keep it in place in wind. Works pretty well and keeps it about 7°- 9° warmer under the trailer.

[@jackhinds7187]

For the front bay openings, cut foam to fit then cut it in half, then make some pull tabs and hinge with duct tape so that it tightens as you flatten it out...for the stove vent make a small box out of foam board with a small spring to attach to that support bar. Love the videos and seeing the fur babies...

[@richardlovins6222]

Yes that reflects works great I live in central Illinois year round at five below outside it was seventy five inside and I have one big slide out I just winterized my water lines and b/g tanks for some winter usage great job 👍👍👍

[@zzzzhuhzzzz]

For the compartment door... cut a rectangular piece that's just a little larger than the door. Cut two quarter-sized finger holes about 12" apart along the vertical center, like this: x x Insert the panel into the hold lengthwise (short end first), then rotate it and pull it up against the hole using the finger holes. Use a sharpie to mark the inside hatch perimeter. Remove it from the hold, cut it along the sharpie line, then reinsert it in the hole like you did the first time. Use the finger holes to pull it into place, then use duck tape to cover the holes. You could also use some gap filler to fill the holes, but you wouldn't really need to.

[@jlr3636]

Time stamp 8:10 - legend has it he is to this day still attempting to install the insulation

[@monamelte8466]

If it gets too cold, you'll have to make sure you turn your propane on so that your pipes don't freeze. Usually around 15 degrees was my cut off. I learned that the hard way

[@chachi5975]

Yep, especially if they don't have skirting!!

[@richardp4548]

I would live in your garage - it looks warmer.

[@sr.chinta-louisetorpey5566]

We are new RV'ers and thank-you so much for this video, I'm going to use the same approach! Any more great ideas, please continue to share. Thank-you!!!!

[@stinkysrvadventures8620]

I have the same big picture window. I cut mine in 2 sections. 1 for the top, and one for the bottom. I can take out the smaller lower piece when I want to see out or let a little sun in.

[@FateUnbound]

Good idea!

[@jslhopper]

I just fold it, if I want to see some light.

[@jeffbruehl1531]

Super Good Tips! idea: Since you are plugged in you don't need your fridge venting for the propane mode. So seal the side vent and seal the chimney at the roof. The electric heating element does not need a chimney as it produces no dangerous gases. It only produces heat and it's electric heat at that. That's what you want anyway. The ammonia refrigerant in the system is sealed in the pipe works. I too am a mechanical engineer (1983). Use the heat from the back of the fridge to help heat the inside cabin. In these cold temps the fridge will still keep a normal inside temp easy enough assuming you are not keeping the camper at 40 or less. Get some rebar rods 8 feet long. Cut them in half with a cut off blade hand grinder tool. Stick them in the ground about a foot or so around the perimeter. Make a fence around the camper out of chip board OSB. Attach with conduit pipe clamps or equivalent. Paint it white with black vertical stripes to mimic the usual decorative planking. That will be your wind break skirt which is very important. It does not have to touch the camper. It just has to be close to it. I might be doing some winter trips to Fargo so this is all very important to me now. We Love Your Shows!

[@cherholo]

Love you two. THanks so much !

[@JO-ej3nh]

Thank you so much for the links!

[@kablah777]

Use carpet tape to adhere blueboard to the pass through door. Cut the panel to fit but make all your edge cuts at 45 degree angles so there is room for the door to open and close

[@therealdeal67]

First of all I noticed the green Christmas lights and thought that was pretty cool to see. As always great presentation on insulating the inside of your rv. You and Roe always blow me away with the great videos you Both make. You both are made for the camera but Sweetie always steals the show. Have a wonderful Christmas and new year , stay warm and take care of the fur babies. Take care and God Bless You Both and fur babies.

[@AlcoholFreeRV]

Love the accent lights! Nice attention to detail on the insulation. We did the reflectix Year one. Too Dark for us. Year 2 was the window film. Not warm enough. This year, We are doing plexiglass storm windows, our video on that is coming out this wednesday! 😀

[@AlcoholFreeRV]

Oh one more thing, around these parts, some people use reflectix for that too! And foil tape apparently comes off cleanly. We chose a manufactured custom skirt, and those are $$$$ We paid around 2500! Worth it for us since we usually winter in Colorado. for one-time use, not ideal!

[@brucepennell3090]

I am using 1-1/2 R-Tech foam board with foil side facing in for skirting this winter. 4x8 sheets are less than $15 @ Home Depot. Cuts easily. Using same theory you did with other parts of your insulation process....just cut slightly larger than your ground to bottom of trailer height and tip the sheets in. I also drove a short section of rebar into the ground on inside mid panel before tipping panel in. Provides a stop at the bottom. In addition I added 3/4 inch foam pipe covering to the top of the panels before tipping in. This provided a tighter fit and since it has more give than the foam board makes up for slight variations in ground or trailer bottom. Taped the seam between panels with all weather 3m duct tape and then painted the whole thing. Total cost under $200 for a 24 foot trailer with a super slide. Has withstood 60 mph wind gusts without shifting and looks good. Took maybe 4 hours to install minus painting. Figure I can remove it in under an hour. It is inexpensive enough to discard at seasons end if you won't be staying in the same place again. No holes required in your trailer and probably better insulation than those expensive vinyl skirts. Second the idea of glueing foam to inside of your pass through doors.

[@adevore1971]

You make it sound so easy! Are you in my neighborhood? (South bc Canada) Lol hellllp!!

[@pgrant7688]

I’ve used that radiant barrier. It works for us, mainly in the summertime. Most of our RVing is in Texas and heat is our main problem.

[@carlosmachado8131]

Love you guys!!! Great job!

[@coastsider7645]

Great real world experience you two share with us. My experience says listening to a fan driven portable space heater is distracting as heck and the smallest oil filled electrical space heater is under 100 dollars, is silent, and heats my trailer's relatively small air volume in a superior way to the fan driven space heater I have like yours. Also, when you activate the comfort temp button, it only goes to 68-70 and shuts off, I keep mine on 600 watts at half thermostat and only turn it up for showers etc in 30 to 55 degree weather and it is better than most houses though I have 2 pane windows

[@bertbalderas6714]

Great ideas you all faced thanks for sharing!

[@drew8642]

Two words “four season” good advice because most RVs are cheaply mad with little to no proper insulation levels.

[@asanablue]

Did windows and had this done for summer heat. Your basement insulation good idea! Thanks.

[@sheridanrose9880]

Great points warming up!

[@kennethjohnson7973]

Thank you for this I just got a big camper 29 feet long with very big windows so I need to get the roll of that. I live in Southern Indiana its already ice cold I don't have heat in camper yet but I get a buddy heater next month. That will help me stay warm and that helped me better. So thanks again.

[@user-yn8bq4jt6s]

Thank you for the tips! I currently live full time in a trailer here in Canada to be exact and we get some cold winters! Definetly anything helps, but a massive piece was adding a wood stove and getting high density insulation Mat for floor and will be framing the bathroom floor and insulating with spray foam as there is no furnace and it’s more about keeping warm

[@alicial6072]

I use space heaters when I'm hooked up to power they work great.

[@funafterfifty7833]

I love my Picture window and bought the same insulation as you thanks for sharing!

[@pauljenkins5159]

Use some of the foam insulation board to skirt the trailer use some cheap paint to make it look better. You can discard or recycle it when not needed any more. It will make a ton of difference in comfort and keeping water lines and tanks from freezing..

[@corlahasper234]

Super helpful thank you! Wintering in my rv in Idaho. Going to use this

[@leighsheppard8614]

My wife and I are spending the winter on the south end of Vancouver Island. It is a very temperate climate but still gets down to freezing temperatures occasionally. We are in an RV park with dozens of other full-timers and notice that many of them have skirted their motorhomes, 5th wheels, Airstreams, etc with Reflectix at a fraction of the cost of commercial skirting. The Reflectix is held on with FlexPro silver tape that does not leave a residue when removed. Those that have used it claim it works like a charm and can be installed in a few hours for only a few hundred dollars in material.

[@RVingwithG]

18:50 we used bales of STRAW @ $2.00 , get 10-12 of them, then in the spring just put them in the garden or trash.

[@richardkoch8752]

Seems like a good idea but way too many flammables around a camper. Ever seen a barn or even just a bale of straw or hay on fire? A hay barn can smolder for weeks. The only way I would do it which still isnt good is to wrap the straw or hay bales in plastic......fantastic insulation.

[@monicabct]

Wouldn't you worry about rodents? Or other critters wanting to get in there for warmth?

[@richardkoch8752]

@@monicabct Yes, mice, rats, snakes would love it for a winter hang out

[@doratheexplorerbegins]

We made our skirting for our 5th wheel. Built wood frames & installed sheet insulation on it. No need to attach anything to your trailer. One Iowa winter was an experience for us. We were comfortable but prefer to chase the warmer weather.

[@UsetoCud]

I also use small ceramic heaters. I use them with a remote thermostat that you plug the heater into and has a remote control that senses the heat at a distance so you get better regulated heat.

[@RVLIVINGLIFE]

For skirting, the people beside me used 2x2 and vinyl siding, cheap and easy. Discard it when spring comes. Also for those doors outside, you can buy none residue duct tape now to seal all air from going in.

[@mekomckracken2358]

My Mom is from Idaho where the winters get really cold - compared to Oregon where I live. She said people used to use bales of hay around their RVs and trailers as skirting. They would place them all around and then it breaks down come springtime. Tjey're cheaper than buying a skirt i-- nitially. That is only useful if you are stationed in one spot for the winter .;)

[@rolandrivera9216]

To round the corners a little easier. Make a template using a clear plastic and with a little tape. Trace with a black marker, cut on the line and you'll have your pattern.

[@donnaleonard7605]

Nice video thankyou ... love your dog its so beautiful !

[@GodsIn2Love]

Thank you for the tips. I love the detailed clarifications.

[@tammymcdowell9469]

Very helpful video. Even gave me an idea for our bedroom window. Our bedroom is the coldest room in the house and it's because our window is very thin glass. So, we will be trying this. Love the lights also. Hope y'all are doing good.

[@returnoftheschaef2084]

Excellent video. Thank you for making this

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Very useful. Thankyou for sharing.

[@smrdmr1]

Stay warm!

[@kenatkins3781]

I am SO glad you are insulating the bays. From personal experience water components will freeze

[@petuniaromania6294]

Many folks forget about the wonderful benefits of skirting - no matter where or what they live in :) Some folks are also gluing carpeting to that window insulation, which I think is interesting as well :) Great video.

[@lancehector4485]

The electric heaters produce a drier heat than propane. That can help keep condensation down hopefully.

[@Brigand231]

The problem is, most trailers are built with the heat ducting going alongside or around pipes and tanks to help keep them from freezing. There is a freeze risk If the furnace isn't used at all in most trailers.

[@c50ge]

To help stay warm use hot hands warming packets place them on the back side of your hands under your gloves. You can make some reusable ones with rice or ceramic beads. Just learned this from a guy that learned this survival skill while in the military.

[@barbbrandon4634]

Another option is to make the windows double pane by simply adding a think layer of plex to the exterior or interior. Inside it can be applied with double stick foam tape. The foam tape also adds insulation when adhered to the frame as that's where cold air leaks appear. Plex is a little pricier depending on the window size. However, it preserves the lighting factor. Currently a 3' x 6' x .22 sheet of plex goes for around $140...plenty big enough to cover the smaller windows. At least that would preserve some of the light.

[@darrylm3627]

😊👍Good Stuff, Great Tips

[@Aryll1000]

On your front storage bay doors you might want to use that blue foam on the door itself. Here is what you do, cut the blue foam to the size of the flap door then use spay on adhesive or hot glue to the door and the foam to stick it to each other be sure to clean the door surface with isomorphic alcohol to clean b4 applying the adhesive. You can remove the foam from the door easily enough in the warmer months with acetone and clean with alcohol again. I think that I just would not remove the foam and just leave it in there year round. About your exhaust for your hood you might want to stuff some fiber glass insolation in the vent when not in use. I would suggest about the skirting, first b4 you buy your RV is to get it winterized, its a treatment to extra isolate underneath for the cold. you can still have it winterized after the fact but it is expensive. If that is not an option skirting is the way to go. Depending on you roof space you might want to get one of those water proof car carriers just to store your skirting. Dave and Roe, I hope this helps out or gives you something to think about.

[@manabouthome]

We used to wrap hay bails around the foundation exterior of our cottage, to extend the unheated season, and provide insulation around the foundation during our wood heating season. It would help keep your camper warm, to enclose the open perimeter on the bottom, by placing hay bails on the ground tightly against the sides. This would be a good temporary (all you need) solution to help you stay warm when you're visiting home, and the bails would make good garden mulch for family, friends. and neighbors after you've moved on. If nothing else, a listing on Craigslist would dispose of them quickly. We enjoy watching your channel at our house, and we don't ever camp! (Considering possibilities for travel after retirement.)

[@cindydegraaff5083]

Remember to remove the insulation from the exhaust fan when you use the shower.

[@lizwagoner6469]

This was really helpful! Thank you

[@SceneSprout]

So glad you guys did this video! I was wondering what you would do this winter to stay warmer :) Good thing your in a place you dont need water in the trailer. That would be a whole other project! I def want to look into a full winterization for mine ,when i finally get it, So I can head up into Canada. I def will be needing some winter wonderland photos in my Portfolio lol

[@no_worries_van]

To stay warm I taped clear painting sheet over the outside of the windows with aluminum foil tape (it doesn’t leave residue) and it keeps condensation down. I also got foam insulation board as skirting and just cut it to fit and taped it with the foil tape to the trailer and rocks/bricks against it to keep it from blowing away or you can dig a slit in the dirt for it to wedge into. Hope this helps! I survived the nasty week long winter storm in Texas with these solutions🤪

[@allenjackman8647]

You can also insulate those front bay doors by opening them up and drilling some small holes in the corners and the spraying expandable foam into the holes.Once it dries,just trim off the excess and then put a small dab of silicone sealant over the holes to keep moisture out.

[@debbiedavid3259]

Hey Y’all ... Thank you for this video, it’s going to help me do some extra insulation in my Class C. I have done done some Blackout fabric for heat. I’m not a full time RVer, live in N. Central Texas, still I want to be as cool or warm as possible, when I’m out. Take Care, have a wonderful Holiday Season and Merry Christmas. 🎄🎄🎄 Debbie

[@richardpalmanteer9798]

Good job guys, I’m up in the Northwest, 50 miles south of the Canadian boarder. And this winter is suppose to be wet and cold. I have used some heavy plastic over my windows but I think the reflexive stuff would work better. The plastic is cold and I used double sided tape to seal around the window. I sit at my table next to the window and my feet and legs get cold. I rap a blanket around my legs to keep them warm. Stay safe. Enjoy The Adventure. 👍😎🎄

[@darbybell8684]

Hi, I also have a Springdale!! Your ideas are great... For the interior stove fan, maybe pulling the filter out and cover with foil?? Also use some shoelaces or string through the hole in the foam board to pull shut, might be easier than using hooks or wire. Take care and good luck😁

[@ourrvtravel]

What a handsome dog!! :)

[@patriciauselton6460]

Is a kotatsu in your future? The pets would like it, and it would be a zone defense solution. Use a heat sensor around the baseboards and ceiling to see if there are insulation gaps behind the walls. Be careful about pet beds at the lowest part of the trailer, where the cold air settles. The more you insulate, the worse condensation becomes. Use second-hand materials (fencing, doors, plywood, etc.) to make a wind skirt around parts of the trailer, with some rebar hammered into the ground to keep them upright. You want something that won't tear up, blow away, attract animals, or catch fire. One advantage of straw bales is that they can be moved quickly if you need to leave in a hurry.

[@metratone5]

I don't have an RV but I think the presentation and information was nicely done.

[@Lex10999]

great video and idea. Thanks :)

[@dominicverellen8820]

for the pass-through use, your laundry shoot to put the second panel in from the inside, as for skirting get some 4' x 8' x 7/16" chipboard from home depo for less than $10 bucks a sheet cut in half lengthways and lean it up against the RV and use 2"x 3" boards to connect them together it will stop the airflow under your trailer at least.