The Ultimate Guide For Winter RV Camping

[@bradjon7231]

Im a poor $$$ country boy. I used 17 bales of straw around my small camper. I wedged them underneath the camper all the way around. At my black/grey water levers & drain i tied a small bale that fits titely in place then stuff any openings with loose straw. The results are incredible. Tomorrow i will put 1/2 dow foam board on my windows from the outside. It will be dark in here but this storm bringing single digit temps is no joke.

[@CannibalFetusRobbery]

I didn’t even think about using hay. That’s a good idea. Did you just do it around the perimeter or did you fill underneath completely?

[@bradjon7231]

@@CannibalFetusRobbery just the perimeter. It worked realy well.. straw is what i used not hay.

[@melinda1133]

How much did that cost?

[@bradjon7231]

@@melinda1133 it ost about $180 this yr will be a little less as im finding last yrs straw cheap

[@beckycrump8831]

I have used straw for few years in the past. Works great. The downside is it holds the rain then molds so spring cleanup is messy. Also, the mice love to make it home too.

[@sammcgowen3611]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this - I put my sewer pipe inside a 6 inch pvc pipe and wrap it in heat tape

[@stevenmonson5149]

Clear Bubble wrap on windows let in some light .

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Clear let's in some light and may be good for the winter, but in the summer if you use reflectix, it keeps the sunlight out keeping your rv cooler. So it's got double purpose and why we use the reflectix. Thanks for the comment. It's a fantastic idea.

[@MaryBrien-t4r]

Thanks for all the great winter tips! Practical and inexpensive. I like your style!

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Glad you like them!

[@redsunsmr284]

Your video is helping me tremendously. Thank you! Will be my first time buying and an rv trailer.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billreynolds5716]

Tape alllllll joints,not just a few!

[@tomirwin4819]

Very Good video, I’m dealing with this winter here in S.E. Mich. Jan, Feb 21 . Not nearly enough time to prepare as well as you have. I closed the slides too, so I could move the coach south in a hurry if it became unbearable.. It is not a simple problem, the greatest problems that I have had were external LP tanks not evaporating to gas fast enough due to sub zero temps (I surrounded 3 - 30 lb tanks (so I could take them in for refills) with straw bales /no tank heaters (I should have used heated covers but no-one has them in stock) and regulator sticking(another thing that I should have heated, when sub-zero). Thanks.. Tiffin Class A

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Hello Tom, We have heard a lot about propane tank issues but so far we have not had any issue. Knock on wood. Your right there never seems like enough time and you are always wondering what else you could do. But so far so good. Cant wait till spring so we can get moving again.

[@solgoode1]

Your RV is beautiful man. Thanks for this video, i'm heading up north AZ to meteor crater and it's dipping below freezing at night. This video helped me prepare.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Thabk you so much for the comment. Happy the video helped you prepped for the cold. Stay warm!

[@mistydevillier2197]

You can also put weather stripping under the higher slide outs.

[@GoodDay2RV]

Nice Video guys, good ideas in there.

[@brianmeattey4151]

Yep I was in a mobile rv for a winter here in newhampshire .on the maine border and it was brutal cause I had to move the rv often so I couldn't make it long term .but it's a nice camper you have and that's some good info .on setting it up for long term .and I still have the motor ya all have me .well I won ..and I'll keep it forever .so you all have a great night and godbless

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Have a good one! Yeah with the right set up winter isn't as bad. Takes some getting use to but works well. Thanks again for your support. Its always great hearing from you Brain.

[@ingoditrust3289]

Thanks for all the links for all the stuff, was very helpful

[@Zippie_Emi_Ange]

Great information. I’ll be staying in mine the first time this winter in Montana so it’ll be nice to be prepared. Thanks!

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Awesome, just remember to insulate those low point drains. They can be easy to forget.

[@pamelako3082]

How did your winter go?

[@Zippie_Emi_Ange]

@@Jimmy2Techthanks! Winter went well overall. 😊

[@Zippie_Emi_Ange]

@@pamelako3082 you’re so kind. Winter was decent! Wish the walls were like 4” thicker. 😂

[@oldkoot5828]

Great tip on the electric!

[@dianapearson1771]

Awsome video. Answered a lot of questions. Thank you!!!

[@dustyjordan7370]

Great video bud. Lot of good tips. Thank you.

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Thank you for the info. It’s crazy but we have a contract to get a blind man set up in his RV for winter and have 3 weeks to accomplish it here in Ontario.

[@craigt9203]

Currently have a 1995 3 0 foot drivable. Get a chance New England weather with a couple of back up batteries a brand new engine battery secondary source of heat and also the rig generator and a small back up generator. Also have one spare tire and then two off the rim I’ve got to get put on rims. Made sure I had plenty of fire extinguishers as well but for heat I chose to do what I did the last two years in my portable sportsman KZ that is sold. I decided to go with foam board insulation for the vents then I have to make one for the bathroom, also probably going to change some stuff up with my RV windows and affordable insulated paint on my window blinds rather than buying new ones don’t like the pink anyway. But for anybody working for these rigs. You can usually find some thing that’s a fixer-upper. You may have to live in your car short term. But it’s definitely achievable if you have a little money to spend.

[@rolfpalmqvist5095]

This is better than the outreamer and that is 1 million ❤

[@bryangarnett8386]

Great advice! Thank you.

[@brianmeattey4151]

Been awhile bud but as I said I'll allways be here and great vid and godbless ..

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Thank you so much Brian. We appreciate your continued support!

[@lawrence7065]

It’s a good thing you’re hooked up to electric. It makes life easier. I boon dock. Don’t have the luxury of electricity.

[@kimlangley7022]

thank you!😁

[@bestman7776]

Ventless propane heaters are notorious for causing humidity. But it’s odd to have a lot of humidity when running electric.. Great video, thanks for the tips

[@mikehunt4797]

The 150 watt bulb looks like a great way to start a fire.

[@NathanielStockwell]

Thanks so much!

[@texasproud3332]

Good video y’all

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Thank you so much.

[@eugenevdwalt7067]

Thanks for the vid, we are getting ready to live out winter in a camper in north dakota 16 miles from the Canadian border...

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Sounds like an adventure for sure.

[@randybobandy9828]

Yikes, I pray you stay warm, I'm 50miles from the Canadian border in WA

[@dougmoore7424]

Thanks for the tips! We’ll be living in our 5th wheel during winter and I’m thinking ahead. Any non-reflectix options you can think of to allow light in?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Reflectix is pretty much the best product to use for that purpose. It installs easy and is easy to remove if you wanted to let light into a window.

[@jackieknight8694]

Bubble wrap

[@shannoninalaska]

I think I would install a mini wood stove .

[@rswfire]

Hi! Are the foam boards under your slides temporary? Just wondering if you have to take them out when you need to close your slides. How do you keep them up there? Thanks for this!

[@jimhansel1503]

Hello guys nice video. question, do you have some sort of electric heat upstairs or does it stay warm enough being higher?

[@bebes-adventures1475]

Hey Jimmy!!!

[@JR2012now]

This Camper is really nice!! What year is it? Great video!

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Thanks for the comment. It's a 2021 :)

[@jazzy3098]

HI I love what you have done. I am being evicted and a friend of mine will allow me to put a camper I am going to buy on her property and live ther with my Cats. How do you keep the Black water from freezing up if you keep it connected to the sewer?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

In the winter time you'll keep your blank tank closed until full and then pull the lever to release it. Some rv's have tank heaters which can keep your tank from freezing, but the way we skirted the underside of the rv you could always add a small heat source to put some heat down there to prevent freezing. Every rv is rated different so deffinately aim for a 4 season rv which will better help with the cold if you're going to be facing that. Best of luck, and if you have any other questions please feel free to let us know :)

[@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076]

I would build a metal pole barn. It will leak it's only a matter of time

[@amoresjourney]

Question .. with your a/c covers can you still cut the a/c on?

[@rdvaughan70]

where are you? what state and annual snow fall? just kinda getting idea of what kinda winter you deal with, im in south east virginia and pretty mild winters here

[@debyarger3084]

I could not handle having the reflective in the windows all day long. We've had our rig out for a few days when Temps dipped to 25 degrees, and we had no problems without doing anything extra.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

It could feel closed in but when the sun was out we would take the reflective out of the window on that side of the RV to get the light.

[@debyarger3084]

@Jimmy2Tech that's good to hear. You have some great tips,and I'll make sure I keep them in my back pocket. I want nothing more then to sell my house and take our rig to some place remote and stay there. But those grandkids pull those heart strings of mine. Four out of six are grown with two of them married. It's the younger two 6 and 8 that we need to keep building memories while their young.

[@misafitness]

Great video and explanation! Question. Would you say the foam under the slide outs also helps keep the trailer cooler in the summer?

[@DEATHNIGHT20]

Ok. I'm getting a fifth wheel 2007 and I live in Idaho. I'm gonna be in a RV lot hooked up year round. I only care about keeping pipes from freezing while still being able to shower. I like the cold so inside is no problem. Can someone who knows tell me the most cost effective way to protect the water pipes. It is electric water heater and full time hook up. Thanks

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Best way i can think of to protect your pipes is to skirt your RV and get a heater for underneath.

[@kellygeraghty6830]

I’m curious as to why you suggest using electric heat, where-as most suggest using your propane heat?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

In cold temperatures you would need the furnace to run alot to keep up, the problem with that, is you will runout of propane rather quickly. And depending on there you are, electricity can be cheaper/more convient than filling your propane tanks every week or less.

[@hayden8693]

You can use your furnace with propane to fully heat your trailer. Just expect to fill your 30lb propane tank every 2 days.

[@Grant3758]

Is your rv 4 season rated i think they call it? Considering buying an rv to visit family out of state but would not be able to do all the skirting you have shown here. Wouldnt get down to negatives like you said hopefully though:)

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Yes, this RV is a four season. Meaning they usually have tank heaters and extra insulation. Rv's deffinately don't hold heat as well as a traditional house. If your somewhere for a short time and don't have to worry about Temps falling below 32 degrees (F) to often then you would be fine. Just have to keep track of the temp outside and make sure your actively turning on tank heaters if it's to low. Sidenote, if your hooked up to water let's say, you'll also have to make sure that doesn't freeze.

[@darrenmcmillin6611]

I would recommend if you're going to show your work on media make sure it's nice work! Yes it's functional but Esthetically the tape work is subpar!

[@dieselmutt8865]

This video is about function and survival. Pretty sure he didn't post it to win any home decor awards.

[@alysonmacdonald3453]

Hey there. Thanks for the great video. The amazon link you provided for the landscape spikes/stakes takes you to something that looks significantly different. Can you provide us with an up-to-date link? Thanks

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Hello thank you. We checked the link and those are the correct items.

[@ref1634]

Hi, i was just wondering if you knew any way to be able to run more heaters at once? i’m on 30 amp service so i can’t run too many at a time. do you have a solution? thanks

[@Jimmy2Tech]

If you are at a place where you are hooked into a pedestal you can run an extension cord into an outlet. You need to pull power from other sources other than your RV.

[@makaylaforbes6719]

So how do you keep water and power running in the winter so you don't freeze to death and your water doesn't freeze if you're not rv living in your own backyard? All that stuff is easy to do when you're rv living outside your own home

[@Jimmy2Tech]

It would be a lot harder with out a power source.

[@jndterrell]

What were those steps up to the left on the way into the master bedroom?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

That is the loft which is great for if you have kids or need extra storage.

[@user-mt4zr5kp7h]

I just drilled a few holes into that heating duct in the storage Bay area. I drilled three or four holes and it keeps the temperature in there about 3° cooler than my living room.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

That's a good idea, keeps from having to worry about the temp in there.

[@EstorilEm]

@@Jimmy2Tech You mentioned yours has the cold climate package like mine - one of they keys to that is they actually have small vents to bleed heat from the furnace and duct it into the area below the floor to keep the pipes warm. The issue with that is that obviously that requires you to use propane heat.

[@amandaroot3503]

Hey. Great video. To the point. No extra scenes like snowball fights. Just the info we need. Here's my question: I live in western Oregon. Not NE. How much of this work should I do when we rarely get below 30 and snow is not guaranteed? When it does snow it doesn't last long. The guys who sold me my travel trailer said I didn't need to do anything because if I'm living in it, I'm keeping the pipes warm by heating the inside. Others say I'm insane if I don't do what you've shown here and then some. Just depends who I ask. What are your thoughts?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

We would always air on the side of caution and do it. You never know when the weather will take a turn. It happened to a lot of people in Texas last year. A little work now to potently save you a bunch of hassle. Thanks for watching.

[@charissamorin4960]

What happens if you’re doing this in the woods no hookups available. Use a generator but how?

[@alishacoffey9802]

What is the cost of this to winterize everything...

[@fastchev1077]

How do you keep the black and grey water tanks from freezing?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Out particular RV came with tank heaters. You can purchase them aftermarket and put them on.

[@EstorilEm]

If it's skirted and especially if it has the cold climate package, it shouldn't be an issue (even without tank heaters.) The tanks are within the insulated base area of the trailer which would also have air ducted in there from the furnace.

[@StevePrentice]

Great video. Here's a question - do you still do black tank flushes during winter? If so, does that mean undoing all the foil wrap and heat wire on the faucet?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Hello Steve and thanks for checking out our video. We did still do black tank flushes just not as often more like every other empty. What we ended up doing is hooking up a y hose adaptor to the city water connection in the wet bay so we could hook up the small hose and do a black tank flush just by turning the shut off on the y adaptor, worked great because our connections are in the heated storage area. As far as getting access to the black tank valve and dump area we were sure to put the end piece of one of the foam panels right were the connection was so all we had to do was move the foil tape from one end and swing it open and the other end was like a hinge. Worked great.

[@StevePrentice]

@@Jimmy2Tech Fantastic! Thank you. I am looking forward to doing all of this myself this winter. I appreciate your guidance.

[@oldkoot5828]

Are those dual pane or single pane windows?

[@user-zl6uz3ks6w]

Do you have an artic blast package on your RV?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

No, We have the Extended season package which has heated tanks.

[@kendranorris217]

How long does that 100lb tank last? Also we used hay bales for our siding works well

[@Jimmy2Tech]

How long the tank last is going to depend on the temps outside and what youkeep it at. Also will depend on if you have electric heaters in the rv. At the coldest temps where we were a 30lb would last a week. But if you manage well with electric heaters you won't have to run the furnace as much during the day. Just make sure your underbelly stays warm so you prevent possible freezing.

[@jesus.maryandjoseph8880]

What is the R-value of your Styrofoam that you used for your skirting? Thanks.

[@EddieKeator]

How did you connect your 100# tank? I'm seriously planning to purchase one.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

I bought the extension hose and hooked one end into the tank and the other into the regulator. Worked great.

[@lovejoypeace9424]

I’m considering a 100 pound tank myself. How do you refill such a heavy tank? Do you have a propane company come out to refill it? Thx

[@adamnmindyrascon7656]

Can I run my electric heat in winter or should I use gas mine is blowing cold air could you tell me why

[@scottygonehotty]

Do you stay at this place all winter ? If not how many month or weeks do you stay in the winter ? Most importantly how are you charged and how much ? I was looking at a place that finally accepted winter stays but wanted 2000 a month just to hook up and stay ? Is this typical for winter stays ? Thanks so much for your video

[@Jimmy2Tech]

At this location we managed a full winter season (upstate NY). This was free as it was on our property. Winter stay amounts will depend on location and stay duration. Down here in Florida you can expect to pay up to 2k a month for lot rent if you pay for a month. If you lock in for a 6 month or a year stay it is much cheaper. So up north, I do not think paying 2k a month is good. If you haveanymore questions pleaselet us know and we'll do our best to answer. :)

[@scottygonehotty]

@@Jimmy2Tech thank you so much ….appreciate it

[@randybobandy9828]

$2000 a month in winter? The local RV park next to me is $525/month year round. That includes free water and wifi. Electricity is only additional cost. This is in Eastern Washington. I think that's over priced imo too.

[@fallentraveler]

Thoughts on wiring in a low temp rated mini split unit or a diesel cab heater? Looking at setting up a permanent RV on private land in Upstate NY.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

A lot of RV'ers are installing the diesel heaters in their rigs and really like them. They are pretty small but put out a lot of heat. Just remember that those kind of heaters just like the furnace in your RV will also add some moisture so make sure you have a dehumidifier going.

[@randybobandy9828]

Low temp mini split would be the way to go, you can get a 12000btu one for $1200 or a non low temp one which will work down to -5f for $800

[@monicaharris7565]

Like your suggestions. Great video! Question...All the landscaping spikes I have searched for in the big box stores and on Amazon do not look like yours. Do you have a brand name for them and where did you find them?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Hello Monica, glad our video was helpful. They are called landscape staples and the big box stores usually have them. I did just put a link in the video description for them on amazon. Hope this helps. Thanks again for checking our our video, we hope you will consider subscribing if you are not already.

[@BillHines42]

Why are there two temp sensor panels for underneath, the color one and the non color one?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Just to have a redundancy in 2 locations.

[@PjSmith]

Can you show how you used the landscape staples I’m not understanding how those would work how do you attach them to the foam board??

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Hello PJ, I am not where I can show that at the moment, but all we did after we had the foam boards up was put a piece of gorilla tape every 2 feet at the bottom of the board to reinforce where we were going to put the landscape staples then we put the long landscape staples in at a 45 degree angle at the bottom of the foam board through were we put the tape and push it all the way into the ground. The angle helps so when the wind pushes against the the foam panels it would just push the staples in the ground harder and not move the foam panels. Worked great. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe if you haven't already if you found our video helpful.

[@BillHines42]

​@@Jimmy2Techso the staple goes thru the foam board? Confused on this, any pic close up?

[@dtalley68]

can you leave the fiberboard on during the summer? its just starting to get warm and having trouble keeping cool.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

I don't see why not. Maybe put in a couple vent holes just to allow good air flow to prevent moisture.

[@MsBsPlace]

Hi, What is the length of your 5th wheel and how many insulation boards did you use? 4x8?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Ours is 42 feet and we used I believe 16 sheets. That includes the foam we put under the slides.

[@adammcwilliams2803]

So if a 30 pound tank last two days 100 pound tank only last 6.5 days?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

With the addition of the electric heat we also had we would get about 2 weeks out of the 100 lb tank depending on the temps.

[@MetalManiacNL]

''Murica''

[@caseyd3963]

Hey there! Thanks you for posting this!! Is this camper considered a 4season one? My husband and I are looking at a heartland big horn that’s on sale right now, the guy said it’s a 4 season but we live in NH. We’re planning on buying a 5th wheel and connecting to my in-laws house and live in it full time. Do you guys live in this all year round? And connect everything to the house? Thanks so much for posting!!

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Yes ours is considered a 4 seasons RV and we do still live in ours full time. We did connect to the house for a while when we had it there. With the right things done and precautions you can make it through the winter.

[@randybobandy9828]

If it's 4 seasons then it will have tank heaters, so look for the tank heater switches inside . Also I actually have a 2008 37ft heartland big horn. I really like it 😊

[@waya5893]

we’re on the underside of your camper did you place the thermometer sensor?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

We placed the sensor on the frame rail under the dining slide.

[@oldkoot5828]

Are those dual pane or single pane windows?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

These are single pane windows. Deffinately important to use reflectix over the windows as an extra layer to block out the cold and keep the heat in. We cut it to the window shape individually so we can remove a piece if we wanted some additional sunlight.

[@oldkoot5828]

@@Jimmy2Tech thanks for the reply.

[@latishasalisbury1270]

Good idea, how did you get the extension cord inside? I need to run mine inside my solitude and not sure to run another space heater. Any idea?

[@latishasalisbury1270]

I see how you put the cord in. Forgive me I am a newbie. How did you get it under the slide?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

@@latishasalisbury1270 on the slides they have the rubber seals. You can just slide the extension cord right through there and you'll be all set! :)

[@davedave5608]

What about -40

[@Jimmy2Tech]

-40 F, I don't think rv life is suited to much for that. You'd have to run heat under the rv, and you'd probably go through propane and power like crazy trying to keep it cold inside

[@zr3611]

By any chance.whats the name of the insulation you used on the outside

[@Jimmy2Tech]

It is a 1 inch Foil Faced Polyisocyanurate foam board.

[@zr3611]

Thanks.

[@dougferguson5581]

Hi. I fly to the arctic in winter for work. I going leave my rv heated inside but not tge subfloor. I have heated hoses for the water. Will my pipes freeze in say minus 5 to 10 in the subfloor with out the furnace running ? Thanks

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Hello Doug, I would say yes they will if the heat is not running. You could try to leave the water running a little. Thanks for watching.

[@dougferguson5581]

@@Jimmy2Tech Thank you.

[@wendymoses1118]

Question … how did you adhere the foam insulation boards under your slide outs?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

These were not adhered with anything. They were cut as a tight fit so they stay in position. If you're. Alitalia worried about them blowing away you can always use some tape to keep them pressed against the slide outs.

[@wendymoses1118]

Awesome. Thank you for the response. I would definitely like to try this out!!

[@Jimmy2Tech]

@@wendymoses1118 it works great! Good luck.

[@plumberphil5321]

Why?

[@derks0]

what a waste of propane..

[@emagen303]

Do you have your hotwater on constant to keep the heater tank from freezing?

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Helo Emagen303, Yes, since we are living in it full time we have the water heater always on. Meaning it heats up then shuts off just like normal.

[@amandasoileau4140]

Do you use heated sewer hoses for grey water? They are pretty expensive but this is our first winter in our rig and want to be prepared.

[@amandasoileau4140]

Also could you link your slide covers you mentioned.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

Hello Amanda, We did not use any heated sewer hose and did not have an issue. Our sewer hose run was about 40 feet also and still no issue. Most of the time when you are dealing with gray water there is warm or hot water involved, like a shower or dishes so that keeps the hose clear. Just make sure you have a good slope to the hose.

[@Jimmy2Tech]

@@amandasoileau4140 I have added the link to the slide toppers. just click the link and choose the size you need. Thanks for watching.