Winter-Ready Travel Trailers: Choosing The Best For Cold Weather

When the temperature drops, having a warm and cosy place to return to is essential, especially if you're travelling in an RV. So, what travel trailers are good for winter?

Well, it's all about insulation and heating solutions. For insulation, you've got options like fiberglass, foam board, and blown foam insulation. Each has its pros and cons, but all will help keep the heat in and the cold out. As for heating, you'll want to look for a robust furnace, ideally one that's powered by propane or a combination of electricity and propane. Some trailers even come with wood-burning stoves!

Now, let's look at some specific models that are great for winter. The Northwood Arctic Fox is an excellent choice, with its high-quality construction and triple-threat insulation. The Lance 2285 Trailer is another good option, with heating ducts that distribute heat evenly and a water system that's designed to avoid freezing. If you're after a real four-season RV, the Imperial Outdoors XploreRV-145 is a great pick, with three-inch-thick insulated walls and a powerful furnace.

So, if you're planning to hit the road during the colder months, these trailers will ensure you stay toasty and comfortable.

Insulation and heating solutions

Insulation

The insulation in your RV will be a crucial factor in keeping the interior warm during winter. There are several types of insulation to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Fiberglass insulation: This is the same type of insulation commonly used in houses and offers the best R-value, a measure of temperature resistance. However, fiberglass insulation can wear down over time and is susceptible to mould and mildew if exposed to moisture.
• Foam board insulation: This type of insulation has better durability and is resistant to water damage. However, it typically has a lower R-value than fiberglass and can be more difficult and expensive to install.
• Blown foam insulation: This option has the lowest R-value and may require professional installation or the rental of specialised equipment.

Some RV manufacturers combine different types of insulation to achieve higher R-values. For example, using expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam block instead of the more common extruded polystyrene (XPS) can significantly improve insulation. Other strategies include using laminated fiberglass exterior and interior panels, such as Azdel Onboard composites, in combination with batten and foil-type products.

When assessing the insulation of an RV, consider not just the walls but also the roof, floor, slide-outs, and external storage compartments. The roof plays a significant role in controlling heat loss in winter, and flat roofs tend to have lower R-values than their radiused counterparts. Floors in three-season RVs often lack insulation, while four-season models may add an insulating layer and double slide seals to prevent heat loss.

Additionally, insulating underneath the RV, known as the underbelly, is crucial for preventing heat from escaping and cold air from entering. Four-season RV manufacturers may use a combination of materials, such as corrugated black plastic sheeting and rigid foam, to maximise insulation in this area. They may also design the underbelly to circulate heat from the furnace above holding tanks and valves, with the tanks heated by pads to prevent freezing.

Heating Solutions

An RV furnace will be your primary source of heat during winter. These furnaces are typically powered by electricity, propane, or a combination of both. Some RVs may also have wood-burning stoves. When choosing an RV furnace, consider its strength, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A higher BTU rating indicates a more powerful furnace capable of producing more heat.

In addition to a central furnace, some RVs feature heating ducts that distribute hot air more evenly throughout the space. These ducts may also direct hot air towards water holding tanks to prevent freezing. Another feature to look for is a heated basement, where the furnace is located, to keep the living area warm.

When preparing your RV for winter, don't neglect the plumbing. Using PEX tubing for plumbing can be beneficial as it is flexible and less prone to cracking or splitting if it freezes. Additionally, ensure that your water tanks are insulated or heated to prevent them from freezing.

RV furnaces

An RV furnace is the primary heat source for your motorhome, trailer, or truck camper. It is a structure that blows heated air into different areas of your RV to keep it warm and comfortable during winter. Without an RV furnace, you will not be able to camp during the winter months as the interior of your RV will be too cold.

Types of RV Furnaces

There are two main types of RV heating systems: forced-air furnaces and hydronic heating systems.

Forced-Air Furnaces

In forced-air furnaces, outside air for combustion is force-fed through a sealed combustion chamber and discharged to the exterior. Interior air is moved across a heat exchanger to ensure that no products of combustion are mixed with the interior air.

Hydronic Heating Systems

Hydronic heating systems use a heated surface to heat water that is distributed to radiators throughout the RV. This surface can be heated by burning fuel (propane or diesel), an electric element, or using primary engine coolant.

RV Furnace Maintenance

Just like any other machine, an RV furnace requires periodic maintenance to ensure it runs safely and efficiently. Here are some basic maintenance tips:

• Keep internal and external vents and the burner clean and free of bugs, soot, and dirt.
• Keep RV batteries charged to ensure proper functioning of motor fans.
• Test the carbon monoxide detector regularly to avoid dangerous gas build-up.
• Run the furnace at least once a year to keep it in good working condition.

RV insulation types

When it comes to RV insulation, there are a few different types to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Here is an overview of the most common types of RV insulation:

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is the most common type of RV insulation and comes standard in most RVs. It has a relatively high R-value, which means it offers great protection from extreme temperatures. Fiberglass insulation is also affordable and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many RV owners. However, one of its main drawbacks is that it is sensitive to moisture damage and can be damaged more easily over time. If you're planning to travel to humid areas or expose your RV to moisture, you may want to consider other options.

Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam insulation is a great option for those who want something more resistant to moisture. It has a longer lifespan than fiberglass insulation and is less susceptible to mould. Rigid foam insulation comes in boards of varying thicknesses that can be cut to fit any space. However, it is more difficult to install and is usually not pre-installed in RVs, so you may need to install it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. It is also more expensive than fiberglass insulation.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a lightweight and affordable option that is relatively easy to install. It comes in a can and can be sprayed directly into the walls of your RV, creating an airtight barrier. Spray foam insulation also has superior moisture resistance. However, one of its main drawbacks is that it has a lower R-value than fiberglass or rigid foam insulation. Additionally, the application can be tricky and messy, and it may leave a lingering smell after installation.

When choosing the right type of insulation for your RV, consider your budget, the climate you'll be travelling in, and how often you plan to replace the insulation. Each type of insulation has its strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

Four-season RVs

When it comes to insulation, four-season RVs utilise materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam block, laminated fiberglass exterior and interior panels, and reflective foil insulation. These combinations can result in an R-value of 10 or higher, which is a measure of the RV's resistance to heat transfer. Additionally, four-season RV manufacturers pay close attention to insulating the roof, floor, slide-outs, external storage compartments, and plumbing systems.

Some reputable manufacturers of four-season RVs include Northwood Manufacturing, Keystone RV, Winnebago, Forest River, and East to West. When choosing a four-season RV, it's important to consider factors such as insulation quality, furnace strength (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs), plumbing insulation, and dual-pane windows.

• Bigfoot Industries 25C10.4: Features R-8 EPS rigid foam insulation, dual-propane tanks, heated and enclosed water tanks, and solar-reflective thermal-pane windows.
• Imperial Outdoors XploreRV-145: Boasts three-inch-thick insulated/laminated walls (R-18.5), a one-piece R-15 laminated floor and roof (R-18.5), and a powerful furnace.
• Northern Lite 10-2EXSE: Offers heated basements, R-7 block foam insulation, thermal-pane windows and skylights, heated tanks, and a 20,000 BTU furnace.
• K-Z Sportsmen SE 292RBK: Includes a Climate Package with enhanced insulation, an insulated and heated underbelly, an R-20-rated roof, R-9 sidewalls, and insulated flooring.
• East to West ALTA 3100KXT Xtreme 365: A true four-season travel trailer with R-15 laminated sidewalls, an R-21-rated roof, dual-pane windows, a 40,000 BTU furnace, and a heated basement and underbelly.

RV windows

Hang Heavy Curtains

Thick, insulated curtains can help retain heat. Open them during the day to let sunlight in, and close them at night to keep the cold out.

Use Reflectix

Reflectix is a popular option among RVers, but it blocks sunlight, which can affect your mood during the winter months. Some RVers install Reflectix at night and remove it during the day to let the sun warm their RV.

Insulating Window Film

You can use heat-activated window film or shrink plastic. Tape the plastic around the window frame and then blow hot air on it with a hairdryer to shrink it and smooth out wrinkles. This traps a layer of air between the plastic and the glass, providing insulation.

Motorhome Windshield Insulation

For Class A RVs, you can replace curtains with heavier fabric or hang thick blankets to separate the cab from the rest of the RV, reducing heat loss.

Bubble Wrap

Dampen the window glass and stick bubble wrap to it. This method is easy but may not be as effective as others, and it obstructs your view.

Velcro and Vinyl

You can make clear vinyl covers and attach them to your windows with Velcro. This method allows you to remove the covers and open the windows when needed. However, it may not provide an airtight seal, so it might not be ideal for extremely cold climates.

Plexiglass

Plexiglass is an effective but expensive option. You can cut plexiglass sheets to fit your window size and adhere them with clear acrylic mounting tape.

External Window Covering

For extremely cold climates, you can cover your windows from the outside with clear vinyl, plastic, or plexiglass taped with foil HVAC tape. This seals drafts, but there will be little space between the plastic and glass to trap insulating air.

Skylight Insulation

If you have skylights, you can use an inflatable skylight insulator that sticks to the glass with suction cups. It lets sunlight through while providing a buffer against the cold.

Frequently asked questions