Pecan Park Riverside RV Park after a rare snowfall (Credit: Rita Quinn)
Though winters in Central Texas are usually mild, freezing temperatures aren’t unheard of. Be prepared to protect your investment and loved ones with these cold weather tips for your RV.
1/ Have Multiples Heat Sources
RVs are extremely exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to extreme temperatures. Since electric heat pumps usually only work to about 45 degrees, you’ll want at least one backup heat source for inside.
If you plan to use your RV’s propane heater, be aware that it guzzles propane. Pecan Park sells propane on site if you need to fill up during your stay.
Other heating options are electric space heaters or something like the Mr. Heater Big Buddy, which runs off a one-pound cylinder of propane–the kind you might already have on hand for your grill.
If you’re staying in one place for a while, you may want to use insulation inside your windows or install a skirt on the outside. Both these options will give you extra protection from the cold.
2/ Protect Your Pipes
After making sure you and your loved ones will be comfortable inside during cold weather, it’s crucial that you protect your RV pipes! There are a few easy ways to do so:
- Leave your cabinet doors open, to allow heat to flow around your pipes.
- Consider pointing space heaters towards your pipes at night.
- Drip your faucets.
Keep in mind that your water pump can freeze in cold weather, even if your pipes don’t. Some people like to put an electric heating pad on their water pump to keep this from happening.
3/ Take Care of Your Hoses
Your hoses will easily freeze outside in cold weather. To avoid problems, always disconnect your water and sewer hoses when there is a freeze warning. This protects both your RV and your campground’s piping.
If you like, you can bring your fresh water hose inside, and leave it in the shower until you’re ready to use it again. Make sure you fill your water tank beforehand and/or have bottled water available, so you’ll have plenty of water to use during the cold spell.
Alternately, you can buy a heated water hose that will withstand the cold.
4/ Give Your Diesel RV Special Treatment
If you have a diesel RV and plan on driving during cold weather, give your RV 30 seconds to warm up before you take off. Power and Motor Yacht says it’s a myth that your RV needs to run for a long time before you drive. Thirty seconds is long enough, the magazine says. But once the engine is under a load, “don’t immediately put the pedal to the metal. A few minutes of idle speed will warm the oil so it flows better.”