Freezing Temperatures and Camping

I was up early one morning and, as I often do, spent some time reading through several RV social media groups. A number of snowbirds were posting that overnight temperatures were expected to drop into the teens, and many were asking what they should do to keep their water lines from freezing.

One person even asked how to skirt their trailer before that night’s cold weather arrived.

It reminded me how important it is to pay attention to the weather and understand how your particular RV handles cold temperatures.

When Pat and I spent the winter in Florida, we also experienced a few nights well below freezing. The difference was that we had several days’ notice from the weather forecast, giving us plenty of time to prepare.

If you’re facing a night of freezing temperatures, here are a few things to consider.

Know What You’re Up Against

Start by looking at the hourly forecast.

There’s a big difference between temperatures briefly dipping to 28 degrees and spending six or eight hours in the teens.

The colder it gets—and the longer it stays there—the more preparation you’ll need.

Ask the Campground Staff

If you’re staying in an RV park, talk with the office.

Ask whether they shut off the campground water during freezing weather and whether they have recommendations for protecting your water connection. They’ve likely helped many campers through similar conditions.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Skirt Your RV

Skirting can make a big difference during extended cold weather, but it’s not something you typically install in a couple of hours.

If you don’t already have the materials, skirting probably isn’t the solution for tonight’s forecast. It’s something to plan for before your next cold-weather trip.

If the RV Will Be Unoccupied

If you’re leaving the RV and won’t be running the furnace, disconnect the city water, drain the plumbing system, open the low-point drains, and open the faucets to allow the lines to empty. Don’t forget to drain the water heater as well.

For a single cold night, this may be all that’s necessary.

If freezing temperatures are expected to last several days, consider fully winterizing the RV.

If You’re Staying in the RV

If you’re living in the RV and using both the furnace and water heater, the interior plumbing will generally be protected, especially if your trailer has an enclosed and heated underbelly.

One thing I always recommend is opening cabinet doors anywhere water lines are located. That allows warm air to circulate around the plumbing and helps prevent cold spots.

Your outside water hose is another matter.

If you don’t have a heated water hose, disconnect it overnight and use your onboard fresh water tank instead. That’s much easier than dealing with a frozen hose the next morning.

Know Your RV

Not every RV is built the same.

Some have enclosed, heated underbellies designed for cooler weather, while others leave tanks and plumbing exposed underneath. Knowing which type you own makes a big difference in deciding how to prepare.

Last winter, we had to leave our fifth wheel in Florida for several weeks because of a family emergency. Before we left, we drained the plumbing system and disconnected the water supply.

While we were gone, the area experienced several nights below freezing.

When we returned, everything worked exactly as it should because we had taken the time to prepare.

That’s really the lesson here.

Pay attention to the weather, read your owner’s manuals, understand how your RV is built, and learn the basic maintenance procedures before you need them.

A little preparation is far easier—and much less expensive—than repairing frozen pipes or a cracked water tank.