On the Road

Winter camping can be a challenging adventure and it’s not meant for the faint of heart (or those trying to make a fashion statement.) As with most things in life, the most rewarding experiences are ones that take more effort. Preparation, not to mention a positive attitude, is important for a successful winter camp outing. We thought we’d share some tips with you about preparing your RV, and yourselves, for the cold weather.

The RV
Most RV manufacturers now offer a winter package that includes double insulation along with heated and enclosed storage tanks, however, there are many things that you can do to modify your unit for cold weather camping. For starters if you don’t have storm windows insulate the windows with plastic (kits available at your local hardware store) it’s amazing how well these work. Condensation can be a problem making a de-humidifier an essential winter camping tool.

Use electrical heat tape to keep water hoses from freezing. Additionally, wrap the interior plumbing with insulation and use the proper antifreeze to winterize the fresh water holding tank. Hopefully these measures will help keep the water flowing. Keep a few gallons of freshwater on hand just in case.

A working carbon monoxide detector (not to be confused with a smoke detector) is a must for any RVer using a catalytic heater. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and non-irritating, making it difficult for people to detect. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, are often mistaken for the flu. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death. If your carbon monoxide detector should signal, ventilate the area and call a technician to inspect the unit for leaks.

When winter camping, take along a shovel for digging, road salt or sand in case the wheels start spinning, and deicer for those frozen locks. A reliable means of communication, and another form of transportation (i.e., snowmobile) are additional safety measures.

Thy Self
Extremely cold weather conditions make the proper choice and use of clothing more vital than at other times of the year. Damp clothing and/or skin can cause your body to cool quickly, possibly leading to hypothermia. Keep dry by avoiding cotton clothing, including socks, as cotton absorbs moisture. Body heat drives perspiration through clothing and forces it out into the air, so don’t wear waterproof clothing. Keep the clothing around your neck and chest loose. Dress in layers and brush snow from your clothes before it melts. If you’re doing an aerobic exercise, such as snow shoveling, and decide to take a break, immediately add an additional layer of clothing so you won’t get cold.

Footwear is important as your feet are subject to moisture, especially if the snow is melting. At least two pair of socks is recommended. Wool or a wool blend is best. One method is to put plastic bags on your feet, either between the two layers of socks or directly on your feet. A thin synthetic sock under the plastic bags with heavy wool socks over them is best. An adequate pair of boots plus an extra pair of boots should be brought.

If your feet are cold put on a hat. Your body will close off circulation to your hands and feet if your head gets cold. Your head doesn’t feel cold but your feet will. By putting on a hat, you’ll warm your head and the circulation will return to your feet and hands. Chemical heat packs and hot water bottles are handy if you are really having trouble staying warm. Place them under your arm pits or on the inside of your upper thighs as these are the areas where your arteries are closer to the surface of your skin.

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves that isolate each finger. Extra gloves and/or mittens are needed as gloves and mittens tend to get wet.

If you are in snowy conditions, remember to wear eye protection and sunscreen. The reflection off the white snow will reflect the sun’s energy and provide more light than you’re used to.

Know and become familiar with signs and symptoms or hypothermia and know when to call it quits. One of the first signs of hypothermia is the brain gets cold and doesn’t work as well as normal. For example, a person with mild hypothermia when asked as simple question, such as ‘what is 2 + 1’ will have to think hard for the answer. Some other signs of hypothermia are sleepiness, slowed, slurred speech, shallow breathing and excess shivering.