Winter in the rv... weather below freezing.
As in... not in the south but up north.
While this probably is not the definitive list of options for cold weather rving , this is what we experienced and did last winter in Virginia.
First off, we have 50 amp service, and our RV has the winter insulation artic package... it helps but is in no way compared to a house. The underbelly is covered and insulated. The two rv furnaces will heat the basement and underbelly to protect holding tanks and water lines.
Additional cold weather tips:
# we use a electric radiator style oil filled heater to warm the lower level. It's efficient and quiet, the ceiling fan circulates the air for even heating and eliminates hot/cold spots. A quiet fan heater is used in the bedroom/bath. If needed we can supplement with the fireplace heater or RV furnaces. Why not use the RV furnaces? They are not efficient (most the the heat goes out the exhaust), they are not quiet for sleeping, they create hot/cold spots, and then there's the issue of refilling the LP gas tanks... in the cold... burrr. We also monitor the temperature in the basement and underbelly with remote thermometers... if it gets cold enough we use a fan space heater in the basement which is empty, set to lowest temp just to maintain above 32 and a fans to circulate the heat throughout the basement and into the underbelly. RV furnace also can help underbelly.
# water supply line. Some things to do. Insulated the water lines and faucet. We will also when needed, let the water trickle when below freezing. (note: gray water tank open to sewage hose to drain constantly). You can also use a electric heat tape/wire to also warm the water line. Or invest in a heated water hose. Sewer line is a standard 3" flex line... not sure if a 1" hose or smaller 1 1/2" sewer line will remain unfrozen. Bears monitoring. You can also unhook the water hose, drain, and reconnect when temps are above freezing... using your fresh water holding tank to supply the RV with fresh water. They say keeping the water supper hose elevated above the frozen ground also seems to help (not too sure about thus one). We also found a better way to trickle the water line... our exterior water sprayer is just inside the basement where the water supplyhose enters... using the sprayer hose (sprayer removed) we drop a sprayer hose through the access hole to trickle the water to the outside the RV rather than via the inside sink. Potientially a bit safer and trickling inside.
# we also use the covered foam insulated pads to put into the rv roof vents. If desired insulated curtains also reduce cold radiating through the windows. Good weather stripping around the RV door is helpful. Near zero we usually leave the interior kitchen and bathroom sink cabinet doors open to let the heat in.
# outside... any kind of skirting around the RV to keep the wind from going under the RV is also helpful. If possible keep snow off the top of the rv and slides... while the snow will provide some small degree of insulation... melting snow & ice refreezing can cause damage.
# area rugs and throw rugs help keep the floor warmer. Thermal socks, rugs, and slippers keep those feet warm.
# some people contact LP Gas companies to get larger LP gas bottles delivered that hold higher volumes... Don't run out... and the supplier refills from their truck.
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We are generally very comfortable above or below 32 degrees. If needed an electric throw blanket helps early in the morning... Especially after returning from outside.
Hot chocolate or a good white chocolate mocha also helps... yum.... as are warm hugs....(smiling to myself).
