In this article, we look at preventing your RV from going into the ‘deep freeze’ during cold weather use.
Check Anti-freeze Level
Always check your radiator’s anti-freeze level before leaving for higher altitudes or colder climates. This is a simple process that takes only a minute or two but it is well worth your time. While you’re at it, put the anti-freeze container on-board with you or take a 50-50 (anti-freeze to water) mix that is ready to pour, should you find yourself needing it on the road.
Check Battery
Check the chassis battery for crank power and ensure there is electrolyte fluid in the cells. Clean the contacts from any corrosion to ensure full power is available for those cold starts. I should mention, however, to clean the contacts carefully as you don’t want to create a short or unnecessary sparks that may ignite leaking or dissipating gases from the battery. Always wear safety glasses and/or goggles to protect your eyes from an unplanned explosion.
Know How to Put Tire Chains
If you decide to take and use tire chains, make sure you know how to put them on properly while it is still warm and dry. Cold exposure to fingers and the body damage that improperly installed chains cause to your RV can be painful – physically and financially!
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is always a real danger during colder months. Since it is caused by incomplete combustion, ensure your propane systems are working correctly as well as your installed carbon monoxide detector(s). Do not use outdoor heat sources or lamps inside the RV. If the appliance is designed for outside use, the potential of carbon monoxide build up inside without adequate ventilation is tremendous.
While talking of propane, fill your tank(s) completely before setting out into the cold. This reduces condensation risks and prevents vaporization problems when ready for use.
Plumbing
Some RVs have the plumbing located inside the RV where the furnace can be periodically run to keep the lines warm enough to prevent freezing. Some RVs run the lines externally under the floor where they are exposed to the freezing temperatures. You may have to drain the water system if you are unable to protect the pump or the lines from freezing to prevent cracking and water damage. Another option is to install electric tank heating pads and electric heating tape to protect your plumbing when you stay in a campground or RV park that provides electrical hookups.
Good Ventilation
Keep roof vents cracked open to ensure good ventilation and reduce the potential of condensation inside the RV. You don’t need the mold, mildew, rust, and interior damage resulting from such build up and I seriously doubt you want your bedding to feel like you are still in the shower.
Locate camp parking in open, sunlit areas. The passive solar heating will help keep you comfortable and you won’t worry about snow-laden branches crashing down on you or your RV.
A little preparation goes a long way to keeping you and your RV safe. Happy RVing!
Cold-Weather RVing: Your Safety
I remember as a teen participating in winter camping. Skills that I reviewed and learned then help me with cold-weather exposures now (I won’t say how long ago that was, but I qualify for my AARP discount this year!). Being ready for the cold can both keep you more comfortable as well as keep your body parts from malfunctioning.
Hypothermia
It doesn’t have to be snowing or freezing cold to experience cold-related exposures. One very common exposure resulting from slightly warmer temperatures and cold rain is hypothermia. Some people are more prone to this generalized cooling of the body more than others: senior adults, infants and young children, and those with poor circulation are but a few to mention.
When core body temperature reaches 95 degrees F, our bodies attempt to warm through shivering. As the core temperature drops to 92 degrees F, however, the shivering mechanism stops. Keep in mind, then, that if you stop shivering, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have warmed up.
Sleeping
Sleeping in an RV with limited heat capabilities means you need warm and DRY clothing and bedding. Starting your next morning by covering your body with very cold clothing is not a pleasant thought or experience. A couple tricks I picked up early on is to remove clothing for sleeping – if you sweat in the night and your clothes get wet, you will not stay warm. Second, take the clothes you plan to wear the next day, neatly fold them, and place them under your sleeping bag or bedding. Laying on top of them will provide you with additional insulation, pre-heat your clothing for morning, and if folded right, give you a “just pressed” look for the day.
Clothing Selection
Most of your body heat is lost through an uncovered head so wear a hat to help retain heat. For increased warmth, clothing selection is important. Cotton or other similar fabrics are great against the skin to wick away sweat. Wool is a great outside covering insulator, cotton (such as jeans) is not. Wearing layered clothing that can be added and removed as ambient temperatures change are much better than wearing the one piece insulated suit that gives you all or nothing. Fingers and toes get cold fast. Keep extra pairs of dry socks, gloves, and other external heat sources available for both comfort and safety.
Stay Away from Alcohol
Drinking warm fluids can help your body not work as hard to maintain 98.6 degrees F on the inside, but stay away from alcohol! Alcohol is a depressant, which slows breathing and heart rate. Cold slows breathing and heart rate. A combination of alcohol and cold, well, you may feel warm but die very cold! And, alcohol is a dehydrator, removing water from your cells and aiding to your dry, cracking skin.
Try to reduce caffeine levels. For hot drinks, try caffeine-free teas or other drinks.
Don’t rely totally on your RV’s heating system. Pack and dress for the season so you and yours will stay safe in the cold.
Emergencies When Traveling
What happens when there is a personal or pet emergency on the road? How prepared are you if you need medical or vet assistance?
First Aid Training
One of the best ways to prepare for a ‘people’ emergency is to have first aid and/or CPR training. This is training you hope you will never need but it is too late to get it when you do need it. The training accomplishes important things for you. First, it prepares you to respond in the event of an emergency. Second, it heightens your own safety awareness to take precautions and lessen the likelihood of an accidental emergency.
Many people stress keeping CPR and first aid training up to date. As an emergency medical instructor, I wholeheartedly agree that staying current in your skills is important. Often, though, people won’t take the training for the very reason that they have to put the time in to keep current. My suggestion is that some training and knowledge is better than none, whether you stay current in your certifications or not.
First Aid Kit
You need a good first aid kit. A good homemade kit is often better than a commercial one packed full of items you will never use. Always have ¾” band aids, 4×4 sterile dressings, bandage tape, scissors, a bottle of eyewash, and all the triangular bandages you can fit into your kit. The triangular bandages work for everything – tying splints, securing dressings in place, making slings, etc. Don’t use stretch bandages. When there is risk of swelling they can become too tight and impede circulation. If you don’t know to watch for it, you’ll create even more problems.
Have copies of your health insurance number, doctor’s name and phone number, kids’ social security numbers, records related to vaccinations or allergies, a medication list with name and dose, and an emergency contact. Program your cell phone with an I-C-E number, which stands for ‘in case of emergency’. If you are unable to call due to sudden illness or injury, the emergency responders will know who to contact for you.
Pets
For pets, have the vaccine records, known allergies, and your vet’s name and phone number. Watch out for diet changes that can make your pet sick. Allergic reactions to bees, snake bites, or grasses that grow outside of your living area can also create serious health problems for your pet. An engraved tag with the pet’s name, your name, and a phone number is also important.
Fresh potable water should be available for your pet. Don’t let him drink from streams or standing water since you don’t know what may be in it. Make sure you take his bed, a couple toys, and a travel crate for when you are driving to keep him safe and secure while the vehicle is in motion. A little pre-planning will provide less stress when or if something does happen and will help you anticipate problems that you can avoid if known ahead of time. Have fun and stay safe on the road!