RV rental in the winter

Renting an RV in the winter is becoming increasingly popular, and as a result, more and more campgrounds are open year-round. However, there are certain things you should pay close attention to while renting an RV in winter. Take the following advice from our RV experts and your winter RV trip will be a great experience.

Winter-ready RV rentals

With RV supplier Roadbear, among others, you are not allowed to use water tanks for your (waste) water with temperatures below 0 degrees. If you turn in your Roadbear motorhome during freezing weather, the supplier will charge 100 USD to winterize it for the next traveler. Likewise, with RV supplier El Monte, you pay an allowance for winterizing. Should damage occur due to freezing, most RV suppliers require that the traveler be responsible for this. Cruise America and Cruise Canada also apply this principle.

Some RV suppliers, such as Cruise America and Cruise Canada, do not allow you to drive with snow chains because the RVs are already equipped with four-season tires. Check with your rental location whether snow chains are allowed or not.

Water

If your fresh water tank is filled during temperatures below freezing, you should keep the kettle and oven on. This can be done through the generator in your RV and should be on the lowest possible setting. This measure prevents the water tank from freezing. If you fill your water tank with antifreeze, make sure it is non-toxic and specifically for RVs. Fill the water tank halfway with antifreeze, then turn on the pump and faucet until the antifreeze (often pink in color) washes out. For the waste water tank, flush the antifreeze down the drain. Should you still not want to risk freezing, you can also choose to carry your water in jerry cans.

All tips for traveling during winter by our experts

• Always connect the RV to the external power supply. This way the battery will not run down.
• Make sure the heater is always on (at least on level 2 or 3). Otherwise, the water in the pipes, boiler and tanks may freeze.
• Heating an RV in the winter causes fairly high propane gas consumption. In cold temperatures, a propane gas bottle (1kg) lasts about 2-3 days. If more propane gas is needed than that provided, it can be purchased locally in most cases. (Only propane gas may be used. Butane gas will not work because it can freeze). You will then be given a full bottle and must pay for the next bottle yourself. If you travel abroad, you should buy a Euro-Adapter Set, which allows you to refill gas bottles abroad.
• In some RVs, the toilet water tank is located under the insulated floor, making it vulnerable during cold weather. Fill the toilet water tank with antifreeze to prevent freezing.
• Bring plenty of antifreeze, including for the windows and locks.
• Put antifreeze into toilet to prevent freezing.
• Not all RVs have a heated waste water tank. Therefore, this waste tank should be left open during parking. Put a bucket under the drain to catch the waste water. This will ensure that the waste water does not freeze in the tank.
• Comply with legal requirements. Depending on the country and weather conditions you are traveling to or through, it may be mandatory to use winter tires and snow chains. To be on the safe side, check with our customer service in advance to see if winter tires and snow chains are required in the country and period you plan to rent the RV.
• Make sure that your power cable runs properly at the campsite. It should not become frozen to the ground or in the way of the snowplow.
• In cold temperatures, it is important to ventilate often. This helps to reduce moisture in the interior of the RV.
• Avoid drying wet clothing inside the RV.
• Check the vents regularly for snow cover and remove the snow if necessary.
• Bring a hair dryer so you can thaw frozen parts or pipes if necessary.
• There should not be too much snow on the roof of the RV. If the roof is covered with snow, remove the snow.
• Keep in mind that many campgrounds and RVs are closed in the winter. Plan your route before departure.
• Don't let the RV idle for more than 12 hours at a time, but make small trips in between to keep the engine warm.
• To make your winter camping vacation even smoother, we recommend bringing a good ice scraper, which you can use to remove snow and ice from the windshield. A large shovel and brush are also handy tools in snowy areas. Wool socks, down slippers and hot water bottles will make your stay comfortable and pleasantly warm!