How to Winter Camp in a Fifth Wheel: A Complete Guide to Staying Warm and Protected

Winter camping in a fifth wheel RV can be an incredible experience—cozy, peaceful, and beautiful—but only if you’re prepared. While Luxe Fifth Wheels are built for full-time living with superior insulation, winter is relentless. If you don’t take the right precautions, the cold can cause freezing, damage, and costly repairs.

With the right steps, however, you can stay warm, comfortable, and worry-free. Here’s your complete guide to winter camping in a fifth wheel, including preparation tips, insulation techniques, and advice for managing the toughest winter challenges.

Why Luxe Fifth Wheels Are Built for Winter

Luxe Fifth Wheels come ready for winter with top-notch construction and the Arctic Package:

• 3-inch Sidewalls for exceptional insulation.
• An Insulated Roof and Basement with a radiant barrier.
• Two Layers of Batting Insulation under the floor.
• Insulated Water Pipes and a closed-in basement.
• Heating Vents to circulate warm air when the furnace is running.

Even with these features, winter weather can exploit weak spots. By taking the following steps, you can prevent freezing and ensure your fifth wheel performs at its best.

1. Preparation and Insulation

Proper insulation keeps the cold out and the warmth in:

• Insulate Windows and Doors: Use heavy-duty window insulators, foam board, or thermal curtains.
• RV Skirting: Add skirting around the bottom of your fifth wheel to stop cold air from blowing underneath. This greatly reduces drafts and heat loss.
• Seals and Weatherstripping: Inspect all seals and weatherstripping around doors, windows, and slides. Tight seals prevent cold air from sneaking in.
• Exposed Pipes: Wrap any exposed drainage pipes with 3-inch EDPM insulation. It’s a quick and affordable fix available at hardware stores or online.

2. Heating Your Fifth Wheel

Keep your RV warm with these strategies:

• Furnace Maintenance: Ensure your furnace is clean and in good working condition. Replace filters and clean vents regularly.
• Supplementary Heaters: Use portable electric or ceramic heaters as backups, but always follow safety guidelines.
• Heated Mattress Pads and Blankets: Adding heated bedding can make nights extra cozy.

3. Protecting the Water System

One of the biggest challenges in winter camping is preventing water systems from freezing. Focus on these areas:

Drain Pipes

Drain pipes are often exposed underneath the RV, where wastewater can freeze and cause the gate valves to freeze open or closed. Wrap them with insulation to prevent issues.

Wet Bay

The wet bay is outside the insulated areas, making valves and connections prone to freezing. Use fiber insulation to cover and protect these spaces. It’s easy to remove and replace when you need access.

Hot Water Heater

The hot water heater spans both inside and outside the insulated area, leaving it vulnerable to freezing.

Options for the Hot Water Heater:

• If Stationary: Use your Truma water heater’s Echo Mode (circulates water at 40 degrees) or Hot Mode (circulates at 100 degrees). Both modes prevent freezing.
• If Traveling:
  1. Keep Everything On: Travel with the gas and water heater running to keep water circulating.
  2. Drain the System: Remove all water to ensure nothing can freeze.

How to Drain the Water System Completely

Follow these steps to fully empty your water system:

1. Open the low water drains in the wet bay.
2. Open two faucets—one hot and one cold—inside your rig.
3. Open the yellow filter access tab.
4. Once the water drains, close the faucets and blow air through the hose inlet.
5. Force out any remaining water from the hot water tank and low drain until no water comes out.

4. Ventilation and Moisture Control

Proper ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup:

• Vent Covers: Use covers to retain heat while still allowing airflow.
• Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier helps prevent condensation and potential mold issues, which are common in winter.

5. Safety Precautions

Winter conditions can pose unique risks. Be prepared with the following:

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Check that all detectors are working properly. Propane heaters and generators can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Emergency Kit: Keep a well-stocked emergency kit with extra blankets, food, water, and medical supplies in case you get stranded.

6. Monitor Weather and Road Conditions

• Weather Monitoring: Stay on top of weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes.
• Road Conditions: Regularly check road conditions and have a safe parking plan for severe weather.

7. Enjoy Winter Camping

Winter camping is about more than just staying warm—it’s about enjoying the season:

• Warm Clothing: Dress in layers, wear insulated clothing, and keep extra blankets on hand.
• Indoor Activities: Plan activities for those extra cold days when it’s too chilly to be outside. Board games, books, and movies can make for enjoyable downtime.

Final Thoughts

Winter may be relentless, but with proper preparation, you can enjoy all the beauty and serenity it has to offer while staying warm, dry, and protected. By addressing weak points—like exposed pipes, the wet bay, and the hot water heater—and ensuring your RV is well-insulated, you’ll avoid costly repairs and enjoy a cozy winter camping experience.

Stay toasty warm inside your Luxe Fifth Wheel, and embrace the adventure of winter camping!