If you live in the northern part of the country, it’s pretty chilly outside right now.

While many RV owners have their vehicles tucked away until spring, there are still those die-hard travelers who travel year round. For them, coming up with solutions on how to keep their vehicles warm and toasty is a must. Thankfully, there are a number of options.

These days, most RVs come insulated and offer a double-glazed window option which helps prevent some relief from the elements. Most RVs already have existing heating appliances or include an option to upgrade. Some possible upgrades range from underfloor heating and diesel furnace heating to reverse cycle air conditioning and even electric ceramic heaters.

Before you start pondering any of these options, however, one of the first things any motorhome owner should take into account is safety.

First and foremost, DO NOT – I repeat – DO Not use any fire heating appliance that has a naked flame or a bar heater. Basically, there is no need to help promote any unnecessary risks.

Any heater you do decide to use should have a safety cut-off feature of some sort. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure any electrical or gas appliances are regularly. This will not only help keep your mind at ease, but it will help prevent possible accidents or mishaps. Including a fire blanket, fire extinguisher and ensuring smoke and carbon dioxide detectors in your vehicle are working is also good idea.

Now that we have all the safety stuff out of the way, let’s move on to selecting a heating unit for your vehicle.

It’s important to make sure the unit you select coincides with the size of the RV. One of the easiest ways to ensure this is by contacting the vehicle’s manufacturer. As combustion gases like water vapor, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are expelled from heaters; proper ventilation is also a must.

Whether you’re doing your winter traveling in a larger RV or a Camper Van, it’s important to remember every vehicle is different and all heating options should be considered before making a decision.

Winterizing a Roadtrek can prevent several mishaps. Roadtreks, if not appropriately inspected before the winter’s cold arrives, can cause damage to  the pipes of your Roadtrek. The harsh cold can create freezing water that can damage the Roadtrek’s systems. The winter elements can also cause damage to tires, batteries and other Roadtrek’s system’s overtime.

Maintain proper tire pressure.

Protect tires from losing pressure by covering them with a tire cover when not in use. Spray a tire dressing onto tires to keep the sunlight from weakening the tire. You can even jack op your Roadtrek to prevent further loss of inflation if they have been sitting for long periods of time. Also be sure to inspect and replace the spare tire in necessary.

Inspect batteries periodically.

Use baking soda and water to wipe down the roadtrek’s batteries from corrosion and dirt. Recharge the Roadtrek’s batteries using the isolator switch to reduce unwanted electric leak, which happens when poor grounding connections draw energy. Remove the battery from the Roadtrek during extreme cold weather conditions to keep it from freezing. Place battery in a dry, storage area such as a garage, and charging it at least once a month.

Drain the water from your Roadtrek.

Park the Roadtrek with rear wheels elevated a few inches before draining. Shut off  all water faucets and fill the water tank with RV antifreeze. Turn water pump on and open toilet, shower, and all other faucet valves so that RV antifreeze can be released. Turn water pump off when the RV antifreeze starts to flow.

Drain the hot water heater tank. First, remove the heater tank’s door latch. Open the pressure release valve by moving the lever up vertically, removing the plug at the bottom of the heater. Step aside to prevent spillage on clothes. Take special caution to ease the plug out. Next, flush the hot water tank with a water hose until the water becomes less murky. Reassemble and use plumber’s tape to secure valve shut.

Air the lines out.

Open the faucet valves and the water tank fill valves to air out its lines. Replace the valves when finished.

Change your Oil.

If needed, don’t forget to change your Roadtrek’s oil. Also, inspect the generator, brake fluied and engine coolant before putting it away for the winter. Another important thing to remember is to fill the gas tank to maximum to prevent gum-forming oxidation.

If you take these simple precautions, your Roadtrek will stay looking new for years to come.  Roadtrek Class B Campers are easy to care for and a blast to drive. Call 1-866-975-3287 or fill out the contact us form with any questions.

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Options

2010 Roadtrek Class B camper van with Power Sofa that Converts to a King Size Bed.There is an enclosed shower, toilet area, and sink. Also, you will find a refrigerator, microwave, 2 burner stove, sink, a sliding table and nice storage. The front 3rd seat and passenger seat converts to a twin bed. There is a home theater system with Flat Screen TV (with cover). The A/C is a 110V Dometic with heat pump. The is a 11’6″ awning. The monitor panel has water & propane level guages, and battery charge & battery disconnect. The generator is an Onan MicroLite with remote.This is a must see!.

Visit us now at Dave Arbogast in Troy, Ohio!