10 Ways To Stay Warm Without RV Electricity
Spending the winter in your camper can be fun, but you should always be prepared to endure cold weather.
Sure, RV walls offer protection from wind and snow. But drafts and poor insulation can make your vehicle quite chilly. You can run the heater, but unexpected power outages can force you to shut it down. Winter can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.
Don’t be a victim of a winter campground power outage. This article explains:
- How to upgrade your RV insulation,
- The best non-electric heat sources that work well in extreme temperatures,
- And the importance of dressing warmly and consuming warm food and drinks.
Keep reading to learn how you can stay warm, dry, and cozy while winter RVing.
1. Upgrade RV insulation
Poor RV insultation is one of the main problems with RVing during the winter. During warmer weather, it isn’t a huge problem if your RV has thin walls. But poor RV insulation can be dangerous during the colder months.
Anything you do to warm up your RV is pointless if you can’t trap heat inside. To upgrade your RV insulation, do the following:
- Seal up any gaps in your RV.
- Cover RV vents when you’re not using them.
- Inspect weather strips around your windows and doors. Replace if necessary.
- Create or buy insulated window covers. RVs lose a lot of heat through the glass, and an extra layer can help you seal the heat inside. DIY covers can be made of cardboard, styrofoam, folded blankets, or anything that blocks heat transfer.
- Don’t forget about your RV flooring. A few carpeted areas and rugs can help your feet stay warmer. Plus, they add to the coziness of your RV.
It’s vital to know how to stay warm without electricity in your RV. Photo: Shutterstock
2. Set up a small camping tent
It might sound strange to have a camping tent inside an RV. But these can actually be useful once the temperature starts dropping. That’s because the smaller an area is, the easier it is to keep it warm.
When you don’t want to heat up your entire RV, set up a small tent on top of your RV mattress. Camping tent fabric has some built-in insulation, so the interior temperature will be higher than the rest of the RV.
This can be a fun fort for kids or act as an easy way for couples to stay warm in the same bed. Either way, cozy up inside your tent and enjoy having a warm haven inside your RV. It’s also pretty easy to find small, cheap tents that are just the right size to cover a bed.
3. Cuddle up in a sleeping bag
You can always bundle up in blankets and bedding. But sometimes they just aren’t warm enough for cold weather RVing. Sleeping bags are the perfect solution to this problem. This camping gear is perfectly designed to keep heat in and cold out.
Even if you have a bed in the RV, try climbing into a sleeping bag before you nestle under the covers. The extra layers and insulated material make a huge difference at bedtime. You can always add more layers, but sleeping bags are a great way to stay warm without electricity.
4. Eat warm, filling meals
Winter-proofing your RV is one thing. But you also need to prepare your body for cold winter RVing. Have you ever noticed that you crave comfort food once the temperature starts dropping? This is your body’s way of telling you that it needs extra warmth and calories to stay healthy!
You can raise your body’s core temperature by eating warm foods and beverages. Don’t worry about counting calories while you’re living in an RV that’s chilly. Warm, hearty meals help you stay comfortable. Stock up on appropriate snacks and meal ingredients.
5. Change clothes before bed
Your clothing also makes a big difference as you try to stay warm without RV electricity. As you move around throughout the day, you will inevitably sweat a bit. This isn’t a big deal as long as you’re moving. But sweat can quickly lower your body temperature once you lay down for the night.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to change into a fresh, dry set of clothes before bed. Do it, even if you don’t feel like you’re sweaty. It might sound strange to get out of the warm clothes you’ve been wearing all day. But it’s better to give yourself a clean, warm set of clothing before bed.
6. Wear appropriate clothing layers
This winter RV camping tip probably isn’t a surprise. But you should layer your outfits when you’re living in an RV without electricity. Your clothes are your first line of defense against cold temperatures. Be thoughtful when you assemble camping outfits. Try putting on leggings underneath your pants. Maybe wear an undershirt, sweater, and jacket.
The layer that’s closest to your skin should be moisture-wicking. Polyester, wool, and nylon are excellent materials for a base layer. Next, add an insulating layer that traps air and warms it up. Fleece is a popular choice, but you can also use wool or down for this layer.
As long as you stay inside the RV, these two layers should be enough. If you go outside, you’ll also need a weatherproof cover on top of the layers. Choose apparel that’s warm and waterproof.
7. Keep your head warm
You can lose a lot of heat through your scalp. Hats keep your head and ears nice and toasty. Keep a beanie on hand for everyday use. You might want to sleep in that beanie because you don’t want to get chilly while you’re asleep. And if one hat isn’t enough, try adding two! A hoodie over a beanie is also a good combination.
8. Loosen your shoelaces
Speaking of dressing for winter RVing, you must pay attention to your footwear. Don’t be tempted to wear bulky socks and tight-fitting shoes as a way to bundle up your feet.
Unfortunately, this combination actually cuts off circulation to your feet, making them feel even colder as a result. Wear loose-fitting shoes and boots so you can promote a bit of airflow and reduce sweat. If your feet have some space to breathe, they can stay warm.
9. Invest in propane heaters
Electric space heaters are a great way to warm up your RV, but they won’t work if you have no power. Therefore, propane burners and heaters are good alternatives. These rely on gas and can produce excellent levels of heat. Just make sure you keep enough fuel on hand to keep them running!
The Mr. Heater F232000 Propane Radiant Heater is an excellent choice for winter RV camping. It’s small enough to be portable, and it can keep the entire RV nice and toasty. Check the area around it when you set it up to ensure there’s nothing flammable nearby.
10. Use hand warmers and hot water bottles
There are other ways to stay warm without RV electricity, besides portable space heaters. If you just need a small, personal heat source, try chemical hand warmers. These small packets can be tucked into your shoes, gloves, pocket, or anywhere else where you’re feeling chilly. Most last for several hours and they’re quite safe.
You can also heat up a water bottle. They might not stay warm forever, but the water remains at a comfortable temperature if you keep it close to your body.
Get tips from other RVers
If campground power goes out and you can’t rely on your traditional heaters, you must have alternative heat sources to prevent hypothermia or even death. Always know how to stay warm so you can stay alive.
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, RV mods, and more.
Related articles:
- 8 Ways To Stay Warm While Camping In Cold Weather
- How To Heat An RV Without Propane
- 3 Ways To Keep Warm When RVing In Winter
If in a motorhome, crank the engine and run the heater for awhile. Then shut it off and repeat every few hours. You do NOT need to keep your RV at 78 degrees or hotter. 58 is livable.
Why wasn’t solar and batteries mentioned 🙄🤔🤦😡
Read the title.
If you’re stranded, and can’t leave, or you don’t have the money, you’re on limited income, or some other external or internal limiting factor, there’s some great suggestions here, read all of them and use the best ones, depends on how cold it’s going to get, watch the news, do not get caught by surprise, If you die it’s no problem cuz you’re gone, but if you just freeze some fingers or toes… it’s very very uncomfortable…
If you have the means, pack up and go to Florida Georgia Alabama South Texas, Arizona New Mexico, close to the Mexican border, watch the news, weather patterns usually take a week to come across the country starting in the Washington State pushing Southwest towards Florida, so it gives you about a week heads up…
God’s blessings to you all, and happy New Year
58???, I would drive to a hotel before I would sit in an icebox, I would run my heat and an electric heater if needed, the generator only uses 1/2 gallon an hour. If I get low on fuel or propane I’ll fill up and be comfortable. It’s bad enough I fish with a friend when the ice goes away, even that is too cold to sit in long
Ummm.. because the article header says “without electricity” that would be My guess 😂
I put a wood stove in my RV so I can get fuel (firewood) pretty much anywhere.
Candles and clay flower pots with a hole in the bottom make amazing heaters. When the power goes out.
If you have a bed partner get rid of the bedclothes, two naked bodies sharing heat will be warmer than one regardless of the clothes. In the arctic infantry this was part of the training in the ’90s (I wasn’t there, my son was).
Because solar sucks. Lol You gonna get up on your icy snow covered roof and clean off your solar panels in 50mph winds feels like -19? Just so they still can’t charge because it’s cloudy? Have fun. I have a gas Onan generator and I’ll stick with that.
Hands down the very best option. Can also be a pellet stove to make it easier to carry fuel for the stove.
I carry a few quarts of 70% rubbing alcohol, a few rolls of toilet paper and a couple of old paint cans about the same diameter as the rolls in my vehicle during wintertime. Google “tp alcohol heater” if you don’t know
I said the same thing
It’s called a wood burning stove we put one in three years ago and solar because of rolling black outs in northern California and can get propane when power is out plus wood is cheap to free depending on where u are
If you are going to use a propane heater inside an RV remember to crack a window open for ventilation. Burning any fuel produces Carbon Monoxide which is an orderless gas that will kill you.
Anytime using a propane heater get expert advice on in & out venting . Lower incoming close to heater .outgoing higher at opposite end of camper from heater. you can be overcome from carbon monoxide & die
Sealing all cracks were cold air can infiltrate or warm air escape is solid advice. Humidity buildup though is the problem as beads of moisture form on the walls.
RVs are portable. Consider locating RVs in sheltered areas where the effects of when are minimized.
diesel or gasoline heater. My Espar keeps the van toasty easily into the single digits.
Bear in mind when using a propane heater (e.g. Buddy Heater) that the two products of propane combustion are CO2 and water vapor. The water vapor will accumulate on walls, windows etc., potentially creating mildew or mold.
I bought a Candelier for our Chevy Express diy camping van, and replaced the 3 candle base with 4 Titos vodka 1oz. bottles filled with high quality lamp oil, and yarn for the wicks. I saw it in a youtube video.
Generates over 5,000 btu’s. Raises the temp in the van around 13 degree.
Can you share the YouTube video? I’d love to see this.
You forgot the most important thing! SAFETY. Air. Circulation. Fuels burn up oxygen and produce carbon monoxide! Which kills. Sorry to be a harbinger of bad news but thought I should say something first. Happy RVing.
Evidently you have never used a mr. Heater in 16×24 ft. Space they are junk the o/2 sensors will trip in short order and cannot be reset
Well I believe the stoves in a RV are propane. So the number one answer should be turn on the stove and boil some water. Then you can have a warm RV and a warm cup of cocoa or tea.
Seriously people you’re not much of a survivor if you didn’t figure that one out. Seriously, unless you’re in it below 32 degree weather, you’re not going to die.
The second answer would be drive to Motel 6. Cuz you’re not smart enough to know how to survive in a motorhome without having some person on the internet right you all the silly suggestions that you should already know if you’re more than 10 yo
We’re extra layers really. And unless your clothes are dirty or cold wet then sleep in your clothes because getting undressed and redressed is going to make you really cold and it will take quite a while for you to get your body core temperature back up so wrong answer on that one. Survival situation you don’t undress and get colder just to have your nighties on
Why not just STAY HOME in cold weather?
RV’s are our home:)
To a lot of us, the RV is home, Sunflower. This is posted on RV LIFE, not RV weekend.
Yep! 66 yo Gal and Cats ( we keep each other warm) years already…Only home we got. Weather extremes bad enough on the
Calif. Coast, surely wouldn’t go anyplace colder. Been using Sleeping Bags under and over most All my life..
And if that IS your Home ???
Thank You for this information. Years ago my late husband and our sons lived in a old country home. A lot of what you’ve said here, is just what we did in our country home. I’m wanting to get a camper and go traveling a little. My husband and I had dreams of doing these things when we got in to our 60s. Well at 46 cancer took him, and left me still wanting to follow our dreams. Well I’m 64 and still want too. Plus my late husband would be going with,well his ashes. I made a promise to him. I’m a little scared to try this on my own. I want to get a camper (all ready have the truck lol, first step). Your advice here has helped. Thank You
Debbiy, where do you live? There are several RV clubs that have singles traveling and having fun at different rally’s. Let me know at wildebill308@yahoo.com I can point you in the right direction. I know some people in the RV busines to. We are in the FW area.
Using a water bottle is NOT to do if there’s a power outage ❗HOW will you heat that water❓❓ Instead use a clay pot with candles. I live in a ranch style home and wasn’t able to pay for my gas bill. Result was not heat at all. I used clay pots with water catchers which I lined with foil. Google it . You’ll find all kinds of clay pot heaters. And you won’t need to crack a window for venting.
You can still heat water on the propane stove in your RV 🤯
Me and my husband live in a rv. How’d we stay warm? A wood stove .we keep plenty warm. My husband made our wood stove just for thie camper we have lived here for going on 5 years now.
I’ve been told when using a propane heater in RV, you need to leave a little vent to allow the fumes to exit, you don’t mention that.
Is that true or not?
We have used the Little Buddy when camping without hookups in overnight temps into the teens F. (MUST have a vent open to exchange CO outside.) More compact than the bigger Buddy heaters, kept our interior at 45 in teens outside, ran 7 hours on one 1-lb propane bottle. We used generator an hour or two am and pm to keep batteries up and make coffee. Very limited use of furnace since it is a huge power hog and will fully discharge the batteries in one night to maintain 45 degrees with teens outside.
I lived in a camper in the winter time, the walls on the side were froze with frost look like snow when I woke up, an I had heat it was minus 15 degrees outside, froze to death, came summer moved into house, don’t do it, O my toilet bowl froze too
Wood stove or a diesel heater.mr buddy produces to much water vapor
Solar setups are getting cheaper. One panel may not be enough to keep the fridge running and your TV on but it can be enough to top off your house batteries and run your furnace fan. My old RV propane furnace still runs great. If on it’s lowest setting my propane tank lasts a month or more, even in the coldest climate. Running the propane tank you suggested releases a huge ammount of moisture into the air which can be a big issue in an RV. It can cause mold and make for an unhealthy living environment.
A good thing I like to do, if you have a fire going take a couple smaller rocks from the outer area of the fire pit and wrap them in a towel and put them in your blankets, one at the feet and one midway, helps keep in the blankets warm
Mom told me that’s what my Grandma used to do keep the kids’ feet warm back in Ohio. That was in a house even….
Clay pot and candle heater wasn’t mentioned ?
I recommend self-immolation to stay warm.
We live in a camper and stay warm with a flower pot on our kitchen stove just have lots of propane for backup
The beat way I found was to heat a couple of bricks in them oven. Not hot but above warm then wrap them in a towel and place them by your feet. It will keep your nice and sung as a bug in a rug all night
Try laying naked next to your partner that will warm youup real quick no heater needed
Diesel heater 100%. Roads were bad and propane trucks would not move (my tank is built in a class A rv) diesel is far more portable than propane.
The big thing missing here is an electric blanket. No matter if you cannot maintain comfortable temps, you can stay toasty under the covers with little power input. Twin size is 65$ a king is like 100+$ look at the sizes on the box a full compared to a queen or king is not that much larger. And then if you got two you could control independent zones easily.
Rv AC/heat pumps are grossly non-efficient typ seer 9. & New mini splits are up to seer 38. These are game changers and use a fraction of the power. And work in far lower temperatures. Than traditional units.
Motorhome and campers alike, you should invest in a portable gas generator as a backup plan in your RVs
Put a wool blanket under your fitted sheet! Or add a wool blanket it down blanket on top, then put a quilt on top! Good advice from Wyoming campers!
I live in minus 40 weather you need skirting and a wood stove or you are fukt
Please be considerate of others trying to sleep with your loud methods. Running an engine is a nuisance to others. We use a Mr. Heater Buddy. They are 99.9% efficient. They recommend 9 square inches for oxygen intake. We crack a window open. It has a low oxygen shutoff. It shuts off if knocked over. It’s our second heater in 8 years, still alive. We can only run it on low and stay toasty warm.
A better option is a diesel bunk heater. 18 wheelers use them in the cab of their truck. They are thermostatically controlled, efficient and vent to the outside. I’ve been in -25° before and stayed warm.
Please be considerate of others trying to not freeze using these loud methods
One sure way to stay safe an warm is to know what you are buying. Please do serious 🧐 research on what make an model. Some campers come for cold weather camping. I have a very expensive model but they are made in billing’s Montana for cold weather. As well as hot. Make sure you have battery backup. A ton of propane. An warm clothes. Some models come with built in generators as well. But best solution is buy a generator you can actually get one for about 1100.00 that will run your entire camper as a default system.
Just wanted to add that any flue-less heater (ie any open flame) in an unventilated area will use up oxygen and produce approximately the same amount (by weight) of water as fuel burnt. So you won’t have a minor condensation / mold problem, you will have a major one if you chose this option (I speak from experience). Low oxygen levels over a prolonged period can lead to serious health problems including heart disease. Far more serious though is that when fuels combust in a low oxygen environment, they produce much higher levels of carbon monoxide. So the CO could suddenly build up exponentially very quickly. This could kill you far sooner than the low oxygen levels. People have died from trying to heat their caravans using a gas cooker. I would suggest the best off grid solution to keeping warm in an RV would be a wood burner (with a flue of course).
Uummm…
Why not turn on the propane furnace in your RV…???
Just seems logical…
Seems logical except for the fact that the igniter and/or blower motor won’t work without electricity
I’ve used the same Buddy Heater in a 12×16 hunting shack in temps as low as the minus twenty degree F range for several hours at a time for about 8 years now without any problems at all.