8 Essentials to Bring on Your Winter RV Trip

RVing is often seen as a summer activity. Summer is a great time of year to hit the roads, visit national parks, and spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. But an RV trip in the winter offers some spectacular views and fun activities that you just can’t get in the summer. Of course, if you’re taking a winter RV trip, you need to be sure to prepare properly. Here are 8 essential items that you should bring along with you.

Emergency Roadside Kit

First, let’s talk about safety. The roads can be rough in some places during the winter, especially if you’re travelling in a large RV. So, it is essential that you have a fully equipped emergency roadside kit. Of course, this should be something you have with you no matter the season, but it’s important that you update the kit in winter to include a few other items for the season.

For example, you might want to include some kitty litter in case you get stuck in some slush or snow, and a pair of heavy-duty gloves to help you keep your hands warm if you have to do any roadside repairs in the cold. You’ll also want to double check that you have all the basics, like jumper cables and roadside emergency lights, so you’re prepared for any situation on the road.

Cocoa or Coffee Maker

This might be something you keep in your RV year round, but if it’s not, you’ll definitely want to bring it along for a winter trip! No matter where you’re going, you’ll likely spend a decent amount of time outdoors, whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or participating in some other winter activity. When you head back to the RV, you’ll want to have a hot cup of coffee or cocoa to warm you up. Be sure to wash this out with every use, and set it out on your

Available Now from Amazon

dish rack to dry, because you’ll probably want to make up several batches of hot cocoa or coffee a day!

Extra Winter Clothing

While you’re packing your clothes, be sure to bring along a few extra sets of winter clothes. This might include the following:

• 1 extra jacket
• 2-3 extra pairs of gloves
• 2-3 extra winter hats
• 4 or more extra pairs of thick, warm socks
• 2 or more extra pairs of long underwear
• 1 extra pair of winter boots

When you’re spending time out in the snow, your clothing is likely to get wet, so having some extra, dry sets of clothes—especially warm winter clothes—is essential to any winter RV trip.

Extra Blankets

Sure, your RV might have the most modern heating system available, but things break, and if your heater burns out on your trip, you’ll want to have some extra blankets on hand to bundle up. Grab a few fleece throws and stow them under seats or anywhere else you have space. You’ll be thankful for them if you ever need to wrap up in one.

Power Bank

It’s also smart to have a portable power bank for your phone when you’re on a long RV trip. While you might be able to plug directly into the RV, if the battery goes out in your RV, you might not have that power source. And if you’re RVing somewhere remote, you’ll want to be able to charge your phone so you can call for help.

Flashlights or Lanterns

It’s always smart to have some extra flashlights or lanterns stowed in your RV. These can serve a number of purposes, from providing extra lighting during some late-night stargazing, to helping you see more easily if you have to do any repairs in the dark. Always have at least two extra flashlights or lanterns around for these occasions.

Lip Balm and Lotion

An RV trip usually means you’re intending to spend some time outdoors, and if you’re going anywhere that is cold enough to have snow, you’re going to want to stock the RV with extra lip balm and lotion. The winter wind can really dry out your skin and chap your lips, so be sure to apply these regularly to avoid some major discomfort.

Insulated Food Storage Containers

If you plan to eat even one meal outside of the comfort of your RV, you’ll want to bring some insulated food storage containers along with you. Bring it with you when you sit outside by the warm campfire, or toss it into your backpack when you go out snowshoeing. You’ll be glad you did, when you open up that thermos of hot chocolate, or that insulated cup of hot soup.

While summer may be the favored time for RV trips, taking these trips in the winter can offer you some incredible opportunities to explore the beauty of a snow-covered world. And winter is fast approaching, so if you want to do some RVing this winter, you’d better start stocking up on these essentials soon!