If 2020 saw the rise of one travel trend in particular, it was road trips. Given the worldwide health crisis, it quickly dawned on people that taking a road trip, especially in an RV or a camper van, was the safest way to travel. That trend is certainly being carried over into 2021 as well.
Although many destinations remain closed, there is still so much you can explore in the region around you. The best part? Road trips aren’t just a summertime activity, but if you want to take your family and friends on a winter RV trip, you need to be prepared. Here is what Paige Bouma, an RV marketplace owner, has to say about planning the road trip.
Equip the RV for Winter Conditions
The most essential part of planning a winter road trip is to outfit your vehicle for the cold. You’ll need an RV skirt to provide a reliable insulating barrier, as well as space heaters, area rugs, and electric blankets to keep people warm inside. If you plan on hanging by the campfire outdoors, it’s a good idea to get fire-retardant blankets for extra safety.
Always Park In the Sun
It may sound intuitive, but many travelers actually neglect the importance of parking in the sun to help keep their RV warm. Using every possible source to retain heat inside the vehicle in a winter road trip is vital. Much like you’d want to park in the shade in the summer, you’ll want that precious sunlight in the winter.
Some Lesser-Known Cold Weather Essentials
Aside from the obvious items like winter apparel, snow shovels, and vehicle accessories, there are some less popular essentials that many easily forget. For example, having a hairdryer can come in handy if you need to defrost your pipes. Bouma also advises travelers to bring extra firewood in case the campsite doesn’t have enough on hand. Always check the weather and whether the campsite is open before heading there!